Diversion Posted March 16, 2018 Report Share Posted March 16, 2018 (edited) Loving this new to me 2013 C-Max SEL, for the money I paid you really can't find a better car with the luxury and great mpg! So I was doing some research after getting the car.. Found out my Sync software is VERY old.. it appears the car was never updated since 2012 and I have no idea how to know if the car ever received the "Up to 85mph EV mode" ECU update either.. So I scheduled a visit one of 3 local Ford dealers to ask them nicely to please update my Sync firmware and check the ECU for the latest updates and they immediately said "You have to pay for that." I figured they were thinking of the maps update which yes, I know that's $149 at the dealer for the new SD Card. I literally COULD NOT get through their head i'm talking about the Sync firmware and the actual car ECU update. So I got fed up and left with a chip on my shoulder. Any ideas on how I can convey what I need to get done to these guys? I attempted the update for the Sync myself but it's so old I get the message "Go to the dealer to update Sync software" trying to go from like version 3.4 to the newest 3.8. I bet I could upgrade in increments if anyone has the files hosted somewhere.. Thanks for any help in advance! Jay Edited March 16, 2018 by Diversion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homestead Posted March 16, 2018 Report Share Posted March 16, 2018 You can go to this site https://www.etis.ford.comand see what recalls haven't been done to your car. You can download the 3.8 sync from the ford owner site and install it yourself or go to a dealer and get them to install 3.10 (latest) butthey may charge you for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 16, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 16, 2018 You can go to this site https://www.etis.ford.comand see what recalls haven't been done to your car.You can download the 3.8 sync from the ford owner site and install it yourself or go to a dealer and get them to install 3.10 (latest) butthey may charge you for that. Thanks for the reply - like I said already, I tried going from the stock Sync software to 3.8 and it pops up a screen saying I have to go to the dealer to upgrade my Sync software because my current version is too old to go straight to 3.8.. I need to find the interim Sync upgrades between like 3.2 and 3.8 because it likely needs to be upgraded to 3.6 first before I can get to 3.8. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homestead Posted March 16, 2018 Report Share Posted March 16, 2018 (edited) Thanks for the reply - like I said already, I tried going from the stock Sync software to 3.8 and it pops up a screen saying I have to go to the dealer to upgrade my Sync software because my current version is too old to go straight to 3.8.. I need to find the interim Sync upgrades between like 3.2 and 3.8 because it likely needs to be upgraded to 3.6 first before I can get to 3.8. I still have the Gen2v361build13171serviceNARev1.exe file 579mb if you want it.I think that was my first upgrade after buying in apr 2013. Edited March 16, 2018 by homestead Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 17, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 I still have the Gen2v361build13171serviceNARev1.exe file 579mb if you want it.I think that was my first upgrade after buying in apr 2013.Please please can you host it somewhere for me to download? I would love to see if I can upgrade to it! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cr08 Posted March 17, 2018 Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 If it is indeed on that old of an update, he will need to go to the dealer to get it updated. There was a certain version where it required some dealer only work to move forward. Do you have the leaf icon on the bottom of your screen? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homestead Posted March 17, 2018 Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 Please please can you host it somewhere for me to download? I would love to see if I can upgrade to it! Thank you!Sent you a PM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 18, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 18, 2018 Sent you a PM. Received - thanks again. Update: Could not upgrade to the 3.6(2) update either.. i'll have to try another dealer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 20, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2018 If it is indeed on that old of an update, he will need to go to the dealer to get it updated. There was a certain version where it required some dealer only work to move forward. Do you have the leaf icon on the bottom of your screen? Sorry for the late response.. definitely no leaf on the bottom (I have seen this on other C-Max's).. I'm on the very first C-Max Factory version and my car is sitting at Ford right now and they literally just called me and said "You're already on the latest".. What a bunch of clowns.. How is it possible that I know more than Ford does? Lol, hilarious.. This is two dealers that are too lazy to think for a second to check for a newer version instead of blowing the customer off. I'm not sure what I need to do, but it seems I'll need to reach out to Ford Corporate to make a complaint in order to get it resolved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 20, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2018 (edited) Also, Ford wants 1.5 hours of labor to do the ECU update that allows me to go 85 mph on EV mode.. Why should I pay for that? It was Ford's problem that they fudged the MPG numbers and I have to pay Ford to get better mpg? Wow. Edit: Local Ford dealer called back claiming "Straight from Ford you have the latest Sync" which I know is complete BS. CCPU S/W version is 4.27.12058 which is VERY old compared to the latest version. Edited March 20, 2018 by Diversion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homestead Posted March 20, 2018 Report Share Posted March 20, 2018 Have you tried logging into https://owner.ford.comand see what version you can download there? From there you can contact sync support and get their help in finding a dealer that knows what they are doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
