Should I disable automatic OTA updates after getting a tune?

[evant8950]

Hi Everyone

I just got a flex fuel tune for my Mustang but it has me thinking if I should disable the automatic OTA updates. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Much appreciated!

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[rugedraw]

I would say depending on your tuner. Only a PCM update will wipe your tune. If you're tuned with a company like Livernois (for example), they will send you an updated tune within a few days once you upload the new stock tune to them at no cost. However, some tuners do not make it that easy (or cheap) for you to get an updated tune should an OTA or dealer update wipe it.

Even if you turn it off, you will get a notification that there is an update that requires your permission to install. You can just let it download to see which one it is, and if it is a PCM update, then you can choose not to install it.

 

[evant8950]

Thanks for the reply! I have the latest power train update that is pending to be installed but it has been stuck as scheduled to be installed even before I applied the tune to the car. I am not sure what is wrong with that update but since I just applied the tune I will leave the automatic updates turned off.

 

[rugedraw]

I have your VIN. That PCM update has failed a bunch of times due to low battery stats. The current PCM strategy on your car is BBF and it wants to install the BBE strategy, but your battery SoC and capacity are way too low.

Who is your tuner? If it is Livernois, you can ask call support and ask them if they have that strategy on file already> If they do, you can charge up your battery, let the update install and they can send you the new tune in 2-3 business days.

Or just let the OTA expire. Up to you. That OTA's release notes state:

Priority Update - Powertrain*Engine Diagnostics* This update resolves false engine warning light on your instrument panel.* PT-25.13.1*

Up to you if you think letting it install is worth the trouble or not.

 

[evant8950]

Thanks! I got the tune from DRP motorsports. I'll see if they have the strategy. I am interested on why my battery is low. I've been driving the car just about everyday. The car seems to start with no hesitation.

I suppose I can hook the car up to the battery tender and press update now to make it update.

 

[evant8950]

That update was still scheduled to try to install again. I went ahead and did a reset on the head unit and it looks like it canceled the update. I don't want it to overwrite the tune because I have E85 in the car right now and I'm not sure how the factory tune would handle E85.

 

[D/\rK•650]

I have your VIN. That PCM update has failed a bunch of times due to low battery stats. The current PCM strategy on your car is BBF and it wants to install the BBE strategy, but your battery SoC and capacity are way too low.

Who is your tuner? If it is Livernois, you can ask call support and ask them if they have that strategy on file already> If they do, you can charge up your battery, let the update install and they can send you the new tune in 2-3 business days.

Or just let the OTA expire. Up to you. That OTA's release notes state:

Priority Update - Powertrain*Engine Diagnostics* This update resolves false engine warning light on your instrument panel.* PT-25.13.1*

Up to you if you think letting it install is worth the trouble or not.

Hello can I ask how you are able to see this information? I've been trying to find out about an update for my car but can't see anything like this? Would you mind telling me how to access this information on the update OTA ?
Thank you much

 

[Joe_Stang]

That update was still scheduled to try to install again. I went ahead and did a reset on the head unit and it looks like it canceled the update. I don't want it to overwrite the tune because I have E85 in the car right now and I'm not sure how the factory tune would handle E85.

Can't you just write the tune back on the car again? After the update?

 

[rugedraw]

Hello can I ask how you are able to see this information? I've been trying to find out about an update for my car but can't see anything like this? Would you mind telling me how to access this information on the update OTA ?
Thank you much

That is in PTS which is Ford's dealer website. I can check recent OTA history if you send me the VIN.

 

[rugedraw]

Can't you just write the tune back on the car again? After the update?

Yes, but the tune will contain the old software strategy, so it will revert the firmware that was updated to the old version.

 

[Zig]

I have your VIN. That PCM update has failed a bunch of times due to low battery stats. The current PCM strategy on your car is BBF and it wants to install the BBE strategy, but your battery SoC and capacity are way too low.

Who is your tuner? If it is Livernois, you can ask call support and ask them if they have that strategy on file already> If they do, you can charge up your battery, let the update install and they can send you the new tune in 2-3 business days.

Or just let the OTA expire. Up to you. That OTA's release notes state:

Priority Update - Powertrain*Engine Diagnostics* This update resolves false engine warning light on your instrument panel.* PT-25.13.1*

Up to you if you think letting it install is worth the trouble or not.

Do any subsequent ford updates rely upon successful prior update? You know like can’t install ‘c’ because ‘b’ was never updated type of thing.

 

[rugedraw]

Do any subsequent ford updates rely upon successful prior update? You know like can’t install ‘c’ because ‘b’ was never updated type of thing.

Yes. This is the case with APIM, GWM, and TCU updates. On certain vehicles, the IPC also needs to be updated in order for more updates to these modules to become available. Most modules do not have a dependency on others to be updated, but these 3 or 4 do.

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