I configured the APIM values to AsBuilt. However, it did not resolve the issue. I see for TCU, Forscan shows there is a module update available after I downloaded the beta version. Should I do that?
Hi, probably u have also bricked (but not recoverable) TCU
Mine in Fiesta just died because someone wrongly disconnected and connected battery (also L-coded version from 2020! They looks like have some issues from factory).
U can also try to rewrite TCU AB, but be prepared for worst.
New TCU (used module) is not expensive, but u have to activate it in authorised service which is… quite expensive. My dealer replaced mine TCU for free.
In 2021 they blocked self-activation of TCUs, all activations must be done by stuff with connection to Ford Services.
PS: Do not try to update TCU module firmware - I tried that and it caused that all modules had reboot done by GWM module and I had errors in all modules, even odometer was “XXXXX km” because lost of connection with PCM.
Flashing a TCU with ForScan is a 45-90 minute process depending on what adapter you are using AND if you’ve downloaded the files in advance.
Anytime I see a TCU calibration update on a 1 for 1 fail its either because of a timeout due to the file download, a cheap adapter or there’s a prereq in the order (which ForScan doesn’t present, but IDS/FDRS does an example here being that on an H series TCU IDS won’t offer up the -M calibration unless the unit is at -J or higher).
I would have stepped somewhere in the middle along the way rather than just trying to go directly from -SE to -SR.
Updating TCU with Forscan will remove authorization for module… U will need to reach dealer to reauthorize it. So it is better to do it with local Ford service than by yourself, they will check if even TCU is working before any further action.
Yes and no to this.
Updating the calibration doesn’t remove the authorization on an L series.
I’ve replace L series TCU(s) here in the US using ForScan and was able to get them to authorize, so maybe this is strictly an EU issue or vehicle location issue?
Unfortunately no, L-series TCU are very are very unreliable. Idk if it is only in EU. Otherwise, as far as I know, u cannot reauthorize TCU in EU and USA by yourself (I checked on F150 forum that people also cannot do it in USA after retrofits or replacements). For sure L-series had update which also restricts authorization process and update causes that module gets unauthorized (for sure in EU).
Ford closed their system for that operation because lots of unauthorized retrofits (even in cars without TCU ever planned to have). Also many restrictions after 2021 changed that all “telemetry systems” must be closed for external users (that’s also reason why ETIS disappeared).
If u will have to replace TCU - do not replace for L-series, (2020) buy something newer. I had replaced for K-series TCU which have exact same AsBuilt as L-series so it can be used in your case. Maybe u will get authorized used TCU and only replacement will be needed? TCU reads car VIN from GWM (like 90% modules in Ford except PCM).
If u need help with coding new TCU reach me via DM or ask here - I’ve done many retrofits of TCU in EU and USA cars (even in F-150 in europe which is not available in Europe and it shouldn’t even work). U can also can find me on Cyanlabs Discord.
It was because of 3rd party apps using Fordpass and login information being compromised by the 3rd party apps. Ford specifically said this when they did it.
I took a stroll on the F150 forum site and I didn’t see where anyone was having an issue with authorizing L series as a straight replacement for a bad L or for that matter getting a J (or downgraded K) to authorize.
Flashing the L firmware on a MY2020+ vehicle can be problematic as Ford has locked away the CAN F10 files on some platforms which will keep one from being flashed with ForScan.
What I have seen on the forums is folks in Russia and Belarus having issues getting TCUs to authorize due to the current sanctions. Usually getting further west away from the Russia/Belarus allows the TCUs to authorize.
I have info about L-series from my local Ford Service and my Fiesta also had this issue - they’re just hardware broken (not sure if all L-series or only specific batch).
Idk also if it affects other markets than EU.
My faulty TCU was: LR3T-14G087-VE
Also I was informed that flashing soft via Forscan or even FDRS outside service will deauthorize TCU. Every update of new TCUs (L-series and newer) need reauthorization every time.
And yes, FordPass locked due to 3rd party apps but also because EU regulations.
Flashing via FDRS doesn’t deauth the TCU, the master reset of the APIM which is supposed to be done following a TCU calibration update just removes the FordPass authorization. Its the same as going out to the car and hitting Master Reset.
I think you’re dealer is blowing a bit of smoke, you can’t run FDRS without an account on Ford service.
So I tried flashing after getting the VLinker and providing a battery backup using a 1A trickle charger. However it fails instantly. I have tried with multiple calibration files and all ends up the same way. Below are messages displayed in Forscan. I haven’t noticed any additional issues.
TCU Module Firmware update has been started Reading Vehicle Info… Unable to read current firmware p/n, use assembly p/n: LB5T-14G139-SE Unable to read current firmware p/n, use assembly p/n: LB5T-14G144-SE Total size: 85.18Mb. Estimated duration: 1h 43m - 3h 25m Loading SBL to Primary Module Loading block 1/2 Operation failed, retrying… Operation failed, retrying… Loading SBL failed Service Procedure has been interrupted.
1A trickle charger is not going to cut it, you need 15-20A, my 2018 Fusion Hybrid with everything turned off draws 13.6A from my charger during flashing.
I’ve never had any luck using a VLINKER to load large firmware, an OBDLink EX is more reliable.
Did you run the SBL test first?
I did run SBL test for some other module and it was fine. However for TCU specifically, I didn’t run it before. I tried running afterwards and it’s also failing.
