ECU module programming guide using FDRS

[Ajzride]

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.

If you have more than one computer, you can hook one up in the cab and remote into it using the other. Head outside anytime you need to cycle the key. Some updates are really short you can knock them out in 5-10 minutes, I save all those up for at night or early morning when it is cool. Sit in the truck and get them all in 30-45 minutes. Then start the long ones and watch them from inside in the AC.

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[JohnTrigger]

Just be sure the laptop is plugged in and all the power saving modes (sleep, hibernate, etc) are turned off, especially if you’re not directly watching the process.

 

[JEB]

And if you decide to update the IPMA, make sure your auto wipers are off. Otherwise, you’ll watch your wipers sweep your windshield for 3+ hours.

 

[Demps]

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!
[/QUOTE
You don’t want to sit in the car. Some updates can take hours.

l set my laptop on a table on the driver’s side with the door open through out the updates. I could then easily reach in to do as instructed. I made sure my laptop had a good internet connection, plugged in, and set to not hibernate. The table was close to the truck and the Mongoose cable easily reached my laptop.

I could then come and go without disturbing the connections and easily see the progress. I was outside on a warm day. Took about 12 hours.

Be sure to shut off A/C, radio, and headlights to reduce battery voltage drop. The headlights turn on with each ignition cycle.

While I waited for the long one’s I did some weeding. LOL

 

[JohnTrigger]

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

“FDRS war story”…

On my first ever session, I had the front windows open and changing cord for laptop hanging through the open driver’s side window. I updated the PDM and DDM. I followed the guidance from this thread‘s page 1, Post 2, Appendix II where it says “If you updated the DDM/PDM modules, you need to run the 'Power Door Window Initialization' for both modules”. Boy am I glad I ran the PDM window initialization first as it rolls the windows up and down calibrating things. I don’t think I would have been able to disconnect and throw the cord out the window quick enough had I done the DDM initialization first! Hopefully bounce back would have worked to save the day…. lol.

PS: since then I believe the consensus now is you don’t need to run the DDM/PDM initialization schemes.

 

[rugedraw]

PS: since then I believe the consensus now is you don’t need to run the DDM/PDM initialization schemes.

Correct. I've never had to do it with the door module updates,

 

[digitaltrucker]

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

How many updates and how long did it take?

 

[BobWadd]

How many updates and how long did it take?

There were two updates to the APIM even though it ended up at the same revision. Both of those had multiple other modules attached to the update. Also had seven other module updates. I let the first update run overnight without issues as it getting late. Finished everything else in the morning. All and all I spent just over seven hours plus whatever time it took overnight.

 

[volvofan94]

If you have more than one computer, you can hook one up in the cab and remote into it using the other. Head outside anytime you need to cycle the key. Some updates are really short you can knock them out in 5-10 minutes, I save all those up for at night or early morning when it is cool. Sit in the truck and get them all in 30-45 minutes. Then start the long ones and watch them from inside in the AC.

Excellent suggestion! It'll be easy to implement this set up in my garage for updates which take longer.

The Ford Mongoose cable is ordered.

I'm sure I'll have other questions once I get the updates rolling. I appreciate the help, everyone. Thanks again!

 

[Paul Neubauer]

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

Except when a thunderstorm rolls in halfway through an update that is expected to take hours and you can't roll the windows up anymore since the systems are shut down...

 

[Paul Neubauer]

Just be sure the laptop is plugged in and all the power saving modes (sleep, hibernate, etc) are turned off, especially if you’re not directly watching the process.

I have also had to put a fan in the truck blowing on the laptop to prevent it from shutting itself down due to overheating now that it is summer.

 

[Demps]

I have also had to put a fan in the truck blowing on the laptop to prevent it from shutting itself down due to overheating now that it is summer.

I didn’t sit in the truck. I put my laptop on a table and kept the door open. Easy to reach in to remove flash drive and cycle ignition. I was outside so did some chores. Checkout @Cobraman428 post #15,686 for his log of updates. Good guide to times.
Open door didn’t affect updating. Watch out for auto headlights turning on at each ignition cycle, especially in a garage.

 

[Paul Neubauer]

I didn’t sit in the truck. I put my laptop on a table and kept the door open. Easy to reach in to remove flash drive and cycle ignition. I was outside so did some chores. Checkout @Cobraman428 post #15,686 for his log of updates. Good guide to times.
Open door didn’t affect updating. Watch out for auto headlights turning on at each ignition cycle, especially in a garage.

It is a little warmer in South Texas in the summer. I am cleaning the garage right now and it shows 101 degrees.

 

[GDN]

Just think of it as sweating off a few pounds. I updated for about an hour on Friday afternoon in TX. Garage door open, truck parked about half way in, windows down, doors closed. Slight breeze, but plenty of sweat.

Edit - I updated 13 modules in about 45 minutes for those looking at timing and how long to alot for updates. This was on a Lightning, but most of the SW is the same. PCM, ABS, SOBDMC, BECM, DCDC, GFM2, SOBDM, SOBDMB, ACM, TRM, RFA, DSM, HVAC

 

[Demps]

It is a little warmer in South Texas in the summer. I am cleaning the garage right now and it shows 101 degrees.

Next couple of days will feel like 100 + in New Hampshire. We just take it easy until temperatures are more reasonable.

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