windguy

Don - Thanks for contacting Forscan. I'm kind of curious what exactly happens when you go to BCM Central Main and Forscan connects to the internet and downloads files. The screen showed that five or six Blocks were loaded. The APPROACH LIGHTS were in Block #1. Curious, did you go into your BCM config and not see the APPROACH LIGHTS option? Thanks!

@jrm223 - thanks for posting your repair details. Good to get a price point on the battery change when the time comes (soon I expect). Also thanks for posting your BCM Configuration. Not sure what to make of that other than it's different than mine and we both have a 2015, yours being a few months newer. @desert_connect - thanks for posting your BCM Configuration. Closer to what jrm223 has but hard to know for sure what to make of it. What is the mfg date of your 2017 van? Per SSM 46321, if it's after December 11, 2016, then the BCM Calibration update wasn't required. Don't think we have enough data to figure out what the calibration versions mean with respect to the APPROACH LIGHT parameter. I went into my BCM today to check the APPROACH LIGHT setting. It was already set to DISABLE. I set it to ENABLE and the back to DISABLE. I followed Hollenback's procedure, which is a great tutorial and spot on in what you need to do. I didn't see any change with the exterior lights. If I open a door, the front/tail lights come on and stay on. If I close the doors, the lights go off right away, no delay. I was always under the impression that without the updated calibration, the APPROACH LIGHT feature wasn't even available. That's probably not true but would need another poster that hasn't had their van into Ford for the BCM Calibration update to check their BCM Configuration. I think at this point I'm giving up on this effort unless some new data comes along. I'm not sure Ford implemented the change for what we are looking for in earlier model year and compatible calibration files. That part is a big mystery that Ford can't seem to help with at a dealer level. @Don Ridley - I had taken screen grabs of the BCM Central Configuration. Lots of data there but I don't see anything that pertains to APPROACH LIGHTS, unless it's hiding within another setting. Thanks for posting the bambi mode tutorial, interesting. Below is the concatenated screen grabs. Hope it's readable.

Thanks for the input. I remember one poster saying his BCM software changed in ETIS after having the dealer make the update so I guess it's not a reliable indicator. That would be cool if you can report back about your BCM module config. Maybe we'll learn something. Good luck getting your laptop back online. Curious, when was your van built? Sounds like mid 2015. My 2015 was built in October 2014. Regarding your battery, that's interesting. About the same age but many more miles for your van. I realize this is the Forscan thread, but did you have the Ford dealer install an OEM battery? I've taken the plastic battery cover off before but not with the thought of how to replace the battery. When I setup the battery charger, I realized what was discussed on other battery threads in that the battery is a pain in the butt to remove. It's really tucked under the cowling to where you can't even access the ground terminal. If the cost differential is minimal I'll probably opt to have Ford take care of it to save myself the frustration and skin on my knuckles.

Thanks for the info Don. Very helpful to know. I will save the as-built data for all modules to have as a baseline. That may save my bacon one day. Appreciate the tip. Will check out the tutorial you linked in. Appreciate the help as always!

Thanks for the update. Sorry to hear that. I'm was ready to follow Hollenback's procedure to check out my BCM config to see what's going on with the approach lights. My scenario is identical to yours with two different dealer visits (twice per for a total of four attempts) and promises in both cases that the BCM was updated. It's very interesting that you still are not able to get this change to stick. I fear I won't we able to change the setting as well but I'll still try. I think Donuts is right in that your BCM wasn't actually updated. Ford ETIS never showed it was for my van. I can't remember if you mentioned yours changed in ETIS. This discussion was in the "approach light" thread and it's been a while. So how do you check the BCM software version in Forscan and verify that the SSM update was done? "reprogram the BCM to the latest calibration using IDS release 103.05 and higher". Below is a screen shot that shows the BCM As-built config. My van shows BCM Calibration DV6T-14C095-BH. Maybe other Forscan users can check their BCM config and report back along with the build date of their van.

