ECU module programming guide using FDRS

[ESG406]

I was concerned about doing the updates myself and I also objected to having to pay for the FDRS subscription for a new vehicle with less than 2,000 miles on the odometer. Of course, my wife told me several times, “The truck is working right now. If you mess it up, you will be towing it to the scrap yard and I won’t give you a ride home!” I bought all the recommended equipment but remained hesitant.

Two dealers tried to do updates without success but one agreed to try again. I took the truck in Tuesday morning and they had it hooked up all day and then left it on overnight, finishing early afternoon on Wednesday. The two photos show my Sync screen before and after. It appears that numerous updates were installed and Blue Cruise is now activated. I am thrilled with this progress.

I want to thank @Jesse-Infotainment, @iceman77, and ALL who posted in this thread-I read every one of them, multiple times. Your experiences helped me reach a better understanding of this process. Even though I wasn’t brave enough to ignore my wife’s warning and try it myself, I was able to talk to the dealership personnel in a more coherent way.

That brings me to offering my sincere gratitude to Champion Ford in Edinboro, PA, (https://www.championfordedinboro.net (814) 273-7168) and specifically to Brandon Hoag, Service Tech; Brian Tidd, Service Manager, Rich Carson, General Manager; and Rusty Litzel, Internet Manager. I had not planned on leaving the truck overnight and Carol was not available, so Rusty graciously went out of his way to give me a ride home.

I also want to make a comment in response to what some are saying about dealers not wanting to tie up a bay and a technician all day to do this work. In my case, the truck was in a bay but not on a lift, and the tech did not baby-sit. He started the process and then went off to do other work. He came back to check at intervals, took appropriate actions, and then went off again. He was not tied up all day on my truck and the service department remained very friendly and supportive.



Most sincerely,

Ed

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[ReactiveD]

Good afternoon everyone, I posted a question on here a little while ago and was informed to only download the 1st step (FDRS). I had downloaded the FDRS 32.5.3 only (step 1, and not IDRS 126) and tried to open it, but I kept getting a message advising I needed the VCI software.

I went ahead and downloaded the Step 2 (VCI software). I can now open the software. My question is do I need to install steps 3 and 4? I am only using FDRS to update my trucks software. Do I need the IDS software? Thank you, I attached a screen shot of the steps.

 

[Paul Neubauer]

I'm sure if I pushed the issue the dealer would have replaced it, however they are horrible to deal with so I spent the change myself.

I tried to get my truck into service so they could quickly verify a bad battery and replace it under warranty but that didn't happen... They told me the truck had to stay with them for 2 or 3 days so they could run tests on the electrical system and could not provide a service loaner. I went to Autozone and they tested the battery in 5 minutes and said it was bad and should be replaced so I ended up ordering a new battery at Ford to put in tomorrow. Ford Service seems to just be chasing away people with warranty problems on purpose by telling them they have to leave their truck there for an extended period of time and figure out how to get to work and home with no service loaner. Long story short, I had to pay for a new battery out of pocket and Ford doesn't care.

 

[JEB]

Good afternoon everyone, I posted a question on here a little while ago and was informed to only download the 1st step (FDRS). I had downloaded the FDRS 32.5.3 only (step 1, and not IDRS 126) and tried to open it, but I kept getting a message advising I needed the VCI software.

I went ahead and downloaded the Step 2 (VCI software). I can now open the software. My question is do I need to install steps 3 and 4? I am only using FDRS to update my trucks software. Do I need the IDS software? Thank you, I attached a screen shot of the steps.

That was my mistake. Sorry. I didn’t realize you needed the VCI manager when you are going to use a J2534 device. Did you try installing the Mongoose drivers before opening FDRS To make sure you actually needed the VCI software?

I know you don’t need steps 3 and 4. Step 3 is to update IDS. You aren’t going to use IDS. As for Step 4, I’m pretty sure that’s only for VCMM devices, which you aren’t using.

 

[speedracercjr]

I tried to get my truck into service so they could quickly verify a bad battery and replace it under warranty but that didn't happen... They told me the truck had to stay with them for 2 or 3 days so they could run tests on the electrical system and could not provide a service loaner. I went to Autozone and they tested the battery in 5 minutes and said it was bad and should be replaced so I ended up ordering a new battery at Ford to put in tomorrow. Ford Service seems to just be chasing away people with warranty problems on purpose by telling them they have to leave their truck there for an extended period of time and figure out how to get to work and home with no service loaner. Long story short, I had to pay for a new battery out of pocket and Ford doesn't care.

Yea honestly it's a bloody shame because when the truck is running right it's a damn good truck.

