FDRS - Mach-E

[breeves002]

yesterday, I had periods of 12V 36A draw from the external power supply. Today, the highest current was 24A. 10A might work, or at least extend the time to low 12V LVB, but ideally, we probably want a 50A minimum charger/power supply to cover all bases, especially if FDRS sessions go for hours.

That said, my dealer was updating my MME for some hours before I noticed they had no charger connected, and everything was still okay. I bet many dealer updates are done with no power supply connected. Or, the dealer might connect L2, which some TSB/SSM say is not the same thing, and not recommended in lieu of a 12V charger/power supply (or, a Red Mustang!).

Connecting L2 is a terrible idea. For module updates it takes that CAN bus offline but leaves power enabled which would cause a whole bunch of stuff to freak out and the charging to stop. Depending on the module updated the DC DC converter sometimes stays online, other times it does not. It does not stay online when updating the main powertrain related modules or the IPMA. The IPMA update requires a 30A+ charger or you'll kill the 12v battery during it.

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[Finkerton]

Then, they can also do things like kill the dreaded F150 power on, driver's door closed double beep.

Or perhaps the MME powered on, driver's door closed double beep?

 

[louibluey]

Connecting L2 is a terrible idea. For module updates it takes that CAN bus offline but leaves power enabled which would cause a whole bunch of stuff to freak out and the charging to stop. Depending on the module updated the DC DC converter sometimes stays online, other times it does not. It does not stay online when updating the main powertrain related modules or the IPMA. The IPMA update requires a 30A+ charger or you'll kill the 12v battery during it.

That is why I posted, "Or, the dealer might connect L2, which some TSB/SSM say is not the same thing, and not recommended in lieu of a 12V charger/power supply (or, a Red Mustang!)."

I did learn that by following what you post and reading most of the SSM / TSBs carefully. Thank you for posting those, and for your technical insight. You said in another post that you are related to a dealer somehow, I can see your depth of Ford technical knowledge is exceptional, and I am quite certain that everyone here appreciates it.

Remember when I asked you for help back in May (PM), you told me to go the dealer if I had any of the symptoms in the TSBs or SSMs that you posted, and only if they justified an update. I did that, but my original dealer said they could not work on it until they installed L2 in the service bays. That is one reason that I am avoiding dealer service as much as possible.

I did finally find a better dealer, who graciously updated all modules (overnight). They connected a 12V supply (probably a 200A shop unit), only after I raised the issue and noted the requirement in the TSB, and suggested not running overnight without the 12V charger. There were some minor problems too (light scratches which I had carefully avoided with trim tools, missing clips (I have extras now), and the red 12V cap was not re-installed, almost a non-issue, but not perfect).

 

[ProximusAl]

Based on the posts in this thread I have now upgraded my supply to a switched 13.8V@50amps ?. Unfortunately I don’t have any red mustangs available during module programming, so I’ve just ordered this:

https://www.radioworld.co.uk/sharman-sm-50ii

I’ve also ordered some 50amp crocodile clips with ring ends so I can attach it to the 50a posts on the back of my new supply.

I was reading about some new BMWs need a 100A supply for programming! Scary.

 

[Jimrpa]

my Dealer wants over $400... that includes a $100 programming fee.. Im jealous

Why is your dealer charging you a penny?! This should be covered under warranty!

 

[i8iridium]

I have the same questions. Watching way too many YouTube videos on FORScan now, the F150 community has many FORScan setting options. For example, possibly in older versions, or as an alternative programming method, for a module, there are tables of module address data down the left side of the page, then several spaces where the present HEX numbers (the data) are shown. Apparently you can change some or any of the HEX numbers, to say set a tire circumference size. There are user spread sheets that give the HEX numbers for various F150 tire types and tell you which number to change. I also saw a video where, possibly a newer version of FORScan, or just a different way, where there was a readable list of BCM settings, tires size in mm being one of them, and the YouTuber just typed in his new circumference in mm and saved and flashed the data to the BCM module.

Then, they can also do things like kill the dreaded F150 power on, driver's door closed double beep.

I do not see so far any detailed examples of what we MME FORScan users can change with spreadsheets or instructions. It may just be too early.

I did A LOT of Forscsn programming and investigation with my F150 and other Fords. Unfortunately, forscan is unable to program many of the modules in the Mach E yet. I’ve tried to mess with The BCM and a few others. It’ll take some time to catch up.

 

[benk016]

Why is your dealer charging you a penny?! This should be covered under warranty!

Ford doesn't pay for software updates unless there is an actual issue that an update is documented to fix. Warranty doesn't cover updates just because you want the newest version.

 

[benk016]

I did A LOT of Forscsn programming and investigation with my F150 and other Firds. Unfortunately, forscan is unable to program many of the modules in the Mach E yet. I’ve tried to mess with The BCM and a few others. It’ll take some time to catch up.

One of the modules on my car actually downloaded the new update file to do the update, but I haven't tried it yet.

