ECU module programming guide using FDRS

[Bruce Luebke]

OTA history can only be seen with PTS and not FDRS. Your OTA dashboard shows you got 3.5.2, but it also shows you had an OTA trigger that expired on 9/23 for update 2.7.3 (IPC update). There is no error code provided, it just says expired with a mention of server/cloud operation and it does not show it downloaded the files needed for the update. My guess is it failed due to a poor internet connection or a hiccup on the Ford servers. If you are still pending 2.7.3, then yes, FDRS will show a laundry list worth of updates for your truck.

What is PTS and how does one get this access to view Vin information?

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[Bruce Luebke]

I’m dreading this IPMA update… it’s almost 11 PM and it’s supposedly a 3 hour update. I don’t stay up much past 11 anymore in my mid 30’s with 2 young kids haha

Hell pup at 30’s, when kids are sleeping you should be working on #3 or 4. (Grin)

 

[rugedraw]

What is PTS and how does one get this access to view Vin information?

It's a website accessible only by Ford dealer employees.

 

[mflynndelta]

Of all the updates I eventually applied to my 2021 Powerboost (24 updates in total), I believe the updates relating to PCM/TCM/ABS... etc, ended up what improved the ownership experience most. The truck simply improved drivability and was a nicer truck to drive.

I agree with you ....The truck drives so smotth after these updates

 

[superfordman]

What is PTS and how does one get this access to view Vin information?

It's the main technician diagnostic software from Ford. FDRS is pretty much software updates only, PTS is pretty much everything else, service manuals, diagnostics, schematics, etc. Very useful when trying to figure things out and I use it quite a bit from time to time. Actually about to get another 72 hour pass so I can research a few things. Anyone can get into with once you create a account and pony up for a subscription.

https://www.motorcraftservice.com/Purchase/ViewProduct

All Vehicle Lines subscription includes the following information:

• Workshop Manual
• Wiring Diagram Manual (also referred to as EVTMs or Electrical Vacuum Troubleshooting Manuals)
• Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual
• TSBs('94-Present)
• Dealer bulletins for Field Service Actions (Recalls) ('88-Present) where available and applicable.
• Access to the latest calibration information for emission-related modules.
• Access to Vehicle Specific Information (available for last 10 model years)
• Limited Vehicle Line coverage for 1994-Present model years.

 

[dolsen]

It's the main technician diagnostic software from Ford. FDRS is pretty much software updates only, PTS is pretty much everything else, service manuals, diagnostics, schematics, etc. Very useful when trying to figure things out and I use it quite a bit from time to time. Actually about to get another 72 hour pass so I can research a few things. Anyone can get into with once you create a account and pony up for a subscription.

https://www.motorcraftservice.com/Purchase/ViewProduct

All Vehicle Lines subscription includes the following information:

• Workshop Manual
• Wiring Diagram Manual (also referred to as EVTMs or Electrical Vacuum Troubleshooting Manuals)
• Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual
• TSBs('94-Present)
• Dealer bulletins for Field Service Actions (Recalls) ('88-Present) where available and applicable.
• Access to the latest calibration information for emission-related modules.
• Access to Vehicle Specific Information (available for last 10 model years)
• Limited Vehicle Line coverage for 1994-Present model years.

Just make sure you get the correct subscription, I’m still trying to get my refund for an accidental purchase of a 1 year subscription

 

[Bdubbs1198]

So after my update, I'm caught up to 3.5.2 and downloaded 3.5.3 to USB (5GB) but it didn't kick off like all other updates. So I've left the USB stick in and maybe it will kick off but inwas tired of sitting in my truck for hours. I think the only other update left after thus APIM is the TCU.

 

[mflynndelta]

So after my update, I'm caught up to 3.5.2 and downloaded 3.5.3 to USB (5GB) but it didn't kick off like all other updates. So I've left the USB stick in and maybe it will kick off but inwas tired of sitting in my truck for hours. I think the only other update left after thus APIM is the TCU.

did you get 3.5.2 over the air ?

