FORScan PCM Access

[RussB08F250]

I have an early build 2008 5.4 L Ford F250 SD XL. I have the most up to date version of FORScan and cannot access the PCM for configuration/programming purposes. I first used the recommended OBDLink EX USB connector and when that did not work I was told to try the Vlinker FS USB connector because it has FEPS and it still does not access the PCM. The photos I took are too large to attach, but it clearly sees the PCM but does not give me access to it. Am I doing something wrong or am I just locked out because Ford put some kind of block so it cannot be accessed? All I want to do is add cruise control, which includes changing my steering with cruise functionality, but I need to know if cruise is already preprogrammed into the PCM, and if so, enable it so I can make it work. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you

[tractmec]

I have an early build 2008 5.4 L Ford F250 SD XL. I have the most up to date version of FORScan and cannot access the PCM for configuration/programming purposes. I first used the recommended OBDLink EX USB connector and when that did not work I was told to try the Vlinker FS USB connector because it has FEPS and it still does not access the PCM. The photos I took are too large to attach, but it clearly sees the PCM but does not give me access to it. Am I doing something wrong or am I just locked out because Ford put some kind of block so it cannot be accessed? All I want to do is add cruise control, which includes changing my steering with cruise functionality, but I need to know if cruise is already preprogrammed into the PCM, and if so, enable it so I can make it work. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you

By latest version do you mean 2.3.69 or 2.4.21!
PCM firmware programming is only available in version 2.4.21 and what you are looking for(Cruse control) is a Vehicle ID block setting and is only programmable in PCM Firmware!
Will show up in Configuration and Programming as "Module Firmware Update" and "Vehicle ID block configuration"! Will need the vlinker FS adapter for FEPS signal!

You have to be logged into the forum with the paid token(Comes with your Paid license activation invoice which is also necessary for firmware programming) in order to find the 2.4.xx version download in the private forum thread!

[RussB08F250]

Thank you for the information. I do have the older version then. I will follow your advice and give it another try. Fingers crossed.

[Don Ridley]

Tractmec,

I have read your explanation of older PCMs requiring a Vlinker adapter due to FEPs. I did not read carefully because you did say the firmware update process would terminate without it. So it appears it is not possible to change PCM as built data in this generation of vehicles? I'm asking because an F150 (1999 MY) owner on another forum is trying to mate a PCM from a 4x4 to a 2x4 truck. I can see the as built data for the two types of vehicles are slightly different. But now it seems they will need to update the PCM firmware instead of modifying the as built.

Please let me know thoughts.

Don Ridley

[tractmec]

Tractmec,

I have read your explanation of older PCMs requiring a Vlinker adapter due to FEPs. I did not read carefully because you did say the firmware update process would terminate without it. So it appears it is not possible to change PCM as built data in this generation of vehicles? I'm asking because an F150 (1999 MY) owner on another forum is trying to mate a PCM from a 4x4 to a 2x4 truck. I can see the as built data for the two types of vehicles are slightly different. But now it seems they will need to update the PCM firmware instead of modifying the as built.

Please let me know thoughts.

Don Ridley

Not with FORScan on early 1996 to 2003 PWM Networked PCM's so far! I was Told a while back that these are very tricky to program as Far as Firmware(.BIN Files) is concerned and that the team is working on Firmware Programming for PWM Networked PCMs!
So if the PCM is on a PWM network instead of HSCAN I am afraid FORScan will not even show PCM Module Firmware update as a selection(My Sons 2002 Sport Trac does not show any PCM programming of any kind)!
I did an update to the last PCM update available for the 2003 Expedition I used to own and I had to do it with a Patched version of IDS 86 and a VCM2 clone adapter!

So Far FORScan can only program Firmware on PCMs that are on the HSCAN network( .PHF Calibration file from ~2004 to 2008 and .VBF files ~ 2009/2012 and up. Calbration files before that appear to be a .BIN extension) where they began phasing out the FEPS signal in favour of Secondary Boot Loader (SBL) Files)!
I am afraid that what he is trying to do involves a Change in the Vehicle ID block Parameters(VIN field and Drive line type 4X4 to 4X2 for a start) and then performing a Firmware update to erase the PCM and rewrite the changes! Firmware/calibration file programming is still IDS and a VCM2 only on these old PWM PCM's!
AsBuilt is also done as a part of Firmware programming on these!

Sorry I am afraid those are the facts!

[Don Ridley]

Great information as always. I'll pass it on. Thanks!

[RussB08F250]

UPDATE: I was able to update the firmware for the PCM but not any of the other modules. It kept saying no files found. I tried it several times over the past two days with the same results. Any suggestions on how to get them updated, if at all?

I was able to reprogram the PCM to show Speed Control as 'Present' and I installed my replacement steering wheel today and the cruise control in it works just fine. Every function on the control panel (on/off, set/resume, +/-) all work just fine. I am verry grateful to have this done, and appreciate everyone's help.