obob Posted March 20, 2018 Report Share Posted March 20, 2018 Also, Ford wants 1.5 hours of labor to do the ECU update that allows me to go 85 mph on EV mode.. Why should I pay for that? It was Ford's problem that they fudged the MPG numbers and I have to pay Ford to get better mpg? Wow. Edit: Local Ford dealer called back claiming "Straight from Ford you have the latest Sync" which I know is complete BS. CCPU S/W version is 4.27.12058 which is VERY old compared to the latest version. As I recall, that update was put out a long time ago. It probably has a lot more to it than just the 85 mph. If its the one I think it is, after that update the regeneration was noisier/probably doing more regen. And I vaguely recall a message from Jus-a-cmax that after the update his mileage went down for the split mode on the highway did not get as high mileage. (Jus-a-cmax was a trailblazer for many people here to get better mileage and understand the C-Max.) It still might be worth getting because I think there are other important things in there and the later versions. I too am surprised it is not free. That might be worth contacting Ford who may pay some of it. My understandings is when an update is done and Ford pays the bill which I can see that I sign and gets the dealer like $49 which is way less that what the dealer would charge the customer. (at least for one of my updates) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 20, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2018 Have you tried logging into https://owner.ford.comand see what version you can download there?From there you can contact sync support and get their help in finding a dealer that knows what they are doing. Nothing shows up, but I do have the APIM extended warranty which should be covered by this.. An APIM swap is required for the system to be updatable.. This is my problem, they will not replace it because it's "working fine".. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 20, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2018 As I recall, that update was put out a long time ago. It probably has a lot more to it than just the 85 mph. If its the one I think it is, after that update the regeneration was noisier/probably doing more regen. And I vaguely recall a message from Jus-a-cmax that after the update his mileage went down for the split mode on the highway did not get as high mileage. (Jus-a-cmax was a trailblazer for many people here to get better mileage and understand the C-Max.) It still might be worth getting because I think there are other important things in there and the later versions. I too am surprised it is not free. That might be worth contacting Ford who may pay some of it. My understandings is when an update is done and Ford pays the bill which I can see that I sign and gets the dealer like $49 which is way less that what the dealer would charge the customer. (at least for one of my updates) Well, nobody seems to know if there's a way to know if you have the current or old C-Max ECU software (not sync). I'm not sure how much of a difference the ECU piece will make on my MPG but I figure it should be free either way to be on the newest version from Ford and it shouldn't be a charge for it since it's a recommended upgrade from Ford to "help increase mpg". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homestead Posted March 20, 2018 Report Share Posted March 20, 2018 Agree, that upgrade was done for free on all cars during the summer of 2013. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 20, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 20, 2018 Agree, that upgrade was done for free on all cars during the summer of 2013. Guess my Ford dealers in my area didn't get the memo! Sigh.. I'm about to just give up and deal with the original flaky firmware and the stock ECU.. It did seem like I could get it in EV mode over 65mph but i'm not sure because it slows down very fast in EV mode at those speeds for some reason and holding the throttle any more just triggers the ICE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 21, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2018 Welps, it seems my Sync/MFT took a crap completely now.. I performed a Master Reset through the settings menu and it never came back up.. Just have a blank/non-lit screen that doesn't do anything now.. Ugh. I just wanted to clear out all the previous owner's BT connections! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homestead Posted March 21, 2018 Report Share Posted March 21, 2018 Perhaps one of the fuses blew. You can check them with an ohmmeter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cr08 Posted March 21, 2018 Report Share Posted March 21, 2018 (edited) As someone mentioned above, maybe contact Sync support via owner.ford.com and inform them of what your dealer mentioned and see if they can suggest another nearby dealer who knows what they're doing. If it was not showing the leaf icon, it is DEFINITELY way out of date and specifically needs a dealer to get it up to date. No way to do it DIY. With a 2013 it should still be covered under the 12M02 warranty extension as well on the Sync system. All in all, finding a more cooperative dealer is going to be a huge help on this. Edited March 21, 2018 by cr08 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 21, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2018 Perhaps one of the fuses blew. You can check them with an ohmmeter. Pulled and did a visual check on the fuses, they are not blown. Also pulled negative terminal and no dice either. Weird that a Master Reset would kill the unit :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 21, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2018 As someone mentioned above, maybe contact Sync support via owner.ford.com and inform them of what your dealer mentioned and see if they can suggest another nearby dealer who knows what they're doing. If it was not showing the leaf icon, it is DEFINITELY way out of date and specifically needs a dealer to get it up to