Thanks Don - appreciate the quick reply and info. Your confirmation gave me the confidence to continue exploring but with the battery charger connected going forward. I had a better session today and saved the BCM and IPC as-built configurations as a starting point before I make any changes. Also took a screen shot so I could save it in readable text format. I've got a question regarding what Forscan shows in the as-built config versus what Motorcraft was showing for the IPC Module. Below is screenshot of both. In comparison, Forscan doesn't show all the registers but does show a few extra ones in the upper range (720-24-01 and 720-25-01) that didn't show up on the Motorcraft site. Wonder why? Also, what are the Restore and Write boxes to the right of several of the registers? I'm assuming those are the only ones that Forscan will allow you to change. Thanks!

Your tutorial is awesome and much appreciated. It's a great starting point to figuring out how to navigate Forscan. This past week I had two sessions using Forscan trying to familiarize myself with its use. It's a pretty nifty program. I've explored some of the options but need more time using it before I'm comfortable with its nuances. The first session was with the basic level of Forscan. I quickly learned that you really need the Extended License or EL2 version. You have to join the Forscan Forum to get that download but it's an easy process and worthwhile doing is you want to explore all things Forscan. During my second session, after about 1/2 hour of use, I was attempting to save an 'as built' configuration as a first step to further checking out a few modules (IPC and BCM) and Forscan told me the battery voltage was 8.X volts and if I want to continue. What? Really? I closed out the program and tried to start the van and the battery was indeed too low to start the van. I got a bit nervous thinking the ELM adapter messed up the electronics somehow. I'm not very sophisticated these days when it comes to understanding what's going on under the hood so to speak. I connected a 10amp battery charger and it took about three hours to charge up the battery. The van started with no problems. Granted I don't use the van very much and hadn't turned it on in 10 days, but that infrequent use has never been a problem in the past. The battery is 4.5 years old now. I had the ignition switch in the second position to run Forscan and the daytime running lights are on the whole time, so that was draining the battery. Have other Forscan users run into battery issues? If I plan to use Forscan for an extended period of time should I first either run the engine a while or take it for a spin or connect the charger? Not sure if this was a one-time event or perhaps an indication that my battery is getting weaker. Curious how to proceed going forward. Thanks! BTW - I'm using the OHP ELM327 adapter as some other posters had gotten. Loading the drivers was a bit sketchy per OHP's website instructions but it works so far. https://www.amazon.com/OHP-ELMconfig-Adapter-Compatible-Diagnostics/dp/B01F0GVBWY

@Don Ridley - Great write-up for this mod. Appreciate the detailed info and pics. Thanks for sharing your expertise. Combined with Stanger_missle's notes on taking out the glove box I think I can take on this project.

@stanger_missle - You (and David Parker) are right about the dark interior. I never thought about that as being a factor but it makes sense. Thanks for sharing your input on how to make this mod. I remember another poster reporting about damage to the hinges when removing the glovebox so your tips are helpful. I think you're ready to add some footwell lights on your van. Then you can share your notes and expertise.

@Don R - nice job on this new mod. You're upping your game with a higher degree of difficulty and technology. Your insurance company should give you a rate discount for adding this safety feature.

Thanks Don. Useful info. I had used some of those techniques earlier today and came up empty. Sure did find a lot of regular IPC's out there. Also saw a lot of pics of bashed in TC's, both generations. That's kind of interesting to see. I need to share a potentially scam situation. I stumbled on a website called USEDSPEEDOMETERS.COM https://www.usedspeedometers.com/ Seemed legit as they listed many of the familiar part numbers for different IPC configurations. I then used their search tool to get a quote entering phone number, zip code and email. I get two phone calls a few minutes later and this woman left a voice message in very hard to understand, garbled, heavily accented English asking me to call her back to discuss the details and that she has the part I need. I checked out the number she left and the caller ID number, different, and it appears that this "company" is fishing for personal info under the guise of offering used auto parts as others have reported. 312-509-4975 and 888-824-3048. The phone number offered on the website is for AAA Parts in San Diego per BBB. That same 800 number comes up under a lot of different used parts website just like the one above. The whole thing was very strange in what appeared to be a promising lead. I'll keep searching when I'm inspired. I do wonder if the FT1T part would work in a 2014/15 model or at least what the differences are to the DT1T part.

