CowboyJohn
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2024
- Threads
- 5
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- 49
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- Location
- East Texas
- Vehicles
- 2024 F150 STX Offroad 5.0, 2015 Mustang GT 5.0
- Occupation
- HS Science Teacher, former coach
- Thread starter
- #1
I have been posting in the Power Boost section and thought it might be better to repost it here for more visibility.
So these are my posts and some responses in chronological order.
Replies are in italics.
From Sept. 24
My Ford Pass App stopped working on the 9th. I called the Ford Pass help line on the 15th and was told since my truck hasn't connected in over 3 days that I needed to take it in. I took it in on the 18th and was told they had reset it on their end. When I picked it up, it still wouldn't connect. I removed the app from my phone and reinstalled it, now can't get my truck back on the app, even with a really good cell signal.
I did notice that on the 9th when it quit working I also got a OTA for I'm guessing is the TCU.
The Code for the OTA was "TCU 25-25.2.5.9.1"
I wonder if the OTA is the culprit. While searching this Forum I have seen several others with similar issues.
If I try the unplugging the TCU method, should I disconnect the battery first?
Reply from JohnTrigger also on the 24th:
Battery (both if Powerboost) disconnect or TCU unplug for several hrs + would have the same effect.
From me later on the 24th:
I don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but since it is being read I'm gonna add to it.
I went to where I had a good cell signal and tried to add the truck to Ford Pass again. Fail.
I called the Ford Pass helpline and after about 20 minutes they told me to call the Ford Tech. Hotline tomorrow during business hours.
I'm gonna unplug the TCU overnight and try again tomorrow before trying the Hotline.
Also what is kinda strange is that I have my son's 2015 Mustang on the App and it still shows up, however the Ford Pass helpline said it wasn't visible on their end. Maybe because the Mustang doesn't receive OTA's???
My Ford Pass app does give me notifications that the attempt to connect has failed.
I'll try to update as I go.
Also my TCU has 4 connections on the bottom.
Me on the 25th:
Well after leaving everything unplugged over night, I stopped at a spot that has great cell reception and still no go.
I uninstalled and reinstalled the app, restarting my phone after removal and will try again on my way home unless the dealer can help me.
The dealer I took it to is on my way home, so I'll stop by and see what they say.
When I look at their notes from last week, it does say they were able to get the app to work with one of their personal phones.
They also show they found Code: TCU U211B:51:0B Control Module Message Authentication
They also show it had SSM 53759 and to run the FDRS "Trusted Real-Time Operation Network (TRON) Module Authentication" procedure. After they ran the procedure it still worked on their phone. They also state that the code was cleared from the TCU after a self test.
I don't know what all that means. Maybe it is a setting on my phone.
Hopefully I'll have an answer/solution this afternoon after I visit the dealer.
Me later on the 25th:
I had time on my lunch break to go to the dealer. Service manager came out and looked it over and tried to get it to connect. Still no bueno.
I'm gonna try the tech support number I got last night before I take it back in and have a service technician look at it. It could be that I have to be at the dealer with my phone or leave my phone with them if I don't get a solution from tech support.
Reply from JohnTrigger on the 25th:
TRON is a thing on 2024 and later models of the F150. It is basically, as I understand it, a secure interface communications network protocol between some of the computer modules on the truck. It’s in the GWM, IIRC. Maybe the updated TCU firmware needed to get on the “same decoder ring” after the OTA update. Hopefully them running TRON got you back in business.
Reply from Rugedraw on the 25th:
The TCU update you got broke the TRON encryption. I've seen if happen countless times on 2024/2025 F150s that use TRON on certain modules within the network. The dealer can fix it in minutes.
Just re-read your post and see they supposedly ran TRON authorization. Message me the VIN and I can check if the code is gone or not. Sometimes you have to run the TRON procedure several times for it to actually take.
Me from the 25th:
Okay the Tech number I was given last night is for dealer issues.
They did put me on with Tech Support from Ford Pass again and after trying a reset etc... I was finally told that this is a known issue with SYNC and that it is currently being worked on with no solution as of yet.
I was also told that my modem is not responding, but the fix would be pushed out with an OTA and that I should still be able to get the OTA. I'm not sure how that will be possible, but I guess I'll see.
She said a statement (Service Bulletin?) was released on Aug. 29 about the issue.
