Lightning Software Updates using FDRS

[Mike G]

I would imagine that FDRS system updates (as opposed to Ford software module updates) are more about updating the FDRS process vs. updating the functionality of any particular module's function in the car.

If my guess is correct, then a slightly older FDRS version should not really affect the great majority of module software installments.

It is about the process but also it can be about fixing issues in FDRS that cause updating or configuration of some modules to fail.

While we're on that topic, I just saw this show up:

The refresh button they are talking about is the one that appears to the right of the "Run" button after you've downloaded the tool. So if you get the popup they're talking about, they say you just need to hit the refresh button to get the function to continue. I haven't had to do this yet so...

 

[Adventureboy]

Guys, I could use a bit of guidance from the experts on the team here.
I finally bit the bullet and bought a subscription to FDRS. I went through the many software updates yesterday but I have 2 that seem to be hanging around. The ACM and RFA updates appear to complete successfully but do not drop off the list like the others. I've tried each of these several times and each time, it gives me the successfully completed message each time but still remain in the list.

Any thought on how to complete the task?

BTW, I'm using an updated TOPDON RLink J2534. It seems to work fine however if you try this dongle, make sure you update the firmware on it first. It bricked my truck on the first attempt - thank goodness it corrected the problem after the firmware update.

 

[digitaldad]

Guys, I could use a bit of guidance from the experts on the team here.
I finally bit the bullet and bought a subscription to FDRS. I went through the many software updates yesterday but I have 2 that seem to be hanging around. The ACM and RFA updates appear to complete successfully but do not drop off the list like the others. I've tried each of these several times and each time, it gives me the successfully completed message each time but still remain in the list.

Any thought on how to complete the task?

This is a known issue, I too had them a few weeks back when I did my first go-round.
It is stated a few times in this thread.

 

[21st Century Truck]

Guys, I could use a bit of guidance from the experts on the team here.
I finally bit the bullet and bought a subscription to FDRS. I went through the many software updates yesterday but I have 2 that seem to be hanging around. The ACM and RFA updates appear to complete successfully but do not drop off the list like the others. I've tried each of these several times and each time, it gives me the successfully completed message each time but still remain in the list.

Any thought on how to complete the task?

BTW, I'm using an updated TOPDON RLink J2534. It seems to work fine however if you try this dongle, make sure you update the firmware on it first. It bricked my truck on the first attempt - thank goodness it corrected the problem after the firmware update.

These two will indeed drop off, eventually. If You've installed them to completion, then they are already installed... the list is basically an artifact.

 

[GDN]

Guys, I could use a bit of guidance from the experts on the team here.
I finally bit the bullet and bought a subscription to FDRS. I went through the many software updates yesterday but I have 2 that seem to be hanging around. The ACM and RFA updates appear to complete successfully but do not drop off the list like the others. I've tried each of these several times and each time, it gives me the successfully completed message each time but still remain in the list.

Any thought on how to complete the task?

BTW, I'm using an updated TOPDON RLink J2534. It seems to work fine however if you try this dongle, make sure you update the firmware on it first. It bricked my truck on the first attempt - thank goodness it corrected the problem after the firmware update.

Congrats on finding something a bit cheaper than the Mongoose. I'd be just a bit nervous with it being wireless, and did you find good reviews of it being OK with FDRS. Thanks for blazing the trail - just a bit nervous as the experts say pretty much nothing but the Mongoose or the other more expensive cable some dealers use.

 

[Adventureboy]

Congrats on finding something a bit cheaper than the Mongoose. I'd be just a bit nervous with it being wireless, and did you find good reviews of it being OK with FDRS. Thanks for blazing the trail - just a bit nervous as the experts say pretty much nothing but the Mongoose or the other more expensive cable some dealers use.

I think it does both Bluetooth and wired but I don't want to mess with wireless either - only wired for updates. It seemed to work as planned once I got the right firmware. The unit runs a bunch of different brands with different drivers for each brand.

 

[Adventureboy]

These two will indeed drop off, eventually. If You've installed them to completion, then they are already installed... the list is basically an artifact.

Thx, I'll keep an eye on it. It was odd that all other updates dropped when competed except these two.

 

[PJnc284]

That happens from time to time where modules won't disappear from the list.

 

[shelnian]

BTW, I'm using an updated TOPDON RLink J2534. It seems to work fine however if you try this dongle, make sure you update the firmware on it first. It bricked my truck on the first attempt - thank goodness it corrected the problem after the firmware update.

Was the IPMA one of the modules you updated? If so, do you remember how long it took? More than 1 1/2 hour or less? Just wondering if the TOPDON is equivalent to a VCM 2 or a VCM 3.

 

[Adventureboy]

Was the IPMA one of the modules you updated? If so, do you remember how long it took? More than 1 1/2 hour or less? Just wondering if the TOPDON is equivalent to a VCM 2 or a VCM 3.

I'd say the IPMA module update was a bit more than 1.5 hours, probably closer to 2. I don't know what equivalent VCM it is. I also updated my wife's MME with it yesterday. My only glitch on the MME was not leaving the door open! The MME doesn't have manual door handles on the outside and you can't open the door from the outside while it is updating.... It was tense for a while and I won't make that mistake again! Windows down for the MME updates so at least you can reach in and open the doors.

 

[shelnian]

I'd say the IPMA module update was a bit more than 1.5 hours, probably closer to 2. I don't know what equivalent VCM it is. I also updated my wife's MME with it yesterday. My only glitch on the MME was not leaving the door open! The MME doesn't have manual door handles on the outside and you can't open the door from the outside while it is updating.... It was tense for a while and I won't make that mistake again! Windows down for the MME updates so at least you can reach in and open the doors.

Thank you. That's equivalent to the VCM 2 and the Mongoose. A VCM 3 takes less than an hour.

I don't close the Lightning or the MME door when updating.

 

[Mike G]

I'd say the IPMA module update was a bit more than 1.5 hours, probably closer to 2. I don't know what equivalent VCM it is. I also updated my wife's MME with it yesterday. My only glitch on the MME was not leaving the door open! The MME doesn't have manual door handles on the outside and you can't open the door from the outside while it is updating.... It was tense for a while and I won't make that mistake again! Windows down for the MME updates so at least you can reach in and open the doors.

I think many of us have learned that lesson the hard way. It's not funny at the time, but looking back, it's hilarious.

You're there with the door closed and the windows up watching your laptop on the console and waiting for the update to finish writing and hoping that the script doesn't want you to hit "OK" or something cause you can't get in the car. Perfect storm.

Yeah, driver's window down always.... If you do then get out to go get coffee, you can at least reach in to activate the inside manual door handle to get back in.

 

[Adventureboy]

I think many of us have learned that lesson the hard way. It's not funny at the time, but looking back, it's hilarious.

You're there with the door closed and the windows up watching your laptop on the console and waiting for the update to finish writing and hoping that the script doesn't want you to hit "OK" or something cause you can't get in the car. Perfect storm.

Yeah, driver's window down always.... If you do then get out to go get coffee, you can at least reach in to activate the inside manual door handle to get back in.

So I did get stuck. I needed to turn off the car before it would finish and reactivate the doors. I had the back window down an inch with a power cord through it for the laptop. Just enough to get a broomstick through and tap the START button ;-). Funny now, but a bit tense at the time.

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