Lightning Software Updates using FDRS

[Mike G]

I just bought a Bosch mastertech 2. It appears to be identical to Ford VCM 3. Does anyone know if the sd memory slot loaded with 128gb chip will do or help do?

I thought that one was comparable to the VCM2, not the VCM3.

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[BSEE SPARKY]

I thought that one was comparable to the VCM2, not the VCM3.

My looking: thought Bosch makes ford VCM 3, I thought mastertech 2 had same specs as VCM 3.

From Google AI just now:
In essence, if you need dealership-level programming capabilities for multiple makes, both the MasterTech 2 and VCM3 are excellent choices, with the MasterTech 2 being essentially the same tool as the VCM3, but in a different shell.

 

[Robob]

Vcm 3 and master tech 2 are the same just different color cases as per my tool rep. the wifi USB adapter can be used to interface wirelessly (which I wouldn’t recommend for programming)
It is also just as fast I just did an IPMA update in about 45-50min

 

[BSEE SPARKY]

Vcm 3 and master tech 2 are the same just different color cases as per my tool rep. The sd card is used for logging and if you use it to interface wirelessly (which I wouldn’t recommend for programming)
It is also just as fast I just did an IPMA update in about 45-50min

Thanks

 

[Mike G]

Thanks guys, good to know!

 

[Robob]

The rep could have just been trying to sell me the VCI haha, but I tend to believe him as mine gets IMPA/APIM updates done in 45-55 minutes and seems to go pretty fast compared to other aftermarket VCI I have seen, OBD2 is only so fast anyway.

I had to double check and there isn't an SD slot on the MT2 its just USB ports and an ethernet port. I never messed with wireless, only use USB. As it seems like a bad idea to be wireless when your block erasing and programming modules.

 

[BSEE SPARKY]

With my vehicle in the shop, with the power train failure I’m starting to believe that Ford hasn’t updated their software in two years because they’re afraid they’ll break the truck?

Being facetious, but serious the last update Ford did was to update the software to allow better software experiences really what is that?

Mine does have an SD slot. On the end where usb printer (B) port. If you remove the rubber impact protector, mine has a wireless dongle and an SD slot in the middle of module. I put an 128gb SD card in there. When I configured MT2 it allowed data logging to computer and MT2. Not sure, but I guess I could not datalog to MT2 without that.

 

[Mike G]

If you want to waste an afternoon...troll through Ebay listings looking for VCM 3s that show a Bosch "Made in Germany" sticker on the backside of the unit instead of "Made in China"....so many clones...so very many...many clones.

 

[Pioneer74]

I just bought the TOPDON J2534 on Amazon's Big Spring Sale for $240 delivered (Prime). I like the fact that I'd be able to use it on my Mini as well as all my Fords...and anything else I run across...apparently all you do is download the correct driver for whatever the brand is you're working with...lifetime updates. Win-win!

Plus, that's less than half of the price of a Mongoose.

Have you had a chance to try the TOPDON out yet? Thinking of buying it. Also looking at these:

https://a.co/d/1IMY4ck

https://a.co/d/12IrMni

 

[Adventureboy]

Have you had a chance to try the TOPDON out yet? Thinking of buying it. Also looking at these:

https://a.co/d/1IMY4ck

https://a.co/d/12IrMni

I have the TOPDON J2534 and it works fine. It is not as fast as the VCM3 from what I understand, but comparable to the speed of the VCM2. I've updated my Lightning a few times and my wife's MME with it. The warning I will give you is this - Make sure you update the firmware on the device BEFORE you try and use it. PM me if you want details.

 

[Mike G]

Have you had a chance to try the TOPDON out yet? Thinking of buying it. Also looking at these:

https://a.co/d/1IMY4ck

https://a.co/d/12IrMni

I spent about 15 minutes getting it registered and updated and then logged into FDRS and poked around a bit, but didn't actually do any programming (a storm was coming at the time). But I have no reason to suspect (yet) that it won't do the job.

I can echo @Adventureboy 's comments though.....don't think you're just going to connect this thing up and start knocking stuff out without having to create the new user account and "binding" the adapter to the account, and then updating the firmware (1.21 is the latest), and checking for the latest "Ford driver", etc. etc. You can't just skip that stuff. You've got to follow the process.

So far the software and hardware is coexisting just fine with my previous Mongoose and VCM 3 software/hardware combos, so that's a plus. I'll try to go do something like a PMI on the IPMA this weekend and report the results using the RLink.

 

[PJnc284]

Updated two fellow lightning owners today and got to experience the IPMA fun. Really is like watching paint dry. Someone needs to put a supercharger on the mongoose. Below was everything out of date on a 2022 Platinum and had to fix the small 360 camera that a dealer previously fudged. Guess I'll go ahead and update mine this evening once it cools down some since I already have the license.

 

[carys98]

Updated two fellow lightning owners today and got to experience the IPMA fun. Really is like watching paint dry. Someone needs to put a supercharger on the mongoose. Below was everything out of date on a 2022 Platinum and had to fix the small 360 camera that a dealer previously fudged. Guess I'll go ahead and update mine this evening once it cools down some since I already have the license.

I really appreciate the help today. It’s nice to finally have 500A charging.

 

[PJnc284]

Was good meeting you and @Ribido. Thanks again for the adapter holder and lock.

Took about 4 hours to do my updates. Govee outlet monitor showed I burned about 2kWh over those 4 hours and held a steady 10 amps during most of the updates. This is the actual power supplied directly from the house and not what the power supply is pushing (usually 60 amps+) Oddly enough the IPMA never showed above 5 and the truck voltage never dropped below 13.1 where some of the others updates went as low as 12.4. RFA took surprisingly long compared to the truck I did earlier today and when I updated everything on mine last fall.

 

[Ribido]

Was good meeting you and @Ribido. Thanks again for the adapter holder and lock.

Took about 4 hours to do my updates. Govee outlet monitor showed I burned about 2kWh over those 4 hours and held a steady 10 amps during most of the updates. Oddly enough the IPMA never showed above 5 and the truck voltage never dropped below 13.1 where some of the others updates went as low as 12.4. RFA took surprisingly long compared to the truck I did earlier today and when I updated everything on mine last fall.

Thanks for taking the extended time to do all of my updates, credit for the adapter holder / lock goes to carys98, though it was a bit exciting when we thought it jammed in your glove box.

I ran through FORSCAN this evening to get everything enabled and it's looking good. A note to anyone else thinking of doing this, bring sunscreen, I didn't think I'd get burned updating my truck but 5 hours in the sun with friends will do that.

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