Cost for software update

[Aeon]

Hi friends, still very new to owning an EV. I bought a 2021 MME around 4 months ago and keep getting a dashboard & FordPass error saying ‘Pre-collision assist not available, system detected a fault or obstructed sensor.’

I just took it to the dealership and they said it requires a software update that isn’t covered under warranty and will cost +$800 for labor? That feels like an absurd amount to pay for a software update, is this normal? Is there any cheaper way to do it or is the dealership the only one able to update the software?

Report mentions ‘TSB 23-2040 available for multiple module update.’

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[HuntingPudel]

You could purchase the equipment to do it yourself. It consists of a Windows laptop, a 12V power supply capable of sustaining 50A for extended periods of time, a special USB to OBD2 interface (most use the Mongoose Plus), and a license (3 day, monthly, yearly) to software called Ford Diagnostic and Repair System (FDRS, which itself is a free download). Not including the Windows PC, the equipment cost is between $800-$1200. You could cut this cost by approximately $550 if you are willing to wait for a loaner Mongoose cable A member on this forum (@rugedraw) has spares that he loans out ??

Alternatively, you could try to locate someone close enough to you who has an FDRS rig and will help you do the updates for the bribe of some coffee and doughnuts (this is what I did before getting my own rig). ??

 

[ack154]

Some relevant reading for you: https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...uide-to-updating-your-mach-e-with-fdrs.10217/

You can DIY software updates, but it's not super cheap. Depending on where you are, you may be able to find someone locally that has the equipment and is willing to help.

The problem with software update labor charges is that they will quote you the very high end of how long the updates MIGHT take. Far more often than not, it's quite a bit less time (and in theory, less $$), but it's at least better to do it that way than to quote $200 and it takes 7 hours and you get hit with 4-5x the initial quote.

 

[Aeon]

You could purchase the equipment to do it yourself. It consists of a Windows laptop, a 12V power supply capable of sustaining 50A for extended periods of time, a special USB to OBD2 interface (most use the Mongoose Plus), and a license (3 day, monthly, yearly) to software called Ford Diagnostic and Repair System (FDRS, which itself is a free download). Not including the Windows PC, the equipment cost is between $800-$1200. You could cut this cost by approximately $550 if you are willing to wait for a loaner Mongoose cable A member on this forum (@rugedraw) has spares that he loans out ??

Alternatively, you could try to locate someone close enough to you who has an FDRS rig and will help you do the updates for the bribe of some coffee and doughnuts (this is what I did before getting my own rig). ??

Didn’t know this was even an option, thank you!! Might be worth the investment in case any other unforeseen software updates come up?

 

[Aeon]

Some relevant reading for you: https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...uide-to-updating-your-mach-e-with-fdrs.10217/

You can DIY software updates, but it's not super cheap. Depending on where you are, you may be able to find someone locally that has the equipment and is willing to help.

The problem with software update labor charges is that they will quote you the very high end of how long the updates MIGHT take. Far more often than not, it's quite a bit less time (and in theory, less $$), but it's at least better to do it that way than to quote $200 and it takes 7 hours and you get hit with 4-5x the initial quote.

That thread is super useful, thank you for sharing!

That’s also a good point about the high end estimate, even still, feels like it might be worth the investment to get my own equipment for potential future updates if it’s roughly the same cost as having the dealership do this one update. Thanks again!

 

[rugedraw]

That thread is super useful, thank you for sharing!

That’s also a good point about the high end estimate, even still, feels like it might be worth the investment to get my own equipment for potential future updates if it’s roughly the same cost as having the dealership do this one update. Thanks again!

The waiting list to borrow one of mine is maybe 4-6 weeks right now. Details are in post #1 below. Just lmk if you want me to add you to the list.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...mming-vehicle-interface-lending-thread.13145/

 

[Aeon]

The waiting list to borrow one of mine is maybe 4-6 weeks right now. Details are in post #1 below. Just lmk if you want me to add you to the list.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...mming-vehicle-interface-lending-thread.13145/

I’ll have to think about it - but thank you, I really appreciate it! I’ll let you know if I decide ?

 

[HuntingPudel]

Hop on over top the FDRS Help Thread and ask there if someone with an FDRS rig is close to your location and would be willing to help out. It might cost you some doughnuts or a 6 pack. The thread is also useful to find out what updates are currently pending for your specific car. ??

