Hey all,
Just wanted to reach out to those Guru's who are able to flash calibrations and or reprogram the modules in their Ford's/Lincoln's and Mercs.
I am pretty sure the Elm Adapter i currently own can read them, has the switch for both HS and MS can bus feeds. also been told i should be able to reprogram the modules and or update them.
Software i've been using for clearing the basic stuff is Torque. love it but limited on what it actually will do.
So I've invested time into obtaining Ford IDS and FDRS. however now the dilemma... They require Activation Codes against their live server.
My issue is which one do I need. I can get a 2 day license for the IDS/FDRS for I think 50$ (does this option allow the reprogramming of the modules)
or Does the Full IDS suite with a 2 day license of 150$ allow this option too. Or is there a way to obtain the modules free based on my VIN and a program i can then use to reprogram them from there. I also am looking into ForScan for Windows.
I do understand I may be able to activate that for use personally for free? is this correct? if so where do I find that.
If you guys could please spoon feed the answers on this topic I'd appreciate it. time to research has been limited at best.
Again the main reason for this is : I have an 04 Expy EB. its had a traction control issue for a very long time and was told it needs to be reprogrammed by the dealer and now I understand if I have the vin and a place to get the file I can flash it myself saving a trip to the dealer. BTW, they are charging me 150 to re-flash it.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Bill

Location is Bristol PA 19007

 

Welcome to FTE. I'll start by saying that I don't really know the answer to your question, but I doubt if it's possible. There are ezines Motor and MotorAge that sometimes talk about reprogramming this or that -- MotorAge more than Motor. Service shops somettimes fail if they have some non OEM setup , even though it's supposed to work.

There is an SAE standard for reprgramming, but you have to buy stuff from some company -- the stuff includes any licenses etc that are required.

There are a couple of guys that visit here that are shop owners -- so they probably have more info. You could also try asking your question in the forum section that covers your truck -- just go to the main page and scan for the section you need.

If you do try it yourself, be sure that you know what you're in for. The dealer charge might be cheap compared to what they might charge if somehow you screw it up.

Not trying to be a downer, but the companies don't seem to really make this easy. I'd be glad to find that I'm wrong about that, but I don't think that I am.

Good Luck,

hj

 

Well I gave it the old college try. and loaded the as built data. then went into the module and started the initialize function. once i started that it was a brake pedal and turn lock to lock on the wheel and then it set. no more DTC errors. C1998 gone and my traction control back in service.

Saved me 150 at the dealers local to me. why i didnt look into this sooner i dont know.
All done and pretty easy too.

 

 

You should be able to perform as-built configurations with Forscan using supported hardware.

 

Tideman - I was able to use a WIFI elm327 adapter and Forscan to run the calibration module. took less then 3 min to complete. after having that C1998 error due to a faulty hub bearing and abs sensor, my mistake was clearing the codes like everyone else. but was told by several shops that it had to be reprogrammed by Ford services. at the time it didnt effect the vehicle in drivability so i ignored it but its annoying everytime you get in the truck. so finally researched it further. and yes love this set up. most of my vehicles are Ford/Linc Merc.

Projectsho89 - As you stated you are correct, Forscan was able to read the modules and correct it via the as built values already stored in the system. loaded that and calibrated.

Do have a question.:
I down loaded the as built data from Ford and it came in a .AB file Curious if i need to break it down to the individual modules? or if it can be imported in its current config and allow the system to read and pick what it needs to reset. how do you load the Ford AB file and or modify it in forscan.
I do have the IDS software but i dont have a valid license for it so i cant load it.

 

 

Hmm I know someone else that has gotten the clone to do something just like this.
he was going to send me the info on the process and as of yet hasn't. I think that has
to do with him being busy. The issue I run into when trying to program or reprogram is
access to the needed files. I will send a message to the person and see if he has
some time to fill me in.