 

[Bdubbs1198]

did you get 3.5.2 over the air ?

No via FDRS

 

[Bruce Luebke]

It's the main technician diagnostic software from Ford. FDRS is pretty much software updates only, PTS is pretty much everything else, service manuals, diagnostics, schematics, etc. Very useful when trying to figure things out and I use it quite a bit from time to time. Actually about to get another 72 hour pass so I can research a few things. Anyone can get into with once you create a account and pony up for a subscription.

https://www.motorcraftservice.com/Purchase/ViewProduct

All Vehicle Lines subscription includes the following information:

• Workshop Manual
• Wiring Diagram Manual (also referred to as EVTMs or Electrical Vacuum Troubleshooting Manuals)
• Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual
• TSBs('94-Present)
• Dealer bulletins for Field Service Actions (Recalls) ('88-Present) where available and applicable.
• Access to the latest calibration information for emission-related modules.
• Access to Vehicle Specific Information (available for last 10 model years)
• Limited Vehicle Line coverage for 1994-Present model years.

Great thanks a lot, I was able to see the information that theTech said was done, but wasn’t. Now have printouts to show Service Manager. Again Thanks

 

[Bruce Luebke]

It's the main technician diagnostic software from Ford. FDRS is pretty much software updates only, PTS is pretty much everything else, service manuals, diagnostics, schematics, etc. Very useful when trying to figure things out and I use it quite a bit from time to time. Actually about to get another 72 hour pass so I can research a few things. Anyone can get into with once you create a account and pony up for a subscription.

https://www.motorcraftservice.com/Purchase/ViewProduct

All Vehicle Lines subscription includes the following information:

• Workshop Manual
• Wiring Diagram Manual (also referred to as EVTMs or Electrical Vacuum Troubleshooting Manuals)
• Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Manual
• TSBs('94-Present)
• Dealer bulletins for Field Service Actions (Recalls) ('88-Present) where available and applicable.
• Access to the latest calibration information for emission-related modules.
• Access to Vehicle Specific Information (available for last 10 model years)
• Limited Vehicle Line coverage for 1994-Present model years.

Do you know how the vehicle access code works ? I receive the code but when I enter it, it will not validate.

 

[Skier167]

I did it mostly because I wanted a fully updated explorer ST and F150.

probably wasn’t exactly a worthwhile investment for me, but I certainly don’t regret it. Especially knowing my next several cars will also likely be Fords and will be able to be used on them as well.

but your point is very valid

Where there any major updates for your explorer st? My parents have a 2020 and thought about updating all their software but wasn’t sure if anything was worth while.

 

[dolsen]

Where there any major updates for your explorer st? My parents have a 2020 and thought about updating all their software but wasn’t sure if anything was worth while.

Nothing I’ve noticed, but I did have 14 updates. Last time any updates were made was when the car was built in November 2019, so I was glad to do them.

I feel like the trans shifts a little more smooth and the car feels a little faster, but that could all be in my head too

 

[bgalakazam]

Follow-up question. Can I do this without network connection at the time of the ECU updates? That is, where the truck will be, the laptop will not have internet (at least not for the downloads). I can do a hotspot for the network scan.

So basically, can I download all the updates on the laptop, then connect laptop to truck and do the updates without internet? (if I had a place to leave truck with wifi, I wouldn't even pursue this manual update option).

Thanks!

 

[Fordphanatic]

Follow-up question. Can I do this without network connection at the time of the ECU updates? That is, where the truck will be, the laptop will not have internet (at least not for the downloads). I can do a hotspot for the network scan.

So basically, can I download all the updates on the laptop, then connect laptop to truck and do the updates without internet? (if I had a place to leave truck with wifi, I wouldn't even pursue this manual update option).

Thanks!

No you need a stable internet connection during entire update process with FDRS

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