Lightning Software Updates using FDRS

[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/

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[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.

 

[kzoojason76]

FDRS Updated again...

I used 45.6.8 yesterday to update CMR. Took about 50 minutes and worked just fine. I didn't see any issues.

 

[digitaldad]

I purchased a 2-day license today, probably could have waited longer but got me back into FDRS memory mode, it had been a minute.

I pre-updated to 45.6.8 from @Mike G link. Signed into FDRS then the software proceeded to say it needed an update (showed downloading 45.5.8)...then when it was signed in and ready for connection, it was at 45.6.8 (odd).

These were my available updates.

As @kzoojason76 stated, that CMR took almost an hour, very slow.

The ACM had a weird experience where the process never said to start vehicle, but then said twice to turn vehicle off towards the end.

Both ACM and RFA are stuck on my screen after all updates were done, but according to Vehicle History, all procedures were completed (actually, ACM was inadvertantly done twice).

I share the above for those that may have updated since June'ish to see whats available. Mobile service did my BCM then, plus a few more smaller modules that I didn't screengrab. I'm pretty sure the ACM was available back then...this may help you to wait a bit before anything bigger is shared/stated available.

 

[B177y]

Just a heads up for us Lightning FDRS geeks, the whole license system for FDRS changed yesterday, September October 3, 2025. Lively discussion about it on the ICE F150 forum here.

Short story is it now costs $120 for a two-day subscription, but it seems like there is no working way to get that subscription yet.

 

[rugedraw]

Just a heads up for us Lightning FDRS geeks, the whole license system for FDRS changed yesterday, September 3, 2025. Lively discussion about it on the ICE F150 forum here.

Short story is it now costs $120 for a two-day subscription, but it seems like there is no working way to get that subscription yet.

One guy over there was able to get in and is updating now. $120 for the 2-day license now.

 

[PJnc284]

Woof. Good job Ford...

 

[digitaldad]

Just a heads up for us Lightning FDRS geeks, the whole license system for FDRS changed yesterday, September 3, 2025. Lively discussion about it on the ICE F150 forum here.

O C T O B E R

That news is very unfortunate.

 

[B177y]

O C T O B E R

Fixed. Thanks.

 

[B177y]

One guy over there was able to get in and is updating now. $120 for the 2-day license now.

I'm still getting errors trying to log in. Thinking I might try to create a whole new account and go through that process in a couple of weeks to see if that works.

 

[B177y]

OK, looked a little deeper with direction from @bgalakazam on the ICE forum...


- https://www.motorcraftservice.com
> Top menu - "Diagnostic tool support"
> Software
> Ford Diagnostic Subscription

 

[GDN]

Not much left to say about Ford except Douchebag move. Just push the releases out and no one would even need FDRS.

 

[Mike G]

Also, for those who may not know this, or just jumping in to the FDRS arena...don't look up VINs of vehicles outside of your home region (US, EU, etc.). Doing so will cause Ford Cyber Security to flag and block your account. And since they do not make it easy to contact them to find out what the problem is...it could take you upwards of a week to get re-enabled.

Oh, and the annual price went to $1200.....because, the coders wanted more money I guess.....

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