ECU module programming guide using FDRS

[Ajzride]

So before I dive in to this just looking to confirm. I have an Australian delivered XLT that I've recently done the 12" screen upgrade to using a new apim that has been programmed to the vin of my truck.

The apim is at 21145 and the original apim was at 23045. My understanding is that I can pmi the 'new' apim and use fdrs to bring it up to date. Is this correct?

We do not get OTA updates in Australia yet.

You are going to need help from someone who can manipulate as-built data. Since the Ford servers don't think you have a 12" APIM, you will not be anywhere on the "flowchart" that FDRS uses to release updates.

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[b_dub23]

Message me the VIN and I'll check and send you the FORScan changes if you're good to go.

Worked great thanks again!

 

[lojoma]

Thanks to @rugedraw for all the help so far (on another thread). I have a 2021 job 1 stuck at 20312 (but my AutoUpdate is not greyed out FWIW). I bit the bullet and bought the mongoose and license and hooked it up to find what's shown in the photo.

I know the APIM is my big problem. I think I read if GWM needs an update to do that first, but otherwise does the order matter? I know I will need the flash drive for the APIM update and that it's going to be a pain.

 

[rugedraw]

Thanks to @rugedraw for all the help so far (on another thread). I have a 2021 job 1 stuck at 20312 (but my AutoUpdate is not greyed out FWIW). I bit the bullet and bought the mongoose and license and hooked it up to find what's shown in the photo.

I know the APIM is my big problem. I think I read if GWM needs an update to do that first, but otherwise does the order matter? I know I will need the flash drive for the APIM update and that it's going to be a pain.

GWM, APIM TCU and IPC in that order as they appear. Because you can turn updates on, I'm hoping you don't have to wait weeks for the APIM update to kick off.

 

[rugedraw]

@lojoma The ADAS modules may all be tied to each other as far back as you are. Do not start the IPMA, PSCM, SCCM, CMR or CCM because this may trigger a chain of updates that'll take over 4 hours to do. Based on the time, I'd save that for tomorrow.

 

[TechAddiction]

Tried updating the IPMA module and FDRS errored out erasing blocks in the PSCM. as well as other related modules. Powering steering wont work as well as Advance trac, also getting front camera error and blind spot error in dash screen but I don't have those features. 2021 F150 XL RCSB with 12 in screen and syn 4 apim upgrade as well as XLT digital dash upgrade.

 

[Ajzride]

Tried updating the IPMA module and FDRS errored out erasing blocks in the PSCM. as well as other related modules. Powering steering wont work as well as Advance trac, also getting front camera error and blind spot error in dash screen but I don't have those features. 2021 F150 XL RCSB with 12 in screen and syn 4 apim upgrade as well as XLT digital dash upgrade.

Once you start adding modules into your truck that didn't come with it, you break FDRS. That is why it is reccomended to buy an upgrade kit from infotainment.com. It cost more than buy the parts piecemeal, but they send you the updates you need as part of buying from them.

You are now off the "flowchart" that FDRS uses to understand what software you should have because your part numbers don't match your truck's VIN.

If your IPMA is stock, this particular upgrade should have gone through. perhaps do a PMI and tell it you did not install the original module.

 

[rugedraw]

@Ajzride He was not using a Mongoose. He has one on the way that arrives tomorrow.

 

[TechAddiction]

Once you start adding modules into your truck that didn't come with it, you break FDRS. That is why it is reccomended to buy an upgrade kit from infotainment.com. It cost more than buy the parts piecemeal, but they send you the updates you need as part of buying from them.

You are now off the "flowchart" that FDRS uses to understand what software you should have because your part numbers don't match your truck's VIN.

If your IPMA is stock, this particular upgrade should have gone through. perhaps do a PMI and tell it you did not install the original module.

I tried running a PMI and told it that it was not the original module and it errored out trying to erase the blocks. Same as when I tried the IPMA update. All of this is using the TOPDON cable. The specs on the cable say it works but I'm getting errors. I'll have to try again when the Mongoose cable comes tomorrow.

 

[Ajzride]

@Ajzride He was not using a Mongoose. He has one on the way that arrives tomorrow.

Well that is a critical piece of information.

 

[HammaMan]

Did you just forscan direct write?

Grab the files out of the hidden directory under program data, add .vbf to each file listed above and manually write it. You don't need the mongoose, but you do need to know the IPMA work around if you don't have it.

 

[rugedraw]

Well that is a critical piece of information.

We didn't know that yet at the time he posted, but agreed. Lol

 

[windowsmedia10]

https://fordauthority.com/2025/03/ford-outlines-new-software-update-strategy-with-dealers/

 

[Ajzride]

https://fordauthority.com/2025/03/ford-outlines-new-software-update-strategy-with-dealers/

That was sufficiently vauge.

 

[svtzx2]

https://fordauthority.com/2025/03/ford-outlines-new-software-update-strategy-with-dealers/

I was expecting more from this article too. Anyone have access to the source information for this article?

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