Lightning Software Updates using FDRS

[Jasin]

Can yall that are smarter then me in this help me understand something:

If we wait and get an OTA it is a wrapped update that will update multiple modules and configurations within FORScan all at once

If we update modules via FDRS we then have to go into FORScan and update corresponding values if required

For example the Blue Cruise lane change ability. If we let the truck update via OTA it would enabled Lane changing but if we update via FDRS we have to go into FORScan to enable Lane changing.

Appreciate the help

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[PJnc284]

For example the Blue Cruise lane change ability. If we let the truck update via OTA it would enabled Lane changing but if we update via FDRS we have to go into FORScan to enable Lane changing.

Appreciate the help

Even those that received BC 1.4 OTA don't have the toggles on the main screen. In the release notes, Ford noted they will release another update (apim) that adds the toggles at a later date. Seems kinda silly since you have no way to disable it if you don't want it. When they release it, that update will be available OTA and in FDRS.

 

[21st Century Truck]

Can yall that are smarter then me in this help me understand something:

If we wait and get an OTA it is a wrapped update that will update multiple modules and configurations within FORScan all at once

If we update modules via FDRS we then have to go into FORScan and update corresponding values if required

For example the Blue Cruise lane change ability. If we let the truck update via OTA it would enabled Lane changing but if we update via FDRS we have to go into FORScan to enable Lane changing.

Appreciate the help

I think it depends. Mostly, on Your truck's trim level. FORScan is great at uncovering and allowing the user to turn on existing, yet masked, features meant for trim-level differentiation.

For example, the Ford and Lincoln trims of the no-longer-made Ford Fusion / Mondeo and the Lincoln MKZ had pretty much all the Lincoln MKZ higher trim features present, but masked. FORScan allowed users like me to turn on such Lincoln MKZ features on my Fusion, sometimes via a simple software ON / OFF change, sometimes with the added usually simple additional installation of a missing circuit wire to connect two already existing module-to-module pins, sometimes with an added installation of a more complex light accessory feature. Examples: auto-folding power mirrors, a rear fog light, etc.

This specifically allows large corporations to market to different buyer segments, at different price points, and also sometimes for markets with different regulatory regimes (EU vs North America, etc.).

Corporate software updates to these modules via OTA or via FDRS, on the other hand, are meant for increased safety / usability of already visible existing features on the particular trim model. For example, a better heat management scheme for an existing EV heating control module.

Does this differentiation between marketing-based (FORScan) and improved function-based (OTA / FDRS) module upgrades make sense? I hope I've answered Your question adequately.

 

[Jasin]

Even those that received BC 1.4 OTA don't have the toggles on the main screen. In the release notes, Ford noted they will release another update (apim) that adds the toggles at a later date. Seems kinda silly since you have no way to disable it if you don't want it. When they release it, that update will be available OTA and in FDRS.

I understand the OTA update enabled the ability of the truck to do the lane change but do not give the option to disable via the sync screen.

I still don't know if updating via FDRS enables the abilty of Blu Cruise to lane change or if I have to go into FORScan to enable it with or without the Sync update

 

[Jasin]

I think it depends. Mostly, on Your truck's trim level. FORScan is great at uncovering and allowing the user to turn on existing, yet masked, features meant for trim-level differentiation.

For example, the Ford and Lincoln trims of the no-longer-made Ford Fusion / Mondeo and the Lincoln MKZ had pretty much all the Lincoln MKZ higher trim features present, but masked. FORScan allowed users like me to turn on such Lincoln MKZ features on my Fusion, sometimes via a simple software ON / OFF change, sometimes with the added usually simple additional installation of a missing circuit wire to connect two already existing module-to-module pins, sometimes with an added installation of a more complex light accessory feature. Examples: auto-folding power mirrors, a rear fog light, etc.

This specifically allows large corporations to market to different buyer segments, at different price points, and also sometimes for markets with different regulatory regimes (EU vs North America, etc.).

