12/17 Updates Released

[ProximusAl]

Right, but, is "recover the SNYC image software" a normal update of sorts, or is this a specialized repair procedure, not for normal update use?

On the older fords I did…it was the “only” way to update sync. It requires a special driver installed and it’s almost like it mounts sync like a drive for FDRS to do what it does

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[ProximusAl]

Think of it a bit like updating your iPhone using iTunes and a cable rather than OTA

 

[Neil4Real]

Right, but, is "recover the SNYC image software" a normal update of sorts, or is this a specialized repair procedure, not for normal update use?

It is not a normal update use. The instruction from the Sync Upgrade, say it should only be ran if directed by TSB or other instructions.

 

[louibluey]

Did this eventually work (update), or do one or both of the APIM items still fail?

 

[louibluey]

It is not a normal update use. The instruction from the Sync Upgrade, say it should only be ran if directed by TSB or other instructions.

It seems that way, but some of these items are clear as mud. For example, we can do a number of the updates that solve certain problems just to be all up to date. Others, possibly this one, should possibly be avoided, except for certain circumstances.

 

[ProximusAl]

Did this eventually work (update), or did one or both of the APIM items still fail?

It finished…didn’t fail…but also never said remove USB.

When I got back in the car it restarted the procedure, so I dunno. FDRS did all the usual report back to mothership but sync version didn’t change.

 

[Neil4Real]

It seems that way, but some of these items are clear as mud. For example, we can do a number of the updates that solve certain problems just to be all up to date. Others, possibly this one, should possibly be avoided, except for certain circumstances.

I don't know what you mean by "it seems that way" and that this one should possibly be avoided? First off, doing updates AT ALL from FDRS are at your own risk. It is definitely not recommended by Ford you do these. Second, the Sync update CLEARLY states to not do it as a routine update. This specific update is probably Ford's clearest yet haha

 

[ProximusAl]

I’m not FORD, but my personal opinion will be this:

A lot of APIMs are stuck with the duff OTA 1.7.1. At the minute, FORD are replacing APIMs due to this. Now apparently they are bringing out an OTA to mend this but my money is this::

If the APIM is stuck, then even a dealer cannot apply any APIM updates via FDRS. This is proven.
This “special” APIM using the cable I’d put money on them releasing a TSB saying to use this “only in the case” the APIM is borked due to 1.7.1 OTA.

If not borked, use the normal one above.

As I say…my humble opinion

 

[louibluey]

I’m not FORD, but my personal opinion will be this:

A lot of APIMs are stuck with the duff OTA 1.7.1. At the minute, FORD are replacing APIMs due to this. Now apparently they are bringing out an OTA to mend this but my money is this::

If the APIM is stuck, then even a dealer cannot apply any APIM updates via FDRS. This is proven.
This “special” APIM using the cable I’d put money on them releasing a TSB saying to use this “only in the case” the APIM is borked due to 1.7.1 OTA.

If not borked, use the normal one above.

As I say…my humble opinion

That sounds right and makes complete sense.

Otherwise if an item is on the SW Update without a caution (and, I think this APIM routine should not be on the regular SW Update list), it should be harmless (at worst) to update that module for that VIN.

 

[Neil4Real]

That sounds right and makes complete sense.

Otherwise if an item is on the SW Update without a caution (and, I think this APIM routine should not be on the regular SW Update list), it should be harmless (at worst) to update that module for that VIN.

Except it is on the list WITH a caution...

 

[louibluey]

I don't know what you mean by "it seems that way" and that this one should possibly be avoided? First off, doing updates AT ALL from FDRS are at your own risk. It is definitely not recommended by Ford you do these. Second, the Sync update CLEARLY states to not do it as a routine update. This specific update is probably Ford's clearest yet haha

yea, I got it (with caution), but Ford was happy to take my $895 so that I can do DIY FDRS, so they need to provide a reliable product, at least with some good faith (understanding that that there could occasionally be problems). DIY is a motorcraft registration category, so Ford knows exactly how DIY owners are using FDRS.

 

[ProximusAl]

That sounds right and makes complete sense.

Otherwise if an item is on the SW Update without a caution (and, I think this APIM routine should not be on the regular SW Update list), it should be harmless to update that module for that VIN.

I would have no problems running it, but I’m a bit risk averse. (Or not). Whatever one means I don’t give a sh**

I think the caution is there as it is NOT the same as your normal USB updates like APIM and GWM.

I think it’s a way of “flashing” the SYNC software to the APIM directly, not using an external USB.

If you remember older Windows Phones it was like popping it into boot loader mode and flashing a new ROM. This is what I think it is.

You have to remember that *most* updates in FDRS say don’t do them unless they match a TSB, because FORD don’t want dealer techs unnecessarily bricking modules, but they are extremely hard to brick.

It’s up to you. If You read all the black bubbles in FDRS you wouldn’t flash anything!

 

[breeves002]

I don't know what you mean by "it seems that way" and that this one should possibly be avoided? First off, doing updates AT ALL from FDRS are at your own risk. It is definitely not recommended by Ford you do these. Second, the Sync update CLEARLY states to not do it as a routine update. This specific update is probably Ford's clearest yet haha

Excluding the APIM update that literally says don't do it I disagree. While yes it is at your own risk, these updates should be fully supported when released and have 0 issues using Ford software and supported tools. It's insane to think that official Ford products will break a vehicle. This is a warrantable issue so you think Ford would really try to release proper updates...

I'd like to see where Ford doesn't recommend you do updates. Why would they release them if they weren't recommended? That doesn't make sense.

 

[Neil4Real]

Excluding the APIM update that literally says don't do it I disagree. While yes it is at your own risk, these updates should be fully supported when released and have 0 issues using Ford software and supported tools. It's insane to think that official Ford products will break a vehicle. This is a warrantable issue so you think Ford would really try to release proper updates...

I'd like to see where Ford doesn't recommend you do updates. Why would they release them if they weren't recommended? That doesn't make sense.

I always thought it was a do at your own risk, isn't that what the mega do your own updates thread says? That you can brick your car and you're screwed or something?

 

[DevSecOps]

First off, doing updates AT ALL from FDRS are at your own risk. It is definitely not recommended by Ford you do these.

Say what? These are the same updates that people are getting from the dealership using the same software and hardware. Pushing "ok" five times doesn't require some special educational training. Second, Ford does recommend some of these as they are part of TSBs. The fact is, Ford f'ed this one up. It's not on us. I take responsibility for pushing the envelope on installing it so soon, but again an ABS update should be tested, tested, tested and tested before released.

We aren't hacking the car or using some bootleg software from China. The software is purchased directly from Ford.

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