ECU module programming guide using FDRS

[ENG430]

If you have time, I would appreciate if you could check 1FTFW1E81MKE11947.
I am bringing the truck to the dealer soon regarding updates and I want to be sure they are telling the truth. Trust but verify.

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[jflottawa]

See, this is the type of stuff that I don't understand. FDRS provides clear instructions on how to update these modules and they aren't followed. How important is it to wait 5 minutes between cycling the ignition on and off? I don't know, maybe someone else more knowledgeable can chime and let us know, but I assume that is part of the instructions for a reason.

At 8:29 am, they tried to update the APIM and it failed.....low battery condition (makes you wonder if they even have it plugged in to a charger). They get prompted to try a USB to update it.

Fast forward to 2:39pm to when they went back to work on the truck it says specifically to insert the USB and when prompted, turn the ignition off, wait 5 minutes then turn the ignition back on and wait for a message that says "update successful" which can take another 5 minutes. So, at 2:39:01, they turned the ignition off and at 2:39:03, they turned the ignition back on. Forget 5 minutes......not even 5 seconds later. 43 seconds later, the update process fails.

Helluva time updating it? Seems more like a helluva time following simple instructions to me.

Amaaazing - I appreciate the details and the play-by-play analysis!!!

It's actually *very* funny (as in funny-not-funny).

HEY... Do I need the J2534 cable for an APIM update? Is it stricly USB? Could I just buy a 2-day FDRS license and plug the USB in and follow the steps or is there more shtuff to deal with after?

 

[ENG430]

My truck is at the dealer right now (1FTFW1ED7NFB56079) - they're saying they're having a heluva time updating it...

Curious if anyone (likely) smarter than them knows what they've been doing and where it's stuck

They Did WACM and GWM.

 

[jflottawa]

This is NOT a training issue, unless you include telling the technician to "follow the directions" as training.

Well, I'm not going to defend them, 'cause the proof is in the puddin' as they say... However, have you ever rebooted a router or a computer or listened to level 1 tech support tell you "unplug it and wait 30 seconds and then plug it back in again"? And then have you ever cheated on that a couple of times thinking that it didn't matter?

#Guilty

I know from these forums that this is very important. Perhaps they just think that an ignition cycle is sufficient and perhaps it then becomes a training issue where someone needs to explain to them: "Wait 5 minutes, not 2 seconds. It matters".

Anyway, enlightening. Seen so many posts of dealership issues on other people's vehicles - now it was on mine

 

[rugedraw]

Amaaazing - I appreciate the details and the play-by-play analysis!!!

It's actually *very* funny (as in funny-not-funny).

HEY... Do I need the J2534 cable for an APIM update? Is it stricly USB? Could I just buy a 2-day FDRS license and plug the USB in and follow the steps or is there more shtuff to deal with after?

You need a J2534 cable. Mongoose preferably if you want to avoid possible issues. Refer to post #1 on this thread for details if you decide to take the FDRS route.

 

[jflottawa]

You need a J2534 cable. Refer to post #1 on this thread for details if you decide to take the FDRS route.

I was 99% 90% sure... had to check though
Thanks!

 

[Kanuck]

Certainly up to you, but you actually have three pending updates. As soon as you update the APIM, a TCU update will queue up and that is something you might want to keep up to date.

Oh..ok...wil update the truck on Saturday. Thanks for the info. The ACM is one I did last time, but it was to add a sub. I don't have a sub, so I was going to try and reverse it back to the old firmware.

 

[Mwathey515]

Oh..ok...wil update the truck on Saturday. Thanks for the info. The ACM is one I did last time, but it was to add a sub. I don't have a sub, so I was going to try and reverse it back to the old firmware.

As per @Jesse-Infotainment , I live with ACM, I'm not adding a sub, so I just moved on

 

[Kanuck]

As per @Jesse-Infotainment , I live with ACM, I'm not adding a sub, so I just moved on

I will once I get it back to ACM without sub. That was my first try at updating. Rushed it and saw the words but didn't read the words. If you know what I mean.

 

[Big Dog Daddy]

See, this is the type of stuff that I don't understand. FDRS provides clear instructions on how to update these modules and they aren't followed. How important is it to wait 5 minutes between cycling the ignition on and off? I don't know, maybe someone else more knowledgeable can chime and let us know, but I assume that is part of the instructions for a reason.

At 8:29 am, they tried to update the APIM and it failed.....low battery condition (makes you wonder if they even have it plugged in to a charger). They get prompted to try a USB to update it.