Corporate software updates to these modules via OTA or via FDRS, on the other hand, are meant for increased safety / usability of already visible existing features on the particular trim model. For example, a better heat management scheme for an existing EV heating control module.

Does this differentiation between marketing-based (FORScan) and improved function-based (OTA / FDRS) module upgrades make sense? I hope I've answered Your question adequately.

Your answer provides a lot of insight into the advantages of using and understanding FORScan.

But I still don't know if updating a module with FDRS updates the corresponding values that we see within FORScan the same way a OTA does.

 

[21st Century Truck]

Your answer provides a lot of insight into the advantages of using and understanding FORScan.

But I still don't know if updating a module with FDRS updates the corresponding values that we see within FORScan the same way a OTA does.

Updating a module with FDRS does update the corresponding values that we see within FORScan the same way an OTA update does. FDRS and OTA are two different ways to deliver the same Ford Corporate functional upgrade to the given module (set).

 

[Jasin]

Updating a module with FDRS does update the corresponding values that we see within FORScan the same way an OTA update does. FDRS and OTA are two different way to deliver the same Ford Corporate functional upgrade to the given module (set).

Gotcha! So the fact I did all updates available via FDRS I theoretical have the same capabilities as those who waited for the OTA. My Blue Cruise should be 1.4 and allow the truck to change lanes while in hands free mode. However I will not have the ability to turn it off via the console unless I go into FORScan and adjust the configuration or wait for the next OTA.

 

[21st Century Truck]

Gotcha! So the fact I did all updates available via FDRS I theoretical have the same capabilities as those who waited for the OTA. My Blue Cruise should be 1.4 and allow the truck to change lanes while in hands free mode. However I will not have the ability to turn it off via the console unless I go into FORScan and adjust the configuration or wait for the next OTA.

Depending on the limits built into Your particular trim level and Ford Corporate releases for it, pretty much YES.

 

[21st Century Truck]

Depending on the limits built into Your particular trim level and Ford Corporate releases for it, pretty much YES.

This is where Your ability to find a good local Ford EV-qualified dealership and the subsequent ability to develop a beneficial relationship with the service tech / shop EV tech can truly give You peace of mind and a bevy of informed choices... i.e. await a CSP, or pay for their labor and knowledge as You choose, or do Your own updates, as You choose and when You choose.

Service techs imho get jerked around a lot by rude and uninformed customers, and they appreciate (for the most part) an informed customer who is willing and is able to work with them and with their often-overtaxed mechanics' shop.

 

[Mike G]

The OTA, and the FDRS applied software, for the latest IPMA/PSCM updates referenced as enabling BC 1.4 are the same software regardless of how they arrive.

 

[Mike G]

Gotcha! So the fact I did all updates available via FDRS I theoretical have the same capabilities as those who waited for the OTA. My Blue Cruise should be 1.4 and allow the truck to change lanes while in hands free mode. However I will not have the ability to turn it off via the console unless I go into FORScan and adjust the configuration or wait for the next OTA.

That sums it up.

 

[bmwhitetx]

But I still don't know if updating a module with FDRS updates the corresponding values that we see within FORScan the same way a OTA does.

Specifically as it relates to BC 1.4, you have to remember there are 3 modules involved to get full functionality:
IPMA (camera image processing)
PSCM (power steering)
APIM (Sync display)

Ford released updated IPMA and PSCM firmware a few days that many of you installed. Certain 2023's also got them OTA.

These updates don't enable the on/off toggles in the SYNC menu for the new features. That is promised in a future APIM update that can be installed via FDRS or OTA.

But, in turns out those toggles are already in the current SYNC software but turned off. They can be exposed with FORScan. The future APIM/SYNC update will also expose those toggles and may add other TBD functionality.

So for certain things, FORScan or FDRS can enable a feature. In this case you are enabling the toggle with FORSCan, but not the underlying functionality (which requires the updated IPMA and PSCM).

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