Replacing a BCM on a 2017 Ford Escape without performing a Parameter reset or key learn with a scan tool
This vehicle required another BCM, a donor used BCM was provided. After programming the BCM with as built data it was left with a no start because it requires a parameter reset/key learn. This is a LSID vehicle where it will require an LSID number and two high-security keys to learn into the BCM. Instead of performing a parameter reset it was decided to Eeprom the BCM over from the original BCM to the Donor. The BCM was taken apart and the target device was found which holds the key string information. The target device was a "95320 Eeprom" in where the data from the original was written over to the donor BCM's Eeprom. The BCM was then put back together and the vehicle started without having to perform a parameter reset/key learn. The benefits here are
- No parameter reset or key learn required with an IDS or FRDS factory scan tool
- Only one high-security key was required not two
- No LSID required
- No waiting for Ford to fix their IDS or FRDS software (which seems like they have been having lots of issues with.)
There can be lots of tools in a tool box, Its using tools to get "inside the box" that might help repair a vehicle
Nice work Kevin. As someone looking to get more into this type of work can you recommend an eeprom reading tool for someone starting off? Kind regards, Carl
Very Nice and Professional Job!!!!!!!!. Please can you show in more detail, and explain the tools used in picture #7???? Thank You in advance. Great work!!!!!!
Good stuff, Kevin. Thanks for sharing this process. Could I ask how you were able to determine which chip contained the key information? Is it just a trial and error thing or does it come with experience?
Very nice job!! can you tell us what eprome software you used, or what do you recommend for someone starting.
Not for nothing, but wouldn't a tow to the dealer and a half hour labor charge be faster and cheaper? How does this effect the part's warranty coverage?
Tow it to the dealer? really ? So they can tell you a used module isn’t possible and sell you a new one... so you can pick up the vehicle and suddenly the invoice isn’t a half hour it’s far more...or so they can call you and tell you their software doesn’t work and “Ford” doesn’t know when it will be fixed , and now you have to call ”your customer“ to tell them it has to sit at the dealership…
I make it a point to tell my customers to never send their customers to the dealer. Nothing good ever seems to come from an interaction with a dealerships service department. I have seen the dealerships go through the glove box and find contact information on the owners car and then contact them to try and solicit business off my customers. The dealers are always marketing themselves as being…
Great info, Thanks!
Kevin, How much would the vehicle owner be charged for this service? and what kind of turn around time would be expected? There are hack dealers out there but not all of them are that way. Having a working relationship with a trustworthy supplier is crucial in any business, If you specifically asked for a parameter reset and learning of keys why would the bill all of the sudden…
The cost it takes to remove and replace a BCM and program it! Same day service Just remember in your speach.. another option is “Eeprom program”
Its great technology that can allow for this workaround. Learning about is interesting. Not trying to rain on your process it just seems like a lot of time and equipment for a process that can be performed by a VSP through normal channels. Being able to present the process for learning purposes helps everyone understand what's actually going on in the modules. I just don't see it as a practical…
No feathers ruffled it’s all good. Remember it wouldn’t just be a 1/2 hour charge at the dealer ... they would have to add that $450+ dealer high-security key since the customer only has 1 key!
A used module could likely have the existing key added as long as the keys stored in the module were not erased. Then parameter reset should allow for vehicle to start. This method has saved me numerous times with used modules when only 1 key is available.
Hi Kevin, With all the mayhem out there right now, you are on the cutting edge of what we may be facing as an industry. In other regions of the world they don't have the software resources we do. This may be the only solution for someone outside of North America. There are still Global A ECUs that are on back order from the GM strike. The big three have shut down temporarily to prevent…
Well said and spot on about the giving others another solution.
Wow... so , North Americans are catching up to Latinamerican techicians... good post. in central america and most of latin america Mexico mainly, we have been doing this since electronics have been implemented in vehicles. now adays I am seing them doing this more often. (the Scam is in place now) U-UPA & Tango prog are good enough affordable prog... you can do this also through Odb2 as…
Victor- Do you do this as well?
Yes we do this kind of repairs on daily basis.
Do you teach your guys this,or only you do it? Ive never heard of your shop,Id love to come down one day and see your operation(when all this COVID-19 mess is over)
well... ok. most tech in the shop are trained in Latin america trade school so they already know long time ago. take a look at this free education school in Latin america. that s why USA is lacking so much in good techs. they cant go beyond the module swap youtu.be/lpOCejO0PBs
Are there any options in English?
no unfortunately no. you can go to this online training school in Costa Rica, unfortunately costa rica wants to be like USA in education so it is not free. it is all about electronics the old fashion way repairs and the latest Know-Hows in global modules. automotrizenvideo.com youtu.be/wvNXpnNADsg
Hi Bob, I will hook you up.
That would be great, thanks.
Mike, I saw your reply to Bob, if you have good English resources to this stuff I am keen enough. Thanks.
He should post that link here, dont you think? I dont understand why not.... why it has to be a secret since The rest of the world have been doing it since ever.
Yeah I'm about to have a lot of time on my hands so I'd like to get this info as well.
Hey Guys, I don't have anything on the web yet. Because there is no magic bullet there are many tools and methods to consider. A start would be using Google. Some of the best information I have gleaned has come from Eastern Europe. I am working on a series of classes. I plan on traveling the US helping others discover solutions. The plan is hands on classes accomplishing the tasks, not just…
since the techs that comes from latin america has already an automotive trade tech diplomas in electronics they dont need this. who actually need this are here in the usa and I ve been willing to teach people in my area but nobody shows up... and most of them cant travel (cant afford education or travel expenses) to Germany for training in Mechatronics. this has to be a country efford.... so…
You have really caught my interest. Where exactly is your location and would you still teach if we travel, and would you teach EV management systems?
What tool would you need to be able to do this through the OBD2 port?
Tools like abrites and Auto Pro PAD , Auro IM600/ autel IM608... sometimes they work sometimes they don’t
Hello, since you have stated that some of those [end user] handhelds and soft app are unreliable. Do you know why they become like that?
Aftermarket tools simply can be hit or miss when they work ... your delighted ... when they fail .. you start looking for other options... I’ve seen some tools having capabilities when first released then an update later that feature no longer functions.. sometimes it could be from a software issue to a hardware issue to not having the server access any longer for the nec. calculations or maybe…
You have peaked my interest on this subject. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Im confused about this part, Could you have just transfer the chip to the bcm instead of the data?
Yes you can remove and swap the Eeprom ..(that would have also worked.) I don’t like removing devices unless I have to ... and sometimes you have to ... but in this case it wasn’t necessary
In addition to that. The whole purpose of parameter reset routine is for the modules to exchange bits around. (American called it shaking hand) but what is happening is an exchange of bit around modules. So they can have the same data package in sync. Modules are talking to each other.... The LSID is an scam in place.
Kevin, would you consider writing an in dept article and walk use all through the whole process. I would like to publish this on my website. This is something I think could benefit techs not familiar with this process. Contact me at ….
I just read through the whole thread and when I read his initial post, holy cow pretty intimidating, but hey it would be a real challenge to learn so I'll second your post. I really want to learn this.
Hi Kevin Is it easy to damage the replacement bcm if you have to soldier the chip in? Like meaning circuit board damage. I dont know much about this process...like special tools,special soldering gun...etc Nice post and thanks for the information. Very fascinating!
Much respect for you aftermarket guys!! Kevin, my question is, how did you even know where to find the eeprom!
Good job Kevin - Thanks for Sharing!!