Question about updates and longterm ownership

[Johnnyb]

I just got my 23 GT back from a week at the dealer for a number of center console issues (freezing, crashes, buttons not working, etc.). I've always gotten my OTA updates no problem, but 19 different modules were out of date with 1-4 missing updates each. After those were updated the car worked normally again.

First off, through this process I learned that the car needed additional updates that were not OTA and that the vehicle can get into a state where version mismatches lead to critical instability. I'm clearly late to the party, but here I am.

Secondly, there were multiple Mach E's at the dealership that needed the same sort of update work and the technician hinted that at least one of them was out of warranty (over 50k miles) and the owner needed to decide if they wanted to spend the $2500 to get the updates. This is my concern.

Will there always be software updates that require dealership service that could potentially cost thousands of dollars? There was nothing "wrong" with the car, it just needed the latest updates essentially. This seems like the sort of thing that should only cost the service technician's hourly labor rate, at best. I can't think of another instance at the consumer level where you'd have to pay for software/firmware updates for an existing license. If this is the case, then I guess I need to start studying that FDRS DIY guide...

My feeling is this should all be part of the purchase. We pay close to $60k for the car and it should be taken care of by Ford!? I'm on my second Mach-e. The first had so many issues that Ford bought it back from us. They do stand by there cars. The 23 I have now has had no issues!?

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[Bruboy]

but 19 different modules were out of date with 1-4 missing updates each. After those were updated the car worked normally again.

there were multiple Mach E's at the dealership that needed the same sort of update work and the technician hinted that at least one of them was out of warranty (over 50k miles) and the owner needed to decide if they wanted to spend the $2500 to get the updates. This is my concern.

This is reason #1 why I bought an extended warranty. I have never bought one for any vehicle in the past, but with these computers on wheels, I felt it was very necessary.

Also, when I look on line, in the app or call Ford, my car us "Up do date", yet when I had a fellow member look it up on FDRS he found that there were quite a few (around 10 or so) modules that needed updating, yet they don't show up on the "system"; I even had my dealership look up my car and said all was "up-to-date)

 

[kdonnel]

Also, when I look on line, in the app or call Ford, my car us "Up do date", yet when I had a fellow member look it up on FDRS he found that there were quite a few (around 10 or so) modules that needed updating, yet they don't show up on the "system"; I even had my dealership look up my car and said all was "up-to-date)

When checked someone found that there were quite a few modules that had an update available. FDRS will not tell you if a module NEEDS an update just that an update is available.

There is a distinction between available and needed.

We usually have no idea what changes will be implemented if the latest version of the software is applied to a module. If could be that the change applied would not make any change that you as the driver would ever notice. In that case was the update needed or just available?

 

[zooka]

When checked someone found that there were quite a few modules that had an update available. FDRS will not tell you if a module NEEDS an update just that an update is available.

There is a distinction between available and needed.

We usually have no idea what changes will be implemented if the latest version of the software is applied to a module. If could be that the change applied would not make any change that you as the driver would ever notice. In that case was the update needed or just available?

While I agree, with you just because there is an update does not necessarily mean it's needed. The thing is updates bring bug fixes (that you may have never noticed) , Features, faster loading , less resources, security. So it would make sense to always have\want the newest available update. Today's vehicles are just the same as your phone, tablet, or PC.....we all like to have the latest OS, security fixes, and app updates.

 

[Bruboy]

While I agree, with you just because there is an update does not necessarily mean it's needed. The thing is updates bring bug fixes (that you may have never noticed) , Features, faster loading , less resources, security. So it would make sense to always have\want the newest available update. Today's vehicles are just the same as your phone, tablet, or PC.....we all like to have the latest OS, security fixes, and app updates.

It seems that way, but I also think that can cause problems, sometimes if these modules are updated and another is not, they may not play well together. I believe that's what happens when someone does their own FDRS updates and bricks the car.

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