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

[noway]

Answer is No. But, technically any adapter supporing all the CAN protocols used could be made to work, but it can't with FDRS because nobody has made a J2534 driver for the ELM protocol used by cheap adapters.

The J2534 protocol only exists within the computer and is a standard for the communication between the software (FDRS) and the driver for the adapter, and is made for workshops to (in theory) be able to use a single hardware adapter for all car brands software.

However the USB update process is legacy leftover from older sync versions where you would go to ford.com, enter VIN, and (in theory) be able to download new SYNC software, copy it to a USB drive and then update maps and sync version. The update process even still writes a manifest file back to the USB drive after it is done, which in the past you would upload to ford.com to let it verify and update software version status (so next time it would know what version is installed). This process in FDRS is now done in the final step after clicking "yes" when it asks if the update installed successfully, but by reading the versions directly over OBD instead of using the manifest file.

This also is just a small update from when you would go to a dealer and buy new maps and it being delivered on a CD (and later on a SD card). The process could (still in theory) be done without FDRS for the four modules supporting this update, but there is nowhere to download and sign the software without FDRS, so it can't (easely) be done.

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[Orb7]

Answer is No. But, technically any adapter supporing all the CAN protocols used could be made to work, but it can't with FDRS because nobody has made a J2534 driver for the ELM protocol used by cheap adapters.

The J2534 protocol only exists within the computer and is a standard for the communication between the software (FDRS) and the driver for the adapter, and is made for workshops to (in theory) be able to use a single hardware adapter for all car brands software.

However the USB update process is legacy leftover from older sync versions where you would go to ford.com, enter VIN, and (in theory) be able to download new SYNC software, copy it to a USB drive and then update maps and sync version. The update process even still writes a manifest file back to the USB drive after it is done, which in the past you would upload to ford.com to let it verify and update software version status (so next time it would know what version is installed). This process in FDRS is now done in the final step after clicking "yes" when it asks if the update installed successfully, but by reading the versions directly over OBD instead of using the manifest file.

This also is just a small update from when you would go to a dealer and buy new maps and it being delivered on a CD (and later on a SD card). The process could (still in theory) be done without FDRS for the four modules supporting this update, but there is nowhere to download and sign the software without FDRS, so it can't (easely) be done.

That makes a lot of sense, thanks for the technical info, I'll buy the J2534 interface cable.
Also, my understanding is that power supply isn't mandatory for USB-based updates since the car is running during the process, so I guess I can skip it.

 

[rugedraw]

That makes a lot of sense, thanks for the technical info, I'll buy the J2534 interface cable.
Also, my understanding is that power supply isn't mandatory for USB-based updates since the car is running during the process, so I guess I can skip it.

Correct, but if you need to update the IPMA, you will mostly likely run into issues with the small capacity 12v in these EVs. The CMR is another one that will take a bit, but if you charge your 12v to 100% before starting it, you may be fine with that one.

 

[Mike G]

Correct, but if you need to update the IPMA, you will mostly likely run into issues with the small capacity 12v in these EVs. The CMR is another one that will take a bit, but if you charge your 12v to 100% before starting it, you may be fine with that one.

No way a 52 minute CMR update gets done on a fully charged 36Ah battery. Of course if there is a portable generator with a 12v output or a truck nearby with jumper cables available it is doable. That’s how I got through my very first IPMA update for BC 1.0 back in 2022.

 

[Orb7]

Correct, but if you need to update the IPMA, you will mostly likely run into issues with the small capacity 12v in these EVs. The CMR is another one that will take a bit, but if you charge your 12v to 100% before starting it, you may be fine with that one.

Thanks
As far as I know, IPMA is primarily responsible for BlueCruise, which isn't available in my country, so it doesn’t seem worth the effort. I checked the release notes for any additional responsibilities (cruise control?) but didn’t find anything significant.

 

[rugedraw]

No way a 52 minute CMR update gets done on a fully charged 36Ah battery. Of course if there is a portable generator with a 12v output or a truck nearby with jumper cables available it is doable. That’s how I got through my very first IPMA update for BC 1.0 back in 2022.

@Orb7 I would listen to Mike as my experience updating EV's is limited.

Thanks
As far as I know, IPMA is primarily responsible for BlueCruise, which isn't available in my country, so it doesn’t seem worth the effort. I checked the release notes for any additional responsibilities (cruise control?) but didn’t find anything significant.

The newer IPMA software improve ADAS performance overall.....not just BC. So lane centering, lane keep assist, etc. However, if all you care about is getting your Sync software up to date, then yes, you can get away with no power supply.

 

[Orb7]

The newer IPMA software improve ADAS performance overall.....not just BC. So lane centering, lane keep assist, etc. However, if all you care about is getting your Sync software up to date, then yes, you can get away with no power supply.

Thanks for the info, is there any other significant update aside of the Sync (GWM, TCU, IPC, APIM) and ADAS (CCM, SCCM, CMR, IPMA/PSCM) sequences?

 

[Mark Hassa]

The powertrain module sets are often advantageous and worth updating.

 

[rugedraw]

Thanks for the info, is there any other significant update aside of the Sync (GWM, TCU, IPC, APIM) and ADAS (CCM, SCCM, CMR, IPMA/PSCM) sequences?

Like Mark mentioned: Powertrain modules seem to be a fan-favorite for the EV crowd.

 

[Snakebitten]

Like Mark mentioned: Powertrain modules seem to be a fan-favorite for the EV crowd.

Excuse me? ????

Sorry folks, it's an inside thing with Rugedraw and my Powerboost. ?

 

[Orb7]

Thanks all! I believe I've already got all Powertrain modules updates as part of the 22S41 recall.

 

[rugedraw]

Excuse me? ????

Sorry folks, it's an inside thing with Rugedraw and my Powerboost. ?

? You know me. PCM updates are.....

 

[noway]

- Battery control modules for getting the precondition on navigation to charger.
- HVAC module has got at least 3 cold Climate updates, first one was a disaster,
second one was almost not bad. Third one fixed the fogging issue finally.
- Door control modules had bugs causing delayed unlocking, error messages which is getting better.
- ADAS just for lane centering and cruise control has gotten a lot better after recent updates. The IPMA module is responsible for all of those. This includes updates to PCCM which is in the same package. I have not seen a CCM update sine the first one, but this module only does radar, not the actual cruise control.

Some of the updates has already been done during recalls (ABS updates ++)

 

[Mike G]

@Jefke77 You need to do that GWM module first before trying to do anything else. Make sure your 12V battery is fully charged up before starting. Leave the car running for a half hour and then try it again.

 

[Jefke77]

@Jefke77 You need to do that GWM module first before trying to do anything else. Make sure your 12V battery is fully charged up before starting. Leave the car running for a half hour and then try it again.

Thanks,
I will charge the LV batt. overnight.
And try again in the morning!
thanks again.
???

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