Lightning Software Updates using FDRS

[kzoojason76]

Strange that Lightning updates quite often come out on a Sunday...but there it is....today a CMR update appeared in my list. I'm guessing it's the same update that I got for my Mach-E last week, just tailored for our trucks.

Nothing better to do this afternoon so.....I did check to see if this was in my OTA queue and it's not (it was on my MME though).

From experience, this will take 50 minutes and definitely requires a powersupply.

I wonder if they are "slow rolling" out the update for CMR. I'm not seeing it as an available update for my 2024 Flash.

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[Mike G]

I wonder if they are "slow rolling" out the update for CMR. I'm not seeing it as an available update for my 2024 Flash.

I have seen it listed on some VINs I checked but it’s not on all of them I’ve checked.

 

[Mike G]

Sunday again...7 Sep...

So FDRS is showing a HCM update as well as GVMIS data warnings for the USB-updateable modules this morning (GWM, APIM, TCU, IPC). No idea what that's about, but it will likely go away by itself. (I checked a 23 and 24 model and they also have the same GVMIS data warnings for those same modules this morning, but they do not have the HCM update I have showing).

As I currently have Glare-Free lighting enabled, I'm not really keen to update that HCM without knowing what's going to change. I might just let this ride a bit before doing this update. Kinda wait and see if a TSB or SSM shows up that would explain why this update is a good idea or what it's supposed to fix. Also, I need to check my cloud based asbuilt to confirm that my Glare-Free settings are stored on the Ford server at this point. That way I'll know if I'm going to have to redo them with FORSCAN after doing the HCM update.

Another note....when I checked my Mach-E in FDRS this morning it shows the same GVMS data warnings on those same modules...so I tend to think this is a server data issue more than anything else. It is Sunday after all, and we know that's when they do maintenance on the system.

 

[Bestword57]

I know, that's significant tweaking on what is it, 2 or 3 modules to get the glare free feature.

 

[Mike G]

I know, that's significant tweaking on what is it, 2 or 3 modules to get the glare free feature.

This is my cheat sheet for GF lighting:

I just changed the bits in red.

 

[Mike G]

Monday morning...those GVMS data warnings that were there yesterday have all disappeared...so it must have been a server maintenance side effect.

 

[majorgearhead]

As far as the power supply I purchased and use this beast and it is rock solid. I have used it for some long running firmware updates. I have the POT dialed in at 14.4 volts and it just trucks along. My longest module load was well over 4 hours and had no issues.

Pricey but worth the peace of mind.

https://a.co/d/3Cn7G6N

 

[PJnc284]

As far as the power supply I purchased and use this beast and it is rock solid. I have used it for some long running firmware updates. I have the POT dialed in at 14.4 volts and it just trucks along. My longest module load was well over 4 hours and had no issues.

Pricey but worth the peace of mind.

https://a.co/d/3Cn7G6N

The 75 amp one is what I have. It's powered through several marathon sessions.

 

[majorgearhead]

The 75 amp one is what I have. It's powered through several marathon sessions.

That is probably the one I should have gotten as mine is overkill. These PS’s are beasts and run fine off of regular 15A 120v plugs.

 

[bmwhitetx]

They also have their 75A PM3 version (vs PMBC) without jumper cables for $150. Can probably make your own pretty cheaply. With all these units make sure you move Switch A to "Fixed Voltage" and then adjust "B" to desired voltage, e.g., 14.4V.

https://a.co/d/avQsKqb

 

[MDErnst]

Sunday again...7 Sep...

So FDRS is showing a HCM update as well as GVMIS data warnings for the USB-updateable modules this morning (GWM, APIM, TCU, IPC). No idea what that's about, but it will likely go away by itself. (I checked a 23 and 24 model and they also have the same GVMIS data warnings for those same modules this morning, but they do not have the HCM update I have showing).

As I currently have Glare-Free lighting enabled, I'm not really keen to update that HCM without knowing what's going to change. I might just let this ride a bit before doing this update. Kinda wait and see if a TSB or SSM shows up that would explain why this update is a good idea or what it's supposed to fix. Also, I need to check my cloud based asbuilt to confirm that my Glare-Free settings are stored on the Ford server at this point. That way I'll know if I'm going to have to redo them with FORSCAN after doing the HCM update.

Another note....when I checked my Mach-E in FDRS this morning it shows the same GVMS data warnings on those same modules...so I tend to think this is a server data issue more than anything else. It is Sunday after all, and we know that's when they do maintenance on the system.

Thx for the update.

FYI, I did the Glare Free enable about 3 weeks ago on my 2025 and as of this week the As Built data on Motocraft Service . com is updated to reflect the changes. I've been checking regularly so I know it only updated within the last few days.

Mike

 

[rugedraw]

To anyone on the fence about doing updates but not wanting to spend $600 on the cable needed to do so, the waiting list to borrow one of my my Mongooses is very short. Only 1 or 2 people in line and I have 4 Mongooses in total in the rotation. Details are below:

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...mming-vehicle-interface-lending-thread.13145/

 

[COrocket]

Anybody know if the BCM updates are still locked behind a dealership credential? I think that's the last piece of the puzzle for me getting walk away lock, and was hoping to avoid another two day software license if that's still the case

 

[Mike G]

FDRS Updated again...and there's more clarity on the difference between the two versions now.
So what we 'Independents' have been using is now referred to as the "Legacy" version of FDRS, that relies on a 20 digit license activation code. Ford has rolled out a new method for dealerships (and others?) who want to purchase 'seats' for 'x' number of techs at a dealership to authenticate with their employee login credentials. I think we're still in a transitional period between the two versions because, just like those of us that log in as independents, there are dealerships that also still use the 20 digit activation codes, and haven't yet moved over to the newer subscription model.

So with that said:

You can download either version, and as far as I can tell they are functionally identical.
The only different may be whether you're asked if you want to login with Ford (dealer employee) credentials or whether you have a 20 digit activation code.

Download link for 45.5.8 is here.

Download link for 45.6.8 is here.

 

[21st Century Truck]

Hmmm... wonder what this implies for the future of us "independents" and FDRS use. I guess we shall see.

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