I asked how many or what year models were affected, but she didn't have that info.
So I guess it's wait and see.
Reply from Rugedraw on the 25th:
That's nonsense. There is only one OTA that has even been sent out to fix connectivity and that was to fix an issue where a TCU update changed the country code from US to another country rendering the modem useless, and wifi (or fixing it yourself with FORScan) was the only way to get that update/fix. The country code in your TCU is correct for the US; I had already checked that jic. They are clueless and talking out of their ass.
Me on the 25th:
I kinda thought that too. I think the service dept. may have been blowing smoke up my ass when they noted on the invoice that they got it to work on their phone. The invoice details also said it was working on my my phone as well. I didn't leave my phone with them, however that could be because I picked it up at closing time and the service manager had already left for the day. I'll wait a few days just in case and then probably make another appt.
Me on the 26th:
I stopped by my dealer again today and spoke to the technician that worked on it last Thursday. Evidently I misunderstood his notes. He did not get the Ford Pass to work on his phone, he was able to get Apple Play etc... to work. Which in my understanding is through Blue tooth, not the modem.
He said that the TCU houses the components that run most of the wireless functions including the modem. My guess is the module for the modem is bricked.
I wonder if it is related to this:
I also assume this is what the Help technician was referring to. I can't find a date of release.
This link has TSB's etc... that may apply to my VIN:
https://www.ford.com/support/service-information/
I think I'll take this info. to my dealer and see what they think and try to push for a new TCU.
Sponsored
Me on Oct. 10th:
I have tried to get my Ford Pass back online myself, and when trying to reset the connectivity, I get this message:
And then don't know what service I would be cancelling on my Ford Account.
My current issue is the Ford Pass and my truck do not connect. I have tried removing the truck from the app, removing and reinstalling the app.
When I go to connect the truck to the app, I never get the prompt, because communication never happens.
I'm gonna try the dealer again next week hopefully.
Me again on the 10th:
Well I've scheduled an appt. for Tuesday and made them aware that SSM 54090 might apply. I am still pushing for a new modem/TCU.
Me on the 14th:
Word from the dealer is the TCU is bad. They said the parts would be in in a few days. I'll update again when it is replaced and hopefully running like it should.
Me on the 29th:
Update to my issue. Last week the dealer called and said "Ford" wanted them to run one more "pin point" test. I stopped by after work and after about 30 minutes, they said it "failed" or did whatever Ford needed it to do to get a new TCU ordered.
Then this morning about 9:45, I get a call from "Ford Recall" asking if I was still working with my local dealer about my FordPass issue. I said yes and that last week it failed the final test and new TCU should be on order. They said to keep working with the dealer blah, blah, blah. The call lasted less than 2 minutes.
The number showed up on my phone as "Ford Recall", which I found kinda strange.
Then about an hour later I get a call from the dealer saying "Ford" called and said they need one more test performed before they approve the new TCU. I explained my short conversation with Ford Recall and the service manager said she thinks maybe Ford forgot to send the part and are maybe trying to cover their asses about the delay.
I am headed out of town for the weekend tomorrow, so if I take it back to the dealer, it will be next week.
Tomorrow I may try to call the Recall number and force the issue and get an explanation.
If I hear anything newsworthy, I'll update.
It has been almost 3 months.
If anyone at Ford Corporate is reading this, approve and ship my damn TCU.
Me on the 30th:
I called the recall number today and after several "options" from the bot, I finally spoke with a human.
They kept putting me on hold and researching the service history and couldn't give me an answer. They eventually called the service dept. that has been working on it and put them on the line with me.
My local Ford house told me that the additional test is for the APMI module and it should take about an hour.
I'll schedule for the first part of next week and keep my fingers crossed.
Now from Tuesday Nov. 4th:
Dealer ran the test for the APMI and it failed or at least did what ford wanted it to do. Service manger said "Ford" said they would investigate.
I sure would like to speak personally with whomever my dealer is communicating with so I could push the issue.
So these are my posts and some responses in chronological order.
Replies are in italics.
From Sept. 24
My Ford Pass App stopped working on the 9th. I called the Ford Pass help line on the 15th and was told since my truck hasn't connected in over 3 days that I needed to take it in. I took it in on the 18th and was told they had reset it on their end. When I picked it up, it still wouldn't connect. I removed the app from my phone and reinstalled it, now can't get my truck back on the app, even with a really good cell signal.
