How to check Ford PCM calibration for updates without a subscription
Ford has a way to check for the latest PCM calibration level with no subscription.
First read the calibration level with any scan tool that can read the calibration. G-Scan was used for this vehicle
Navigate to Motorcraftservice.com and select Free Resources
Click Quick Guides
Scroll down and click the link for Latest Calibration Information
Enter the Model, Model Year, and Engine Size and submit.
Scroll through the list to see if the PCM calibration from the tool is in the listing, If the calibration is listed, it is the latest level available for the vehicle. If the calibration is not listed, there is an update available.
This process only applies to PCM calibration checking as that is the only module Ford publishes the calibration level.
There is one more thing to clarify, Ford PCM's are numbered with a prefix, a base part number, and a suffix, (####-12A650-###) depending on the model it may show the base p/n as 14C204. the base part number is insignificant and the Prefix and the suffix of the part number are what is compared to the list.
I had known this calibration check was available and I had tried to make sense of it various times. Chris, your explanation as quoted here "Ford PCM's are numbered with a prefix, a base part number, and a suffix, (####-12A650-###) depending on the model it may show the base p/n as 14C204. the base part number is insignificant and the Prefix and the suffix of the part number are what is compared
I’m not sure how often they update but spot checking over the last week with various models has proven true versus FJDS 112.06
David, You can also use Ctrl F and that may help. Also works in the Ford PC/ED when looking for DTC's
Great write up with explanations. Now we just have to hope they don't change it around. Seems to me manufacturers always want to hide the free information enticing you to buy a subscription due to frustration. I appreciate the pictures to make it easier as well!
Nice write-up for sure. I don‘t like how Ford handles PCM updates, with respect to what the update does. Unless there‘s a TSB associated with it, who knows what the update is for. In the old days, IDS would tell you what the update was for.
That feature is long gone except for a few important tsb's that will change the calibration for newer parts. You can reference tsb's and some of the older ones show what version of the software is required for the TSB fix to be applied. The newer TSB's just state to use the latest calibration of the software.
So what‘s the point of a reprogram or software update (not to be confused with programming a new module) if there is no stated symptom or concern that it will rectify?
In Ford's eyes you are either up to the latest or not. If there is a TSB that states that a module update should resolve issues, or more simply an updated calibration is available, you can see if you have the latest calibration before purchasing software. The most frequent requests I receive for PCM updates would range from various diesel MIL or Regen issues and for transmission shift issues…
It's my understanding that Ford does not suggest module reprograming/updates without a TSB, FSA, SSM or as per WSM.
This may be their stance in writing, but also every troubleshooting guide they post seem to start with "Confirm the module has the latest software calibration level" I flash unless a note suggest not too, which is usually when a part revision is required along side the software update. This pretty much carries over to all makes for me.
Their stance for everything is simple. If there is no TSB, GSM, or SSM you should not flash it just to be at the latest calibration. Under warranty without direction to do so, you can not claim the labor op. Even if it fixes a concern. This is stressed at every class and internal review Ford does on warranty claims.
Changing PCM calibrations can effect emissions on a vehicle. From what I was told on more than one occasion, once the vehicle is built changing the emissions of a vehicle requires some sort of approval. I am sure that there is someone in the EPA or CARB who would have something to say about changing calibrations. Using a TSB, SSM, or recall for documentation would be sufficient. Changing
I just performed a PCM reprogramming procedure on a Ford this morning. I wanted to check the old and new calibration numbers and compare them with what is listed for this truck on the Motorcraft Service Calibration website. The vehicle is a 2012 Ford F150 3.7L VIN 1FTMF1CMXCFC71010. See the attached pictures of the FJDS screen showing the old and new software numbers. What I am seeing is that
I am not sure how frequent Ford updates the page. There is a chance that the software you are using to update has a calibration newer than Ford has published on this listing.
David, Here is something to think about as to why Ford may not include the update info in the calibration screen. It's my understanding that Ford does not suggest module reprograming/updates without a TSB, FSA, SSM or as per WSM. If you follow this, the info you seek will be found in the above documentation. Also the posted vehicle has 19S07 recall open which involves a free PCM update at a
There is also a notation in the 19S07 not to update the 3.5 F150 until the recall calibration is released in 2nd quarter of 2019
To me the different links are confusing....If you follow this, (your post) you can get Calibrations and updates...that particular site also has OEM Publications within varying packages....if you navigate through the FDRS site, (to work with IDS) it gives you multiple software links...does the FDRS/IDS software subscription cover updates and calibrations as well???....does the FDRS/IDS site…
The purpose of this post was to allow people to check if the PCM was at the latest calibration level without purchasing a subscription just to check. FDRS is included with IDS and FJDS subscriptions. IDS requires a Ford passthru (VCM, VCM2,VCMM,VCM3) and provides full diagnostic and programming for vehicles 1996 and up (OBD2) FJDS requires a Ford passthru or J2534 and provides only…
Nice Chris, thanks. The option is not there on my access account with FordServiceInfo, must be due to my country. How else can I see the Lastest Calibration Information?
Other than the site, OEM programming software would be able to check the software levels for you. Not sure exactly what you have access to in AU, but IDS (oem VCM) or FJDS (J2534) should be able to accomplish this but will require subscription.