date. No way to do it DIY. With a 2013 it should still be covered under the 12M02 warranty extension as well on the Sync system. All in all, finding a more cooperative dealer is going to be a huge help on this. Well the 12M02 is apparently just a 5 year instead of 3 year on the Sync.. this particular car was purchased in late '12 so technically 5 years has lapse.. but hoping Ford still covers it.. I just called my dealer and left a VM with the last service adviser I worked with so hoping I hear back soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fbov Posted March 23, 2018 Report Share Posted March 23, 2018 My car is in for its 11th recall now; getting the 16S30 door latch done. 13B07 was the big PCM update that enabled EV above 63 MPH. 14E02 and 15E03 were subsequent PCM updates13A01 was the SYNC update at that time14C03 was a seat back replacement14S04 was the RCM update (after replacement) My point is that there are a bunch of recalls, and they're not trivial repairs. Here's a bit more on the issue of recalls and used cars. The www.safercar.gov link and a VIN is all you need. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/how-recalls-impact-used-car-buyers Best of luck,Frank Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2018 I've been to 3 dealers with my Cmax's completely black screen'd MFT Sync 2 system and they will all attempt to blame the problem on a component NOT related to the APIM so that they don't have to replace it under the known 12M02 recall that calls to replace any APIM.. My car is at a dealer for 2 days now where I signed a $116 diagnostic fee and their latest comments to me is "The APIM is communicating, it must be the screen that is broken." That being said, I know it's a complete lie and i'm tempted to tell them to replace the screen to prove a point. As I know it will not magically get a display going.. I know with 99% certainty the APIM is messed up as it kept randomly rebooting and after doing a Master Reset it just plainly never booted back up all the way.. Whatever "communication" they are getting out of the APIM it's probably just random communication about not being able to start up anymore and or failing upon boot up. Since Ford doesn't take the time to completely format and reinstall whatever Windows CE/OS that they use for Sync on the APIM, it's clearly the problem. I would actually expect them to replace the screen and APIM just so that they can charge me for $900 or whatever it costs. Luckily I took a picture of the APIM's serial number on the screen before I took it in, in case they decide to "frame" a problem so that they can charge me a lot of money. Otherwise, i'm not sure why they are so adamant about charging me when Ford USA would reimburse them for the APIM replacement and still get paid for the work. I'm sure it's always an ordeal for them to make a claim via Ford re-reimbursement is why they don't want to go the "easy route" and just replace my flippin' APIM. Lastly, i'm likely to have to pay a stupid 5-minute Ford IDS ODB-2 scanner job in the amount of $116 and replace the APIM myself via Ebay and code the VIN back into the replacement using Forscan and my ODB-2 scanner. It's sad when I know the real amount of work that it takes to make a diag scan and they charge you an hour of labor for it. I just need a dealer to actually just replace the broken APIM under 12M02 and get on with it.. They want to keep my car another day because they feel the screen is the problem and not the APIM.. If the APIM is truly working fine, why does the right-cluster screen have no access to any GPS functions? I should be able to select my Home and other GPS points of interest without the Sync screen working.. Man, do they really not understand how easy it is for someone to debunk their "made up" faults.. Not really mad at the C-Max itself, it's a wonderful car and it gets great MPG, it's a delight to drive around and it's a BIG value for the money spent. Can't exactly get too mad at a 33k car for $8500 5 years later, but Ford is really working every single "fake" angle to get out of performing a KNOWN 12M02 recall.. Wow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diversion Posted March 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2018 My car is in for its 11th recall now; getting the 16S30 door latch done. 13B07 was the big PCM update that enabled EV above 63 MPH. 14E02 and 15E03 were subsequent PCM updates13A01 was the SYNC update at that time14C03 was a seat back replacement14S04 was the RCM update (after replacement) My point is that there are a bunch of recalls, and they're not trivial repairs. Here's a bit more on the issue of recalls and used cars. The www.safercar.gov link and a VIN is all you need. https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/how-recalls-impact-used-car-buyers Best of luck,Frank I asked Ford to flash the latest ECU updates to give me the above 63 mph EV mode and they wanted $190 to do it :/ You'd think Ford would just do it because they are the ones that screwed up on the MPG claims to begin with.. It's not showing up as a "recall" on my VIN though. . Maybe I have some of the updates but I only see that my car will go into EV mode over 63 mph if I completely remove my foot off the gas pedal, and it's only coasting in EV mode at that point in which it slows down rapidly below 63 mph again. I'd imagine Ford would love to charge me $190 for an PCM/ECU update my car may already have since Ford can't even tell me which version of the PCM update I currently have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fbov Posted March 29, 2018 Report Share Posted March 29, 2018 ... my car will go into EV mode over 63 mph if I completely remove my foot off the gas pedal, and it's only coasting in EV mode at that point in which it slows down rapidly below 63 mph again. ...Then you have 13B07. The original PCM SW would not permit EV over 63 under any circumstances. You've found EV to be weak but accessible. Anything you find on safercar.gov is not optional. What did you find for your VIN? Frank obob 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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