The Complete DIY Guide to Updating Your Mach-E with FDRS

[Rory]

Using FDRS for the first time. Things I wish were in the original post to this thread.

1. If your USB device gets a "for charging only" error when plugged into the car, check that it is formatted for exFAT and that the boot record is MBR not GPT. I had a 1 GB SSD, and it turned out it was using a GPT boot record. It's hard on a windows machine to check this, but follow the instructions that Microsoft provides for changing a GPT to MBR disk and you'll be fine.
2. One error that may not clear is the SOBDMC error regarding the shift knob. Drive the car a bit, come back, and then the error should be able to be cleared.
3. Change your computer's settings so it doesn't go to sleep during the process.
4. To find help in this thread, open the thread, then use the forum search box, click on "Everywhere" and change to "This thread". That was a lifesaver for me (that's how I fixed #1 and #2 issues above.)

Minor observations.

1. My 2022 Premium ER 4WD pulled about 35 amps during updates.
2. Battery access was by far the worst part of this process. After finding out how many clips I had to retrieve following removal of the shields, I decided to drill holes for access rather than going through the clip search each time I did an update.
3. As expensive as it is, I'd rather have gotten the Bluetooth version of the Mongoose adapter. The cable connection made getting around in the car awkward, and I worried about accidentally unplugging it.
4. Leaving the driver side door open the whole time made things easier.

Eauipment used:
Power supply https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B8N8JNS6
Mongoose connector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097NHQ7ZW
Cables https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079C3GN4S (given 35 amp draw, could have used 4awg copper coated aluminum instead of pure copper cables to save a few dollars)
Digital multimeter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5M68LG5 to check supply voltage (I set supply to 13.4V)

Note: just discovered that the original post is a "wiki" post and editable by anyone, so I added some of this stuff to the original post.

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[Jeff-NoVA]

3. As expensive as it is, I'd rather have gotten the Bluetooth version of the Mongoose adapter. The cable connection made getting around in the car awkward, and I worried about accidentally unplugging it.

Run the cord over the steering wheel (assuming you have the computer inside the car) - really helps keep the cable out of the way.

 

[dreKion]

Hi all,

Just update the APIM of my car with FDRS. Then just after that, FordPass was not working anymore (my account locked, my wife account too).
Ford has suspended my account due to the suspicious activity, seriouskly Ford ?
Have you already experience this kind of inconvenient ?

Me too. I use another account but same message as you

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

Note: just discovered that the original post is a "wiki" post and editable by anyone, so I added some of this stuff to the original post.

Thanks for that.

2. Battery access was by far the worst part of this process. After finding out how many clips I had to retrieve following removal of the shields, I decided to drill holes for access rather than going through the clip search each time I did an update.

Smart move. Far easier.

 

[Mike G]

Today's tip brought to you by Ford's GSB 24-7076 "SYNC Programming For SYNC 4":

"SYNC 4 And Digital Experience Software Dependencies
The first initial stage of APIM software updates may require updating the GWM, TCU, and IPC first. In order to receive the latest APIM software update in FDRS, make sure GWM, TCU, and IPC have the latest software version."

 

[DeusEx]

Today's tip brought to you by Ford's GSB 24-7076 "SYNC Programming For SYNC 4":

"SYNC 4 And Digital Experience Software Dependencies
The first initial stage of APIM software updates may require updating the GWM, TCU, and IPC first. In order to receive the latest APIM software update in FDRS, make sure GWM, TCU, and IPC have the latest software version."

Sounds like Ford is officially saying what you've and others have been saying for years in this thread, @Mike G! That said, this feels like Ford is tidying up some loose ends before releasing the APIM update to address lingering Sync4 issues! ?

 

[Jeff-NoVA]

Today's tip brought to you by Ford's GSB 24-7076 "SYNC Programming For SYNC 4":

"SYNC 4 And Digital Experience Software Dependencies
The first initial stage of APIM software updates may require updating the GWM, TCU, and IPC first. In order to receive the latest APIM software update in FDRS, make sure GWM, TCU, and IPC have the latest software version."

This reminds me, when I was in FDRS earlier this week I was not showing an IPC update available, but it was showing on the software update screen that my IPC was locked from updates and there was an option to request that it be unlocked. I went ahead and submitted the request but I’m not sure anything will come of it.

Perhaps this is why I had to request assistance from one of our resident experts the last time I needed my IPC updated?

 

[Mike G]

This reminds me, when I was in FDRS earlier this week I was not showing an IPC update available, but it was showing on the software update screen that my IPC was locked from updates and there was an option to request that it be unlocked. I went ahead and submitted the request but I’m not sure anything will come of it.

Perhaps this is why I had to request assistance from one of our resident experts the last time I needed my IPC updated?

I would go into FDRS and do a Configuration on the IPC to force it to download the asbuilt from the cloud. The next thing to try would be a PMI.

 

[rugedraw]

I would go into FDRS and do a Configuration on the IPC to force it to download the asbuilt from the cloud. The next thing to try would be a PMI.

He is on -AB strat for the IPC. Is that the latest available for these vehicles?

 

[Mike G]

He is on -AB strat for the IPC. Is that the latest available for these vehicles?

Server thinks his config is wrong. So it's probably easiest to have the asbuilt the server think is correct reapplied using the config tool (or a PMI either way).

 

[rugedraw]

Server thinks his config is wrong. So it's probably easiest to have the asbuilt the server think is correct reapplied using the config tool (or a PMI either way).

@Jeff-NoVA If memory serves me right, you made some forscan changes to the IPC, no?

 

[Jeff-NoVA]

@Jeff-NoVA If memory serves me right, you made some forscan changes to the IPC, no?

correct, it was updated remotely with Forscan and some tweaks to get BC 1.3 working.

 

[rugedraw]

correct, it was updated remotely with Forscan and some tweaks to get BC 1.3 working.

Yea, that I know. However, nothing is done to the IPC to enable the newer BC. Curious to see if it gets removed the next time you scan the truck with FDRS. Lmk.

 

[Jeff-NoVA]

Yea, that I know. However, nothing is done to the IPC to enable the newer BC. Curious to see if it gets removed the next time you scan the truck with FDRS. Lmk.

Yeah, that’s right. The tweaks were two other modules. The issue was that I couldn’t see the lane change indicators without an update to my IPC and at that time my IPC was also locked out from updates for whatever reason.

Definitely will let you know next time I connect to FRS though it might be some time.

 

[shelnian]

Decided to try a Chinese 2 board VCM2 clone I bought from DR.IAUTO on eBay for $200. Shipped from New Jersey. Took out three screws that didn't have the warranty tamper sticker and pried it open enough to confirm it was 2 boards. It also has the reset button and a SD card installed in the SD slot. Used VCI Manager to update it's firmware from a 2015 version to a 2020 version. Tested it by updating the Passenger Door Module on my Lightning and no issues so Installed all updates for the Lightning last night and the Mach E this morning. Seemed to work as well as the borrowed Mongoose Plus I used a year ago plus I saved $375.

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