I did notice that on the 9th when it quit working I also got a OTA for I'm guessing is the TCU.
The Code for the OTA was "TCU 25-25.2.5.9.1"
I wonder if the OTA is the culprit. While searching this Forum I have seen several others with similar issues.
If I try the unplugging the TCU method, should I disconnect the battery first?
Reply from JohnTrigger also on the 24th:
Battery (both if Powerboost) disconnect or TCU unplug for several hrs + would have the same effect.
From me later on the 24th:
I don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but since it is being read I'm gonna add to it.
I went to where I had a good cell signal and tried to add the truck to Ford Pass again. Fail.
I called the Ford Pass helpline and after about 20 minutes they told me to call the Ford Tech. Hotline tomorrow during business hours.
I'm gonna unplug the TCU overnight and try again tomorrow before trying the Hotline.
Also what is kinda strange is that I have my son's 2015 Mustang on the App and it still shows up, however the Ford Pass helpline said it wasn't visible on their end. Maybe because the Mustang doesn't receive OTA's???
My Ford Pass app does give me notifications that the attempt to connect has failed.
I'll try to update as I go.
Also my TCU has 4 connections on the bottom.
Me on the 25th:
Well after leaving everything unplugged over night, I stopped at a spot that has great cell reception and still no go.
I uninstalled and reinstalled the app, restarting my phone after removal and will try again on my way home unless the dealer can help me.
The dealer I took it to is on my way home, so I'll stop by and see what they say.
When I look at their notes from last week, it does say they were able to get the app to work with one of their personal phones.
They also show they found Code: TCU U211B:51:0B Control Module Message Authentication
They also show it had SSM 53759 and to run the FDRS "Trusted Real-Time Operation Network (TRON) Module Authentication" procedure. After they ran the procedure it still worked on their phone. They also state that the code was cleared from the TCU after a self test.
I don't know what all that means. Maybe it is a setting on my phone.
Hopefully I'll have an answer/solution this afternoon after I visit the dealer.
Me later on the 25th:
I had time on my lunch break to go to the dealer. Service manager came out and looked it over and tried to get it to connect. Still no bueno.
I'm gonna try the tech support number I got last night before I take it back in and have a service technician look at it. It could be that I have to be at the dealer with my phone or leave my phone with them if I don't get a solution from tech support.
Reply from JohnTrigger on the 25th:
TRON is a thing on 2024 and later models of the F150. It is basically, as I understand it, a secure interface communications network protocol between some of the computer modules on the truck. It’s in the GWM, IIRC. Maybe the updated TCU firmware needed to get on the “same decoder ring” after the OTA update. Hopefully them running TRON got you back in business.
Reply from Rugedraw on the 25th:
The TCU update you got broke the TRON encryption. I've seen if happen countless times on 2024/2025 F150s that use TRON on certain modules within the network. The dealer can fix it in minutes.
Just re-read your post and see they supposedly ran TRON authorization. Message me the VIN and I can check if the code is gone or not. Sometimes you have to run the TRON procedure several times for it to actually take.
Me from the 25th:
Okay the Tech number I was given last night is for dealer issues.
They did put me on with Tech Support from Ford Pass again and after trying a reset etc... I was finally told that this is a known issue with SYNC and that it is currently being worked on with no solution as of yet.
I was also told that my modem is not responding, but the fix would be pushed out with an OTA and that I should still be able to get the OTA. I'm not sure how that will be possible, but I guess I'll see.
She said a statement (Service Bulletin?) was released on Aug. 29 about the issue.
I asked how many or what year models were affected, but she didn't have that info.
So I guess it's wait and see.
Reply from Rugedraw on the 25th:
That's nonsense. There is only one OTA that has even been sent out to fix connectivity and that was to fix an issue where a TCU update changed the country code from US to another country rendering the modem useless, and wifi (or fixing it yourself with FORScan) was the only way to get that update/fix. The country code in your TCU is correct for the US; I had already checked that jic. They are clueless and talking out of their ass.
