How do software updates work?

[Dirtman]

This is an odd question, i tried to research but couldn't find any info online (at least info I could understand). I know that PCM's, ECU's, whatever you call them get periodic software updates from Ford and they arent really advertised unless you bring your vehicle in for service for something relevant to the update. Is there any resource online where you can check your vehicle and its current software number to see if there is a potential update? I'm sure a visit to the dealer could give me an answer but I own 5 fords and while I love my vehicles, I hate standing in the dealership for an hour trying to get info from a service writer who doesn't even know what a tire is. I do 99% of all my own work but obviously software is not something a DIY guy can do. My feista had an update to fix transmission issues, and my mkx had an update to fix an evap issue. Both brought in for warranty. My ranger, mustang, and F-450 are all way off warantee but have random quirks I wonder, if like the mkx and fiesta could be software related, or the update just provide better efficiency or whatever. So im curious if I can look them up to see if new software is available. If i have that info in hand i can just go to the dealer and say here's my money, install Xxx-xxx-xxx software version, ill be back in an hour.

 

[RonD]

PCM software is found by Ford Dealers using VIN look up

You can try here: https://www.ford.ca/service/ourServices/safetyRecalls/

 

[adsm08]

Ron's answer is incomplete.

The by VIN they can really only see what was installed at the factory. The scanner can pull the calibration file ID off the computer and then compare to Ford's server to say "yes there is a newer version" or "No, this is the highest one".

According to Ford any needed updates would be found in a TSB or SSM, which would be looked up in relation to an issue you may be having, and aren't needed as a routine thing like updates for your PC or phone.

I like to do it anyway, especially for transmission issues, because it wipes everything and forces the adaptive strategies to start from zero.

 

[RonD]

VIN should show original version and any updates already installed, unless it wasn't done by Ford Dealer.

 

[adsm08]

VIN should show original version and any updates already installed, unless it wasn't done by Ford Dealer.

A simple VIN search, not done through a scan tool, will only show versions installed for recall or TSB purposes, if someone went and updated the software hoping to cure a poor shift or an odd running concern that has no other apparent cause, like I do, that will not be recorded int he service history and a VIN search would not reflect the correct software level.

Also, Ford does not track things like that outside of Warranty, so if it was done customer pay it also would not be reflected in the database. The only sure way to know if the PCM is at the latest level is to hook it up to an IDS and try to update it.