 

[Jimrpa]

Ford doesn't pay for software updates unless there is an actual issue that an update is documented to fix. Warranty doesn't cover updates just because you want the newest version.

And just where is this covered? Ford is claiming that no update ever includes “bugfixes”? That’s just silly.

 

[breeves002]

That is why I posted, "Or, the dealer might connect L2, which some TSB/SSM say is not the same thing, and not recommended in lieu of a 12V charger/power supply (or, a Red Mustang!)."

I did learn that by following what you post and reading most of the SSM / TSBs carefully. Thank you for posting those, and for your technical insight. You said in another post that you are related to a dealer somehow, I can see your depth of Ford technical knowledge is exceptional, and I am quite certain that everyone here appreciates it.

Remember when I asked you for help back in May (PM), you told me to go the dealer if I had any of the symptoms in the TSBs or SSMs that you posted, and only if they justified an update. I did that, but my original dealer said they could not work on it until they installed L2 in the service bays. That is one reason that I am avoiding dealer service as much as possible.

I did finally find a better dealer, who graciously updated all modules (overnight). They connected a 12V supply (probably a 200A shop unit), only after I raised the issue and noted the requirement in the TSB, and suggested not running overnight without the 12V charger. There were some minor problems too (light scratches which I had carefully avoided with trim tools, missing clips (I have extras now), and the red 12V cap was not re-installed, almost a non-issue, but not perfect).

So many dealers have stupid excuses not to do things. It makes me mad. It is hard to find good ones. I'm currently searching for a new one myself. I hate having to diagnose my own cars just to have them tell me that it isn't the problem...just to have them fix the wrong thing and for me to say "I told you so". Bunch of idiots I swear.

And just where is this covered? Ford is claiming that no update ever includes “bugfixes”? That’s just silly.

Basically all updates include bug fixes. Ford will pay warranty labor time for software updates if it is fixing an issue with the car that is covered under warranty. For example....cooling fan runs at full blast when charging. There is a TSB for that so the dealer can easily follow it to update the modules then claim the warranty time with Ford and get paid. If there's no perceived problem the dealer is essentially working for free unless they charge you.

If anyone want's to drive to me I'll update your car for a few bucks to help cover the FDRS subscription and a 6 pack of beer...It really isn't hard, but dealers are dealers...

 

[benk016]

And just where is this covered? Ford is claiming that no update ever includes “bugfixes”? That’s just silly.

Ford vehicles have had module updates for a long time. Its been frustrating to know there is newer updates to your car, but can't get them applied. That's why you see people using forscan, and other ways to get these updates without paying a dealer.

 

[breeves002]

Ford vehicles have had module updates for a long time. Its been frustrating to know there is newer updates to your car, but can't get them applied. That's why you see people using forscan, and other ways to get these updates without paying a dealer.

Well let's just hope they get timely OTAs figured out and just start pushing those next year...That would be REALLY nice. What kills me is they just have done nothing at all this year. The only update of any substance was that TCU update to add SecuriAlert or whatever it's called.

I wish UCDS supported the Mach E already because that is affordable for people ($400 or less one time) and can do all module updates like a dealer tool can. You can even select later versions of software for different VINs or past versions.

 

[i8iridium]

I

Well let's just hope they get timely OTAs figured out and just start pushing those next year...That would be REALLY nice. What kills me is they just have done nothing at all this year. The only update of any substance was that TCU update to add SecuriAlert or whatever it's called.

I wish UCDS supported the Mach E already because that is affordable for people ($400 or less one time) and can do all module updates like a dealer tool can. You can even select later versions of software for different VINs or past versions.

I’m patiently waiting for all these softwares to get updated. I can’t wait to get my 5 blink turn signals back and get rid of my double honks. ?

 

[Jimrpa]

So many dealers have stupid excuses not to do things. It makes me mad. It is hard to find good ones. I'm currently searching for a new one myself. I hate having to diagnose my own cars just to have them tell me that it isn't the problem...just to have them fix the wrong thing and for me to say "I told you so". Bunch of idiots I swear.


Basically all updates include bug fixes. Ford will pay warranty labor time for software updates if it is fixing an issue with the car that is covered under warranty. For example....cooling fan runs at full blast when charging. There is a TSB for that so the dealer can easily follow it to update the modules then claim the warranty time with Ford and get paid. If there's no perceived problem the dealer is essentially working for free unless they charge you.

If anyone want's to drive to me I'll update your car for a few bucks to help cover the FDRS subscription and a 6 pack of beer...It really isn't hard, but dealers are dealers...

That would be a fun road trip. Sadly, this little four-letter word keeps getting in the way of anything fun - work ?

 

[Jimrpa]

Well let's just hope they get timely OTAs figured out and just start pushing those next year...That would be REALLY nice. What kills me is they just have done nothing at all this year. The only update of any substance was that TCU update to add SecuriAlert or whatever it's called.

I wish UCDS supported the Mach E already because that is affordable for people ($400 or less one time) and can do all module updates like a dealer tool can. You can even select later versions of software for different VINs or past versions.

What is UCDS?

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