MongoosePlus Ford2 and FDRS

[louibluey]

Powered up the MME with a flash programming power supply, Ran FDRS on a Lenovo Thinkpad with the MongoosePlus Ford2 $495 from Amazon.

All went well, no problems. With a two day $50 pass, checked all modules, and under SW update, updated three modules. The instructions from Drew (the Mongoose) through FDRS installation and operation are very clear and detailed. The process would be easy for a careful high school student.

Now, I can do my own SSMs, TSBs, etc. if all they need is programming. At first look, I do not see much functionality beyond reading DTCs, module test routines, and updating modules, so the $50 two day rentals should do the trick. [edit: you can look at, graph, and record PIDs where Ford shows all PIDs for each module, what is available to look at: FDRS Newbie discovers Flight Recorder!]. Around here I had canceled dealer service, month long waits, not to mention very long discussions about what needed to be done. For DIY di-hards, home FDRS is kinda fun and very convenient.

Running fast internet, fast computer, and the Mongoose, nothing took more than minutes so far. Probably some updates may take longer. No idea how Mongoose speed compares to the Ford Rotunda VMC3, but Mongoose is readily available and cost $1,000 less!

I didn't think to mash the min-max button on the Fluke DC current meter, but at one point when I looked, the current was 36A, so a relatively small 12V charger is not going to do the job.

I read that Mongoose works with FORScan, so that is something to try next.

Sponsored

 

[phidauex]

Awesome feedback, gives me some confidence in giving it a try! It would be great if it works with FORSCAN too, if it does, that makes it an easy call.

 

[BMT1071]

Powered up the MME with a flash programming power supply, Ran FDRS on a Lenovo Thinkpad with the MongoosePlus Ford2 $495 from Amazon.

All went well, no problems. With a two day $50 pass, checked all modules, and under SW update, updated three modules. The instructions from Drew (the Mongoose) through FDRS installation and operation are very clear and detailed. The process would be easy for a careful high school student.

Now, I can do my own SSMs, TSBs, etc. if all they need is programming. At first look, I do not see much functionality beyond reading DTCs, module test routines, and updating modules, so the $50 two day rentals should do the trick. Around here I had canceled dealer service, month long waits, not to mention very long discussions about what needed to be done. For DIY di-hards, home FDRS is kinda fun and very convenient.

Running fast internet, fast computer, and the Mongoose, nothing took more than minutes so far. Probably some updates may take longer. No idea how Mongoose speed compares to the Ford Rotunda VMC3, but Mongoose is readily available and cost $1,000 less!

I didn't think to mash the min-max button on the Fluke DC current meter, but at one point when I looked, the current was 36A, so a relatively small 12V charger is not going to do the job.

I read that Mongoose works with FORScan, so that is something to try next.

It's not so much about matching the amperage draw as maintaining the voltage level. I'm guessing that making sure the vehicle is cold and the ambient temp isn't too high will reduce/eliminate any cooling the car is doing during programming events.

 

[louibluey]

It's not so much about matching the amperage draw as maintaining the voltage level. I'm guessing that making sure the vehicle is cold and the ambient temp isn't too high will reduce/eliminate any cooling the car is doing during programming events.

yes, agree, keeping a constant voltage is what most sites seem to say is important. But, the way to hold a constant voltage is to be able to provide the current needed to hold that voltage. The numbers I mentioned were what the power supply was supplying to MME (36A at times first day, 24A max second day of FDRS).

A follow up note, I did notice during several FDRS operations that the voltage in the lower right hand corner of the FDRS page jumped from 13.4V (my power supply set voltage) to 14.3V indicating that the DC-DC converter did come on. I think it is still a safe bet not to 100% rely on the DC-DC converter, but it does sound like there are many times now when it might come on to help out.

That maybe why in part some are succeeding with no power connected, or with chargers or power supplies with relatively low ampacity (to maintain a constant voltage).

Also, note that Ford does not call for a flash programming power supply, only for a charger. I wonder if the module internal voltage regulation is sufficient, so it may be less critical if the 12V rail changes a little.

 

[louibluey]

Awesome feedback, gives me some confidence in giving it a try! It would be great if it works with FORSCAN too, if it does, that makes it an easy call.

yes, Mongoose works with FORScan. I am also a FORScan newbie with a lot to learn, but I had no problem in first few tries connecting to the MME through FORScan.

 

[daniel9478]

...

Also, note that Ford does not call for a flash programming power supply, only for a charger. I wonder if the module internal voltage regulation is sufficient, so it may be less critical if the 12V rail changes a little.

Working in the automotive electronics industry on modules other than the ones being discussed here, I would assume that the primary concern is to keep the module out of a low voltage mode that could cause it to inadvertently shut off in the midst of programming. The exact voltage should not matter as long as it stays within range to keep the module operating.

I would expect that most people could (with a good 12V battery) program while only on battery power and have no issues, but that the statements to connect a charger are more of a backup plan to remove one potential source of failure more than anything else.

 

[MachTee]

I think most if not all of these updates require a backup 12V to be plugged in. I had the dealer do the charging fan noise TSB couple weeks ago and my service advisor admitted to having nearly bricked my car. I'm pretty sure they plugged in a 12V backup as I could tell they removed the trims under the hood, since couple of the trim fasteners weren't secure after I got the car back

IIRC Ford mentioned that the fan noise during charging TSB will eventually be released OTA. Is updating the car using FDRS different than OTA? I can't imagine Ford will ask owners to plug in a 12V backup source before an OTA update

 

[kltye]

I "bricked" the IPMA flashing process multiple times because I wasn't careful with maintaining battery voltage when I first started. I can't vouch for *all* failure modes, but the modules do seem pretty resilient to power outages and incomplete flashes. Not that I recommend verifying my anecdotal data, but this might give you a bit of ease of mind if future people encounter voltage drop-outs during programming

FDRS/OBD programming completely erases the module and programs both memory banks (A and B) of the modules - it's akin to reinstalling an operating system. OTA updates are like OS updates - it only updates the relevant bits of code, so it's mucho mucho faster.

Sponsored