Me on the 25th:
I kinda thought that too. I think the service dept. may have been blowing smoke up my ass when they noted on the invoice that they got it to work on their phone. The invoice details also said it was working on my my phone as well. I didn't leave my phone with them, however that could be because I picked it up at closing time and the service manager had already left for the day. I'll wait a few days just in case and then probably make another appt.
Me on the 26th:
I stopped by my dealer again today and spoke to the technician that worked on it last Thursday. Evidently I misunderstood his notes. He did not get the Ford Pass to work on his phone, he was able to get Apple Play etc... to work. Which in my understanding is through Blue tooth, not the modem.
He said that the TCU houses the components that run most of the wireless functions including the modem. My guess is the module for the modem is bricked.
I wonder if it is related to this:
I also assume this is what the Help technician was referring to. I can't find a date of release.
| SSM 54090 2021-2025 Various Ford/Lincoln Vehicles - SYNC4/Digital Experience - Unsuccessful TCU Software Update Or Software Activation During The USB Update |
| Some 2021-2025 Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with SYNC4/Digital Experience may exhibit an unsuccessful telematics control unit module (TCU) software update or software activation during a universal serial bus (USB) update. This may be due to the vehicle connectivity setting being disabled. To correct this condition, enable vehicle connectivity in the vehicle center display, select Settings > Connectivity > Connected Vehicle Features > Vehicle Connectivity > Toggle ON. Perform the update. If the condition persists, follow the normal dealer internal escalation process. After the update is complete, toggle the connectivity OFF in the vehicle center display, select Settings > Connectivity > Connected Vehicle Features > Vehicle Connectivity > Toggle OFF. NOTE: If the vehicle comes in with the connectivity settings disabled, connectivity must be returned to the disabled setting before releasing the vehicle to the customer. |
https://www.ford.com/support/service-information/
I think I'll take this info. to my dealer and see what they think and try to push for a new TCU.
Sponsored
Me on Oct. 10th:
I have tried to get my Ford Pass back online myself, and when trying to reset the connectivity, I get this message:
And then don't know what service I would be cancelling on my Ford Account.
My current issue is the Ford Pass and my truck do not connect. I have tried removing the truck from the app, removing and reinstalling the app.
When I go to connect the truck to the app, I never get the prompt, because communication never happens.
I'm gonna try the dealer again next week hopefully.
Me again on the 10th:
Well I've scheduled an appt. for Tuesday and made them aware that SSM 54090 might apply. I am still pushing for a new modem/TCU.
Me on the 14th:
Word from the dealer is the TCU is bad. They said the parts would be in in a few days. I'll update again when it is replaced and hopefully running like it should.
Me on the 29th:
Update to my issue. Last week the dealer called and said "Ford" wanted them to run one more "pin point" test. I stopped by after work and after about 30 minutes, they said it "failed" or did whatever Ford needed it to do to get a new TCU ordered.
Then this morning about 9:45, I get a call from "Ford Recall" asking if I was still working with my local dealer about my FordPass issue. I said yes and that last week it failed the final test and new TCU should be on order. They said to keep working with the dealer blah, blah, blah. The call lasted less than 2 minutes.
The number showed up on my phone as "Ford Recall", which I found kinda strange.
Then about an hour later I get a call from the dealer saying "Ford" called and said they need one more test performed before they approve the new TCU. I explained my short conversation with Ford Recall and the service manager said she thinks maybe Ford forgot to send the part and are maybe trying to cover their asses about the delay.
I am headed out of town for the weekend tomorrow, so if I take it back to the dealer, it will be next week.
Tomorrow I may try to call the Recall number and force the issue and get an explanation.
If I hear anything newsworthy, I'll update.
It has been almost 3 months.
If anyone at Ford Corporate is reading this, approve and ship my damn TCU.
Me on the 30th:
I called the recall number today and after several "options" from the bot, I finally spoke with a human.
They kept putting me on hold and researching the service history and couldn't give me an answer. They eventually called the service dept. that has been working on it and put them on the line with me.
My local Ford house told me that the additional test is for the APMI module and it should take about an hour.
I'll schedule for the first part of next week and keep my fingers crossed.
Now from Tuesday Nov. 4th:
Dealer ran the test for the APMI and it failed or at least did what ford wanted it to do. Service manger said "Ford" said they would investigate.
I sure would like to speak personally with whomever my dealer is communicating with so I could push the issue.
Sponsored