 

[JohnFoxeSheets]

Another option is to check with other dealerships as to what they would charge. It can vary.

Yet another option could be to purchase an extended warranty. You could check out Granger Ford online to see what they would charge for Ford Premium Care for your car. That would likely cost more than this one update, but could save you money in case of future repairs needed.

 

[bbulkow]

You could purchase the equipment to do it yourself. It consists of a Windows laptop, a 12V power supply capable of sustaining 50A for extended periods of time, a special USB to OBD2 interface (most use the Mongoose Plus), and a license (3 day, monthly, yearly) to software called Ford Diagnostic and Repair System (FDRS, which itself is a free download). Not including the Windows PC, the equipment cost is between $800-$1200. You could cut this cost by approximately $550 if you are willing to wait for a loaner Mongoose cable A member on this forum (@rugedraw) has spares that he loans out ??

Alternatively, you could try to locate someone close enough to you who has an FDRS rig and will help you do the updates for the bribe of some coffee and doughnuts (this is what I did before getting my own rig). ??

I think the cost's a little lower? The mongoose is $550, call it $600 after tax. Isn't the FDRS about $70 for the 3 day? the power supply capable of sustaining 50A is a decent size batter and the necessary cable, eg, a jumper cable? I mean that's not a LOT less than $800 but I'm not sure how you'll get to $1200?

I got my mongoose after my dealer charged me $350 for an update *they knew* wouldn't solve the problem..... the mongoose is waiting for a time when I"m pretty sure I'll have an update to apply....

 

[HuntingPudel]

I think the cost's a little lower? The mongoose is $550, call it $600 after tax. Isn't the FDRS about $70 for the 3 day? the power supply capable of sustaining 50A is a decent size batter and the necessary cable, eg, a jumper cable? I mean that's not a LOT less than $800 but I'm not sure how you'll get to $1200?

I got my mongoose after my dealer charged me $350 for an update *they knew* wouldn't solve the problem..... the mongoose is waiting for a time when I"m pretty sure I'll have an update to apply....

My 2024 GT pulls 69A during updates, so I'm using the cost for the PL6100 that I have. ??

 

[SierraSierra]

I'll throw this into the mix too, I got that message every trip, sometimes multiple times in a trip in my 2021 as well. I popped the plastic off the camera mount behind the rearview mirror, pulled the camera out and just put it right back in and I haven't had the issue since, in multiple trips. Software update may help too, but my issue seems to have been mechanical.

 

[MyLittlePony2021]

I'll throw this into the mix too, I got that message every trip, sometimes multiple times in a trip in my 2021 as well. I popped the plastic off the camera mount behind the rearview mirror, pulled the camera out and just put it right back in and I haven't had the issue since, in multiple trips. Software update may help too, but my issue seems to have been mechanical.

I’ve taken my 2021 in 3x for this issue when my car was still under warranty. The first “fix” didn’t work at all. ? The 2nd fix worked for 3 days. ? Took car in a 3rd time to another dealer and told them that the pre-collision error happened every time I hit a big bump in the road. They listened. I didn’t have the error come up for about a year. Brought my car in to a 3rd dealer to have fixed (out of warranty) and again said that the error pops up when I hit a bump. The 3rd dealer said I needed a software update and quoted me $750. I declined because I believe it to be a mechanical issue. I will give your suggestion a try. ?

 

[Jtbuster]

My 2024 GT pulls 69A during updates, so I'm using the cost for the PL6100 that I have. ??

Do you have a dedicated circuit for 100A?

 

[SierraSierra]

I’ve taken my 2021 in 3x for this issue when my car was still under warranty. The first “fix” didn’t work at all. ? The 2nd fix worked for 3 days. ? Took car in a 3rd time to another dealer and told them that the pre-collision error happened every time I hit a big bump in the road. They listened. I didn’t have the error come up for about a year. Brought my car in to a 3rd dealer to have fixed (out of warranty) and again said that the error pops up when I hit a bump. The 3rd dealer said I needed a software update and quoted me $750. I declined because I believe it to be a mechanical issue. I will give your suggestion a try. ?

Mine was also happening whenever I hit a bump, or at least it only happened after I hit a bump which is what made me think it was just loose. Crossing my fingers that I don't have to 're-seat' the camera more than once a year now!

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