ECU module programming guide using FDRS

[Jesse-Infotainment]

The USB was not in the slot

ok, just making sure..

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[Jesse-Infotainment]

I understand. FDRS never prompted me to insert a USB stick to download the update to, maybe something is failing there. Not sure what I’m doing wrong, followed the instructions carefully up to this point.

Did you get the updates all done

 

[Jesse-Infotainment]

The USB was not in the slot

Does your truck run and drive and seem fine no warning lights

 

[Platinum Peasant]

Did you get the updates all done

I did all the updates available except the driver seat module one. GWM and IPC remain but never get prompted to insert a USB stick in the laptop by FDRS.

 

[JEB]

I appreciate the feedback, unfortunately I didn’t have the ability to read every single post in this thread up until this point.

I’m with @Bob_Mac on this one. If you don’t have the time to read the guidance on this thread with care, then you probably don’t have the tIme to perform the updates with the care and diligence necessary to avoid problems, some of which may be severe. Consider having your dealer’s service department on speed dial.

 

[JScaro]

Welcome back @iceman77 !

Thanks for updating the main post and as this tread get longer and harder to find key information , may I suggest in the Appendix section maybe adding a
"FAQ", "Tips & Hints" or "What if" section.
For things like:
When to do a PMI to a module.
When doing the the more challenging modules like APIM, IPMA, IPC, you may run into X, Y, Z
Links to find random info -Wikipedia Power Up History
Definition page

It may be helpful for new people as they join to redirect them to the main post FAQ section.
I read it everyday and bookmark things I find helpful for my next round of updates but even as OCD as I am, I do get lost and lose my place.

I know between @iceman77, @Bob_Mac, @Jesse-Infotainment, @JEB, @tonesto7, you guys have a collection of useful knowledge.

Just spit balling ideas and THANKS for EVERYTHING you guys have put together so far.
Make me really wish it went into IT 35yrs ago.

People are also NOT paying attention to the posts in this thread where some modules like posted by @Platinum Peasant will still show up even after a successful update. I am personally getting hammered via Conversations from many and they're thinking a PMI is going to resolve the issue.

Just throwing this out there again. I know with all the collected data, some might be speculation but lots of common question come up regular on here and through DM's. Next guys are going to start asking what lift and tire combo do you have. (J/K)

Common question like
When to do a PMI?
List of what order to do updates and that some updates automatically do multiply modules.
Do ForScan changes affect my module updates, Should I revert back to AB?

Battery charger / voltage section might need to be first on the how to list - this by far seems to be the most common set missed creating a failure.

 

[Thekameleon]

I appreciate the feedback, unfortunately I didn’t have the ability to read every single post in this thread up until this point.

I am in the same boat.

 

[speedracercjr]

I’m with @Bob_Mac on this one. If you don’t have the time to read the guidance on this thread with care, then you probably don’t have the tIme to perform the updates with the care and diligence necessary to avoid problems, some of which may be severe. Consider having your dealer’s service department on speed dial.

agreed. Yes there are a ton of posts but lots of it has great information. Anything from battery chargers, to the restart loop and how to break it, to the discovery that the Nano would brick your cruise control module.
Feel free to ask questions, but odds are it’s covered in this very long post.

 

[Thekameleon]

Does anyone know if there is a recommended way to verify that an update was successful or not and it is on the module proper version. Is there a table we can reference? Maybe it could show versions of a particular module.

 

[Bob_Mac]

Just throwing this out there again. I know with all the collected data, some might be speculation but lots of common question come up regular on here and through DM's. Next guys are going to start asking what lift and tire combo do you have. (J/K)

Common question like
When to do a PMI?
List of what order to do updates and that some updates automatically do multiply modules.
Do ForScan changes affect my module updates, Should I revert back to AB?

Battery charger / voltage section might need to be first on the how to list - this by far seems to be the most common set missed creating a failure.

I am in the process of rewriting my version of the doc but only using the Mongoose due to limitations of the Nano. I will provide everything I feel pertinent in that doc. Now, I see many trying to help others who are offering advice and to be honest some people need to just leave it alone as it's getting confusing for all involved.

Sorry I had to rant but holding peoples hands and the amount of messages I receive during the day from those who have not done their due diligence to actually prepare themselves for these updates is getting very daunting. I have specifically told certain people to not do things and yet, I go into FDRS to see them doing it over and over again and they wonder what happened. I am going to move forward today and update the doc, I will NOT be responding to messages until the doc is complete!

 

[Bob_Mac]

Does anyone know if there is a recommended way to verify that an update was successful or not and it is on the module proper version. Is there a table we can reference? Maybe it could show versions of a particular module.

If you have FORScan you can get all the module info from it, save a copy and then compare after the updates to verify they were indeed updated. That will also be in the doc.

 

[nicholsbradley]

agreed. Yes there are a ton of posts but lots of it has great information. Anything from battery chargers, to the restart loop and how to break it, to the discovery that the Nano would brick your cruise control module.
Feel free to ask questions, but odds are it’s covered in this very long post.

I have looked high and low to break the restart loop on the TCU. I have seen suggestions but nothing that works. Please point me in to the right direction. Throw a dog a bone I want BC too

 

[rpeterslll]

Does anyone know if there is a recommended way to verify that an update was successful or not and it is on the module proper version. Is there a table we can reference? Maybe it could show versions of a particular module.

If you have an iPhone, you can also setup the Fordpass scriptable widget and it will give you module information. Take a screenshot before and after you update to compare them.

 

[Fordphanatic]

Does your truck run and drive and seem fine no warning lights

It does yes..just no actual indication bluecruise is on. I tried on known highways and no go for bluecruise

 

[MikeYQM]

What is the cable that a Ford Tech would use to run these updates? VCM3? Would that run on a “normal” laptop?

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