Module firmware update, Error opening file

[ZekeTheSneak]

I keep recieving this message when trying to perform FMFU

"Module firmware update, Error opening file"


https://photos.app.goo.gl/AHqLMcvKTcwXvFa27


Also stupid question, Calibration level means current firmware? Apparently my PSCM is up to date already

[Ghano38]

That means to keep your car running avoid updating the Power Steering Control Module.

[ZekeTheSneak]

Can you elaborate?... Are you genuinely concerned I might brick that module?

[Ghano38]

Most people have bricked their PSCM trying to update it however if you want to go ahead don’t forget to store a vehicle profile and use a battery charger with a recommended adapter.

[tractmec]

I keep recieving this message when trying to perform FMFU

"Module firmware update, Error opening file"


https://photos.app.goo.gl/AHqLMcvKTcwXvFa27


Also stupid question, Calibration level means current firmware? Apparently my PSCM is up to date already

That error message is indicating the files are not in the FORScan Calibrations folder in your "My Documents" folder!(The small red icons will go green when FORScan finds the file in the folder) Those files have to be downloaded from the Ford Calibrations file server at Motorcraft service.

FORScan downloads these with the "Download" button at the lower left of the the Firmware configuration screen and there could be updated files available in a successful download!

If the file Download fails with this button, either you have a not stable enough internet connection (Assuming using a laptop in the vehicle with a strong WIFI signal) with which to obtain the files!
It is also possible the "currently installed files" or "available" files are not available on either Fords Server or on the FORScan paid license server!

As to your "stupid question", If the files that are available and downloadable are the same as the current files (and I will speak from experience here) I would not take the risk!

My experience with a 2010 Fusion(on it's third complete unit) and after much research, I have found these things have a very high failure rate! All it takes to "brick" them (Set DTC U3000:96) in normal use is overly tight control arm and/or tie rod end joints causing the Motor to overload or too many shock loads like hitting a curb excessively hard too many times during parking! This can knock the linkage out of alignment as well.(in the Fusions case it was 6000 faults and my two failures both happened in extremely cold winter weather and one lower joint turned out to be extremely tight in fact nearly seized)! (Fords Fix for U3000:96 is Steering unit replacement)!

These control modules have a certain number of these type of faults that can be stored until the DTC in the brackets sets and then the PSCM shuts down permanently!

The reason for the disclaimer against Firmware updating these is, if this PSCM is close to the fault limit, firmware updating does put a strain on the module as well and can push the fault limit past the maximum and set the above DTC code!

Now since your first post on this forum(General and support forum thread) was about repairing "Pull" "Drift" and/or "Wander", I am assuming you have had the steering system thoroughly checked for loose joints, Tight joints, Correct alignment(especially Caster and Camber being equal side to side in the case of pull)!

If you have done all this work first and the steering and alignment is good and within Ford specs and if and only if you know that there is or have actually read a Ford TSB with the actual Firmware files listed that address this particular set of problems, then by all means try to obtain them and put them in the FORScan Calibrations folder and attempt an update(Notice I said attempt)!

Then just pray that you actually have a vehicle with a Working Steering rack after you clear all the codes that will set and cycle the ignition! My experience with the third one on the Fusion(would help to post that TSB number if you know it)!

I am not actually trying to dissuade you from doing this, I just want you to be aware that Firmware updates should not be done just for fun or because you have"heard" there is an update and you just want to try it(and as an old boss of mine early in my 50 years said "When you are dealing with steering you are dealing with life)!

And to answer your last posted Question:

Can you elaborate?... Are you genuinely concerned I might brick that module?

In a word: Yes!

[ZekeTheSneak]

I really appreciate the lengthy explanation thank you. Well that is a bummer and you got me scared now. I'm just at my whits end with the steering rack. This is on a 16 f150.

Multiple alignments, new tires. Still wanders and dead space in the center. From what I have gathered it is in the programming. And I am not alone on this one. If anyone has any ideas that would be greatly appreciated.

Are other modules able to be updated? Obviously not going to update "just for fun".

[stimpy88]

This is nothing to do with Active Nibble Control, is it?

[ZekeTheSneak]

Never heard of this... You have pull drift assist and lane keep assist on some models. And the rack wants to center itself assist.

[tractmec]

I really appreciate the lengthy explanation thank you. Well that is a bummer and you got me scared now. I'm just at my whits end with the steering rack. This is on a 16 f150.

Multiple alignments, new tires. Still wanders and dead space in the center. From what I have gathered it is in the programming. And I am not alone on this one. If anyone has any ideas that would be greatly appreciated.

Are other modules able to be updated? Obviously not going to update "just for fun".

Please define the "Dead Space in the center" as it may go to the heart of the problem you are having?

[ZekeTheSneak]

On the f150 forums it is described as pull drift and wander. There is a Ford investigation on the issue. I forget the official term when Ford is looking into something? I can provide some links to that. But no tsb has been issued as far as I can tell.

https://www.f150forum.com/f118/2015-201 ... er-336159/


The truck will pull slightly to one side and then correct and go the other way and basically wander down the road. It is not an alignment issue but a steering rack programming issue and/or epas issues. The center of the wheel feels dead. I have to move the wheel left or right to take up the slack. I have tried this with the "pull drift compensation" turned on and off multiple times. Multiple alignments. Inspected equipment and tryed replacing lower control arms. Also upgraded to the SPC camber caster adjusters.