 

[ReactiveD]

That was my mistake. Sorry. I didn’t realize you needed the VCI manager when you are going to use a J2534 device. Did you try installing the Mongoose drivers before opening FDRS To make sure you actually needed the VCI software?

I know you don’t need steps 3 and 4. Step 3 is to update IDS. You aren’t going to use IDS. As for Step 4, I’m pretty sure that’s only for VCMM devices, which you aren’t using.

Thank you for the replay and that is okay. Yes sir, I downloaded the Mongoose software first and then FDRS.

 

[Jesse-Infotainment]

IDS is for only early build of Fords. The 21 F150 is FDRS only. Fdrs is also for ALL sync programming now. That means all including Sync 3 and MyFord Touch and others.

IDS requires a license that I am not sure how it works when you buy the license you guys do. I buy a year license and get an long activation code. So I am not sure that is the same for two day license.

 

[car3452]

What a long journey. My apim finally updated thursday, spent all day updating without issue. Took my first bluecruise with the bed camera on. The only last issue is the difference in the expiration dates between the truck and the app, but I really dont care with bluecruise running. This forum specially Jesse and Snakebitten are the only reason I have bluecruise today.

Thank you
Guess I should call the dealership and cancel that APIM order.

 

[abd79]

Just wondering if everyone who has a job1 truck with a bed camera also has a crappy low resolution image? Also wondering if the job2 trucks are any better? If so do they use the same model camera or is it because of the 2 different ipma’s or both??

 

[Snakebitten]

What a long journey. My apim finally updated thursday, spent all day updating without issue. Took my first bluecruise with the bed camera on. The only last issue is the difference in the expiration dates between the truck and the app, but I really dont care with bluecruise running. This forum specially Jesse and Snakebitten are the only reason I have bluecruise today.

Thank you
Guess I should call the dealership and cancel that APIM order.

Well thanks for the kind words, but I didn't do anything but possibly cheer you on.
Everyone needs a little encouragement to step outside the comfort zone for the first time.

But I promise that I get a kick everytime another one of us reports Bluecruise success. Now just enjoy your truck the way you were always supposed to.

 

[RickBullotta]

I tried to get my truck into service so they could quickly verify a bad battery and replace it under warranty but that didn't happen... They told me the truck had to stay with them for 2 or 3 days so they could run tests on the electrical system and could not provide a service loaner. I went to Autozone and they tested the battery in 5 minutes and said it was bad and should be replaced so I ended up ordering a new battery at Ford to put in tomorrow. Ford Service seems to just be chasing away people with warranty problems on purpose by telling them they have to leave their truck there for an extended period of time and figure out how to get to work and home with no service loaner. Long story short, I had to pay for a new battery out of pocket and Ford doesn't care.

Similar situation, but I just replaced it myself with an aftermarket battery. Wasn't worth my time and hassle to have to deal with getting in done by the dealer. @Ford Motor Company asked me to DM them (on another forum) and they opened a case regarding my battery, and never followed up once. They really don't give a sh*t.

 

[Jesse-Infotainment]

Just wondering if everyone who has a job1 truck with a bed camera also has a crappy low resolution image? Also wondering if the job2 trucks are any better? If so do they use the same model camera or is it because of the 2 different ipma’s or both??

They are all the same. The bed camera is twisted pair not coax like the other cameras.

 

[Jesse-Infotainment]

What a long journey. My apim finally updated thursday, spent all day updating without issue. Took my first bluecruise with the bed camera on. The only last issue is the difference in the expiration dates between the truck and the app, but I really dont care with bluecruise running. This forum specially Jesse and Snakebitten are the only reason I have bluecruise today.

Thank you
Guess I should call the dealership and cancel that APIM order.

I said it privately but again congrats and happy you can enjoy your truck as you envisioned it when you bought it.

@Snakebitten sometimes the encouragement is everything these guys need. I know it gets frustrating so to have guys like you and @JEB @speedracercjr (it would be a long list) and others on here that have been through it helps a lot. If I tell a guy they can do it they roll their eyes but hearing it from actual guys that had to do it too helps tremendously. Now @car3452 is one more person that can help others.

 

[jcaspar]

When I brought my PowerBoost truck in for the Blue Cruise update, they noted the battery was low and replaced it. Even got the 2000 FordPass Rewards points!

 

[BHunted1]

When I brought my PowerBoost truck in for the Blue Cruise update, they noted the battery was low and replaced it. Even got the 2000 FordPass Rewards points!

Mine tested it and it passed their computer test and wouldn't replace it. I say it runs low overnight especially when cold temps. They say what the voltage was?

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