ECU module programming guide using FDRS

[JohnTrigger]

I have the tools now to do this, just have been very cautious about taking the step to do it.

lol. Yes it can be nerve racking! Initially when I first did the updates last year, I found myself saying “please go through and don’t mess up” numerous times as the process ran.

But as long as you keep a good 20A power supply attached, start with a fully charged 12V battery, make sure your computer doesn’t go to sleep or run out of battery, and read and heed all the notes that pop up during the updates, it should go fine. I’ve now updated dozens of modules on my 3 new Fords (I also have two Escapes, a ‘22 1.5L, and a 25 PHEV) and all vehicles have taken all the updates perfectly.

Of course I always know there will be the experts on here to bail me out if I do screw it up or it screws up on its own, but so far so good tempting fate for me. Knock on wood. I’ve seen no evidence of anyone over on the Escape forum ever doing anything in FDRS. So over there, I’m a self proclaimed expert! Here, I’m near the bottom… I just hope if I screw up one of my Escapes, one of the experts here might lend me a hand someday if I PM them….

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[JEB]

Well, this isn’t good. Looks like Ford has locked down further APIM updates for an unspecified number of vehicles, at least for now. Unclear, but it might affect only vehicles with Sync versions at or below 23187. But for these trucks It also affects linked modules. Wonderful.

SSM 53966 2021-2025 Various Vehicles - SYNC4 - General System Performance And Stability - Programming No Longer Available

Some 2021-2025 Ford/ Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC4 may not be able to perform an update to the accessory protocol interface module (APIM). This may be due to the software in the APIM. Ford Engineering has de-activated the ability to update these SYNC4 APIM modules as applicable, and the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) will not present an update for the APIM module. Some existing directed repairs may be impacted, check Professional Technician System (PTS) before attempting any specific technical service bulletin (TSB)/special service message (SSM) and check field service action (FSA) landing pages before attempting any FSA repairs. For any vehicle repairs requiring a software update that includes an APIM update in the programming sequence, if the 5-digit product code for the APIM software is equal to or lower than 23187, do not attempt to update affected modules at this time. To determine the 5-digit product code for the APIM software on the vehicle, while the vehicle center display screen is powered up with ignition in run or accessory, go to Settings > General > About SYNC. Find the 5-digit code (example: “SYNC 4, Software Version: 23187_PRODUCT”). If further support is required, follow normal internal dealer escalation process.

 

[JohnTrigger]

Yes that does seem confusing. My ‘24 F150 was higher than 23187 at delivery, and my 25 Escape is too. So why it also lists ‘24 and ‘25 models in this grouping is confusing. Hope they fix it soon.

 

[JEB]

Yes that does seem confusing. My ‘24 F150 was higher than 23187 at delivery, and my 25 Escape is too. So why it also lists ‘24 and ‘25 models in this grouping is confusing. Hope they fix it soon.

This is a very new development. The SSM was released yesterday and you might have gotten your update prior to the lockdown.

 

[JohnTrigger]

Yeah, I went from 24127 to 25094 two days ago in an update session. It may be interesting to see if others with say for example 24127 can still update manually, or if everything has been shut down despite how it reads. Or if an OTA still comes for those who are on 24127 still.

 

[rugedraw]

This is a very new development. The SSM was released yesterday and you might have gotten your update prior to the lockdown.

They may have just announced it, but it's been going on for years. Many vehicles get stuck at Sync 23031, 23159 or 23291 and show no more updates for the APIM, GWM and/or TCU. This just makes what we already knew official, but still fails to explain why.

The way the SSM is worded is plain dumb. Do not attempt to update it if the Sync version is 23187 or below? Why? The vehicle should be updated as far as it allows you to update it.

 

[Gord0]

Well, I guess I'm glad I updated when I did and avoided the lockout. AA connectivity is so much better.

 

[BobWadd]

Finally acquired everything needed to do an update with FDRS. So, I went at it last weekend and managed to update all modules that had an update available except the BCM. I was aware this would probably be the case as discussed earlier in this thread.

SYNC 4 APIM was upgraded from 23159 to 23291. I thought it would go higher but it showed that all modules were up to date.