@Beta Don - thanks for the info. That part number info is consistent with what has posted earlier. Helpful to know. I've looked for that same part number a few times and came up empty but didn't push very hard. Will keep your search pointers in mind to make sure I get what I need.

That's very cool Don - I'm jealous. Yeah, I second that Don R is a rock star with his mod work and helpful write-ups. What year is your TC? What part number IPC did you get and where'd you source it?

Thanks Don. Appreciate the reply and info. Do you like the amount of light it throws out? I'm looking for utility light more than mood lighting. If I drop something onto the floor mat I need a flashlight to find it. Can you explain a bit more in what you did for some of us modification mortals? I'm going to need more hand-holding to take on this mod. Especially if I need to remove the glove box to gain access to the BCM. If you haven't done one of your great Don write-ups, perhaps you can on this thread or start your own and we'll link it as a reference. Some questions: The requirement in selecting lights should be 12VDC, not 5VDC, right? Are LED strips better than a low profile light or one that can be recessed? What exactly are you connecting to behind the glove box? How is that connection made at the Body Control Module? If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?

Has anyone added or considered adding lighting for the footwell area? My 2015 XLT Cargo doesn't have any lighting down there and it sure is dark. Would be nice to have sometimes. Just a thought.

Got it, thanks. Must be the same as what I have. That's a pretty slick upgrade.

@Don Ridley - nice job! I'm not familiar with the liftgate option. What did the original switch look like?

RIP "Sexy Beast". Vaya con Dios. What's the name for your new van?

Sure, you can mount your crossbars to fixed mounting points, as shown in your video link. Looks like a clean solution. I opted with tracks for two reasons: I wanted the flexibility in setting the crossbars and to be able to remove the crossbars and towers since the racks will rarely be used. I'm not familiar with the rack system in the video but if you can remove the crossbars and towers and leave the mounting pads in place then that would be helpful if you don't plan to use the racks on a daily basis. If it's seasonal use then you leave the racks on and remove them in the off season. All depends on how you plan to use your rack system. As I said in my original post, Thule and Yakima are price fixed products. If you are price sensitive and not in a hurry, then wait for the occasional 20% off sale that comes up on holidays and special events. I get emails from rackattack.com with their promotions so you can get on the email list from these places to find out when they have their next sale.

YES - It's one of my top annoyances with my 2015 Cargo TC. Sometimes it's like trying to fill a portable gas can. I assumed it partly has something to do with emissions design of the pumps here in Southern California combined with a lousy filler design by Ford. I don't have the same problem with other or past cars so it's a TC thing for sure. Also don't like the fact that the filler door doesn't lock. Some pumps are way worse than others to the point that you have to push hard and continue to apply pressure or it will pop out and shutoff. I like to set the automatic fill lever and step away from the van so I'm no sucking up the gas fumes. Can't do that with the TC. I try to remember which pumps are less troublesome. I have one at my local Mobil that works better than most others but I still have to hover. Thankfully I don't put a lot of miles on the van so I'm not filling up very often. I have to be mindful of about how much fuel I need to add so I don't risk overfilling the tank. I have it in my head you're not supposed to do that with this van. Never sure if a pump shutoff means the tank is full or the pump is being twitchy. It's a process I've learned to live with but never happy with.

I didn't know you can do that. Thanks for asking about that. The oil change message came on recently so good timing. After turning ignition on partly, I pushed both pedals all the way down and after a few seconds, the message came up that it's resetting. After about 15 seconds the resetting was complete. This van sure has some weird hidden tricks for doing things that Ford doesn't advertise. Same deal when I had to sync up the added keypad with the fobs.

BTW - check out the pic below of the dash for the 2019 TC that I grabbed from the Ford website. I like this design a lot better and wish I had it. Visibility to gauges is much improved.