ECU module programming guide using FDRS

[rugedraw]

2021 Job 1 F-150 Limited Powerboost.

I have started to immerse myself in FDRS to update my truck this summer. Ford seems to have decided that OTA’s to 4-year-old trucks are a low priority. Currently at Sync 4 Version 23167 Revision 926. Last OTA update was 6.1.0 on Jan. 3, 2025.

I have read most, if not all, of the 15,663 posts to the “ECU module programming guide using FDRS” since 2021 and I’ll probably ask a question that has been asked and answered, but the users of this forum have proven to be patient, forgiving, and expert.

I started at post #1.

• The Clore PL2320 Amp is the preferred model over the years. Is the difference between the 10 Amp and 20 Amp only charging speed? Will the 10 Amp maintain the battery sufficiently? No issue with purchasing the 20 Amp. Incidentally Home Depot sells the 20 Amp model for the same price as Amazon, with a more liberal return policy.
• I have a Ford Owners/Motorcraft login credential. The FJDS/FDRS license requires another login credential. Should I be concerned about the required company name I make up?
• Finally, for today, is there anyone near the New Hampshire Monadnock region that would lend me a Mongoose cable, and dare I ask, provide technical help, if needed. Otherwise, I’ll list my name on the Mongoose lending forum when I’m ready to update my truck.

Thanks for your help

1) The 10amp would be enough for most modules, but for the IPMA that takes 6 hours, the 20amp is a much better option if you want to avoid problems. Not worth saving $10-$15 by buying the 10amp version.

2) No, you can put the company name as whatever you want. It could be a fake name.

3) Lmk if you want me to add you to the list. It would be 4-6 weeks before I can get to you based on the people you have ahead of you.

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[Demps]

Just downloaded and installed FDRS software. A Voice Communication Interface (VCI) was required before FDRS would finish installation. Apparently VCI had been included with FDRS and is necessary for Ford Rotunda.

The FDRS and VCI installation added shortcuts to my desktop and Bosch and Ford programs to the startup menu. The VCI shortcut is to configure the VCI for the various Rotunda hardware models.

Seeing that I’m not going to use Rotunda equipment I was going to ignore the Ford VCI configuration because I presume that the Mongoose interface cable will have its own VCI.

But I thought I’d better check with the experts

Thanks

 

[rugedraw]

Just downloaded and installed FDRS software. A Voice Communication Interface (VCI) was required before FDRS would finish installation. Apparently VCI had been included with FDRS and is necessary for Ford Rotunda.

The FDRS and VCI installation added shortcuts to my desktop and Bosch and Ford programs to the startup menu. The VCI shortcut is to configure the VCI for the various Rotunda hardware models.

Seeing that I’m not going to use Rotunda equipment I was going to ignore the Ford VCI configuration because I presume that the Mongoose interface cable will have its own VCI.

But I thought I’d better check with the experts

Thanks

That is 100% correct.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

I never bother to install VCI

 

[Mjeedzh]

I just got the APIM update ( Sync 25094 ) in FDRS but no youtube unfortunately, is there a way to activate it?

 

[rugedraw]

I just got the APIM update ( Sync 25094 ) in FDRS but no youtube unfortunately, is there a way to activate it?

Not that I know of. That may be only coded in there for the electric vehicles.

 

[Mjeedzh]

Not that I know of. That may be only coded in there for the electric vehicles.

The 2025 gas version has it from factory see the link below

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/2025-f150-factory-youtube-on-sync.36946/post-639901

 

[rugedraw]

The 2025 gas version has it from factory see the link below

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/2025-f150-factory-youtube-on-sync.36946/post-639901

Oh nice. I am not sure. I know a few things changed between the 2024 and the 2025, so I can't say with intelligence if it only works on the 2025 or not.

 

[Cobraman428]

Doing updates for the first time starting today. Got a 20 amp charger with 12v power supply feature, a notebook PC with all the power options/AV turned off so it doesn't go to sleep or scan files, got a 128Gb USB formatted correctly, downloaded FDRS 44.4.6, Mongoose cable and drivers loaded and FDRS see it. Going to start in order with GWM, APIM, TCU, IPMA and move on down my list. Thanks Rudedraw for all the info these past few months. Wish me luck...

 

["Steve"]

so they never fixed/updated that thing where you can't update the BCM yourself, eh? still needs a dealership to do it...? meh. i think i need to take my truck in, so i'll ask if they can do it while they have it i guess.

 

[rugedraw]

so they never fixed/updated that thing where you can't update the BCM yourself, eh? still needs a dealership to do it...? meh. i think i need to take my truck in, so i'll ask if they can do it while they have it i guess.

I don't think it's something that is "broken" and needs to be fixed. I think they did it on purpose and that is just how it is now with that module.

 

["Steve"]

gotcha. off the top of your heads...about how long does it take to update roughly?

 

[rugedraw]

Just a few minutes......it's very quick.

 

[Big Dog Daddy]

@Cobraman428 how are you progressing with the updates?

 

["Steve"]

Just a few minutes......it's very quick.

groovy, thanks. hopefully they just pound it out for me then while it's there, and not give me any bs, or try and charge.

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