Am I misunderstanding and this is the current release for the truck listed in my signature?

TIA

 

[JEB]

Finally acquired everything needed to do an update with FDRS. So, I went at it last weekend and managed to update all modules that had an update available except the BCM. I was aware this would probably be the case as discussed earlier in this thread.

SYNC 4 APIM was upgraded from 23159 to 23291. I thought it would go higher but it showed that all modules were up to date.

Am I misunderstanding and this is the current release for the truck listed in my signature?

TIA

You do not have the most current APIM release for a ‘21. That is 24127. But you might not be able to get it because Ford has announced restrictions on APIM releases. See my post above.

 

[volvofan94]

Got an FDRS newbie question; sorry if this has been answered here before.

I'm seriously looking into buying the kit (minus the battery charger because I already have one) outlined in the first post of this thread do the module updates on my Ford vehicles.

What do you do to prepare for an update session? Are you in the vehicle sitting in the driver's seat throughout the update process or can you crack the front driver's window a bit then run the Mongoose cable to the front fender where your laptop can be set on top of the brake/ABS components under the hood?

I'm thinking the ignition will be on (engine off) during the entire update process. Before buying the Mongoose adapter, I'd like to understand how to prepare your workspace for an update session other than the equipment setup.


Thanks!

 

[Demps]

Well, this isn’t good. Looks like Ford has locked down further APIM updates for an unspecified number of vehicles, at least for now. Unclear, but it might affect only vehicles with Sync versions at or below 23187. But for these trucks It also affects linked modules. Wonderful.

Waited years to have the courage to do FDRS updates. Went from version 23167 to 24167 on June 11 and then BlueCruise 1.4.

Got lucky. I'll have to buy another the lottery ticket.

 

[rugedraw]

Well, I guess I'm glad I updated when I did and avoided the lockout. AA connectivity is so much better.

They may have just announced it, but this has been the case for a very long time now. We just didn't know why it would happen where some vehicles could update further along than others. Now we know.

Finally acquired everything needed to do an update with FDRS. So, I went at it last weekend and managed to update all modules that had an update available except the BCM. I was aware this would probably be the case as discussed earlier in this thread.

SYNC 4 APIM was upgraded from 23159 to 23291. I thought it would go higher but it showed that all modules were up to date.

Am I misunderstanding and this is the current release for the truck listed in my signature?

TIA

You are as up to date as you can be based on what Ford has available for your particular vehicle.

Got an FDRS newbie question; sorry if this has been answered here before.

I'm seriously looking into buying the kit (minus the battery charger because I already have one) outlined in the first post of this thread do the module updates on my Ford vehicles.

What do you do to prepare for an update session? Are you in the vehicle sitting in the driver's seat throughout the update process or can you crack the front driver's window a bit then run the Mongoose cable to the front fender where your laptop can be set on top of the brake/ABS components under the hood?

I'm thinking the ignition will be on (engine off) during the entire update process. Before buying the Mongoose adapter, I'd like to understand how to prepare your workspace for an update session other than the equipment setup.


Thanks!

You can set the laptop up where ever you want. It is easier if you set it up in the cabin as you will need to cycle the ignition on/off many times throughout the course of the update. Since it is summer now, you may want to set up a fan to circulate some air around you while you work.

 

[BobWadd]

You are as up to date as you can be based on what Ford has available for your particular vehicle.

Thanks rugedraw, your the man! I now know to stop at this point. At least for now

 

[volvofan94]

You can set the laptop up where ever you want. It is easier if you set it up in the cabin as you will need to cycle the ignition on/off many times throughout the course of the update. Since it is summer now, you may want to set up a fan to circulate some air around you while you work.

Thanks @rugedraw! Good call on using a fan to help keep air moving during the summer time.

Would it be ok to fully open a window to run an extension cord into the cabin? Would use it to power the laptop and the fan.

 

[rugedraw]

Thanks @rugedraw! Good call on using a fan to help keep air moving during the summer time.

Would it be ok to fully open a window to run an extension cord into the cabin? Would use it to power the laptop and the fan.

Yea, you can leave the window open. No problem with that at all.

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