Fast forward to 2:39pm to when they went back to work on the truck it says specifically to insert the USB and when prompted, turn the ignition off, wait 5 minutes then turn the ignition back on and wait for a message that says "update successful" which can take another 5 minutes. So, at 2:39:01, they turned the ignition off and at 2:39:03, they turned the ignition back on. Forget 5 minutes......not even 5 seconds later. 43 seconds later, the update process fails.

Helluva time updating it? Seems more like a helluva time following simple instructions to me.

@rugedraw I successfully updated my APIM with FDRS on Sunday 10/16, I stayed with the truck to monitor progress the entire time. If you would like to pull up my history and see the actual tick tock timing it takes to install this update. You may post this comparison, please block my email address on the left side of PTS the screen.

 

[rugedraw]

@rugedraw I successfully updated my APIM with FDRS on Sunday 10/16, I stayed with the truck to monitor progress the entire time. If you would like to pull up my history and see the actual tick tock timing it takes to install this update. You may post this comparison, please block my email address on the left side of PTS the screen.

It records instantly. I checked it when I updated my own truck back in September. The time may not be correct based on a time zone difference, but the time stamps between every key stroke is recorded perfectly. You can even see that when the USB update failed, the exited the application instead of hitting the option to retry it. Anything done in FDRS is recorded with detail. I have seen this in countless of trucks I have checked.

 

[jflottawa]

See, this is the type of stuff that I don't understand. FDRS provides clear instructions on how to update these modules and they aren't followed. How important is it to wait 5 minutes between cycling the ignition on and off? I don't know, maybe someone else more knowledgeable can chime and let us know, but I assume that is part of the instructions for a reason.

At 8:29 am, they tried to update the APIM and it failed.....low battery condition (makes you wonder if they even have it plugged in to a charger). They get prompted to try a USB to update it.

Fast forward to 2:39pm to when they went back to work on the truck it says specifically to insert the USB and when prompted, turn the ignition off, wait 5 minutes then turn the ignition back on and wait for a message that says "update successful" which can take another 5 minutes. So, at 2:39:01, they turned the ignition off and at 2:39:03, they turned the ignition back on. Forget 5 minutes......not even 5 seconds later. 43 seconds later, the update process fails.

Helluva time updating it? Seems more like a helluva time following simple instructions to me.

Called my buddy who works at the dealership. Turns out it was an apprentice working on the update. Likely to young to know better or care to learn.
“and it’s tire season and they all get shit on”.

not an excuse, but I feel better knowing it wasn’t a licensed master technician!

 

[Snakebitten]

Called my buddy who works at the dealership. Turns out it was an apprentice working on the update. Likely to young to know better or care to learn.
“and it’s tire season and they all get shit on”.

not an excuse, but I feel better knowing it wasn’t a licensed master technician!

Just me, but that wouldn't make me feel any better. In fact quite the opposite. It's very revealing how an FDRS update is viewed by the "licensed master technicians"?

Not worthy of their expertise? Anyone could do it?

Ironically, they are right! ?

 

[rugedraw]

Just me, but that wouldn't make me feel any better. In fact quite the opposite. It's very revealing how an FDRS update is viewed by the "licensed master technicians"?

Not worthy of their expertise? Anyone could do it?

Ironically, they are right! ?

Another member who PM'd me privately who has a truck in the dealer right now as well had me check, and that dealer did the EXACT same thing. Cycled the truck within seconds instead of 5 minutes and the update failed. Multiple times.

Interestingly, when I updated my own truck with Jesse's help, I needed to do the same thing with my IPC update. The USB was in there for ten minutes, and nothing happened. I spoke to Jesse, removed it and tried again. After another ten minutes, nothing. FDRS gave me the option to CAN it in saying it would take 5 hours. We hit yes, and 5 hours later, my IPC was fixed and I was on to the next step.

In this member's case, the tech was asked to CAN the IPC update in, and he said no. Not willing to wait 5 hours apparently when it's not your own truck.

I feel like we are hi-jacking this already long thread with issues not directly related to its purpose. If anyone else wants me to check, please PM me directly and I will be glad to look and disappoint you privately.

 

[jflottawa]

Just me, but that wouldn't make me feel any better. In fact quite the opposite. It's very revealing how an FDRS update is viewed by the "licensed master technicians"?

Not worthy of their expertise? Anyone could do it?

Ironically, they are right! ?

I’ve got a long and logical explanation. My friend called me after conferring with said tech. Im out picking up the truck now but the suspense is worth it

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