windguy

Thanks Don. You're help is getting me closer. To show how green I am, I wasn't sure what IPC meant. Slightly above dolt status. IPC = Instrument Panel Cluster I had saved my read out from Ford ETIS a while ago when checking on the BCM for the dark mode situation. I see IPC and recognize the DT1T-10849-SD Assembly Part Number. Copy attached. I checked the cluster part number for each model year for Gen 2 and 2014 and 2015 both start with DT1T. Years 2016, 2017 and 2018 all share the same part number and start with FT1T, the cluster that you used.

Good point. Like I said early and BetaDon mentioned too, I only use the digital speedo cause the other one is partially blocked from my viewing angle. All the more reason to upgrade. It's pretty ingenious of you to even think of making this mod yet alone figuring out how with minimal detours. Curious, what does this mean? "If you want to try it, I can look at your existing IPC configuration and see if you need to make any changes. " Is the IPC Configuration a file that you can check out using Forscan?

@Don R - thanks for the added info. I'm a little averse to changing something that's working but it sure seems like a nice upgrade.

Thanks for the additional info Don. Very helpful. When I check out the link you provided as a source, for 2016 I see the FT1T-10849-UH option. When I changed the search to 2015 (my van year) and select Speedometer, the beginning part number changes to DT1T-10849-UA thru UF. It's a DT rather than an FT. You would think a 2016 cluster would work in a 2015. Wonder what the difference in part number prefix means. If you compare your old cluster to the new one, are there any other differences other than the larger color LCD in the middle? In the LCD area on mine, there's not much margin area at the top but the left, right and bottom sides appear to have some blank space. Curious about the odometer reprogramming service. How do they verify what your original mileage is so that you're not just trying to lower the vehicle mileage for nefarious reasons?

@Don Ridley - nice job with this upgrade. Your persistence paid off. Like Beta Don, I too primarily use the digital speed reading and would consider this upgrade. Could you please provide a total cost and any other notes now that your project is complete, like where you sourced the cluster from. Thanks. I finally ordered an elm327 adapter this week and plan to download Forscan on my laptop after I get it. Looking forward to checking that out.

@bone - great job on your installation. Thanks for sharing your work. I too captured this storage space in my 2015 cargo with a different approach. I couldn't stand the vinyl cargo mat so used carpeting on plywood instead. I separated the foam from the vinyl mat and used that as filler under the plywood, which is very good sound proofing material. It's great to have the extra storage space making use of this dead space. Time for you to finish those bare door panels next! I used black paint on mine. Gives the van a nice finished detail.

Interesting. Please share a pic showing the phone mounted there. Thanks.

Sampa - another poster (tcconvert) posted in the thread link below about Pirelli Cinturato Strada AS's (a model exclusive to Discount Tires). Discount Tire is also called America's Tire in some western states. That might be an option for your replacement with the same size and ratings as the OEM Conti's.

@bug512 - thanks for the pic. I recognize that pooch pack. You posted that pic back in March. Seeing cool dogs never gets old. Right on!

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new van. Nice job on the platform. Very cool! How about a pic of your dogs?

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new van. Looks great! I like the color. There are numerous threads regarding roof racks - OEM, aftermarket and everything in between. Some already have factory roof rails and are looking for racks, others are starting from scratch. Use the SEARCH feature in the upper right corner of the page. Below is a link to a thread I posted regarding my install for a cargo model. I also included links to other roof rack threads posted at that time (11/2017) Since you have a wagon model you will need to remove headliner material to access the mounting holes.

@r1alvin - thanks for the update and videos. Sorry your water tank box got messed up. It was pretty sweet looking. Inspired by you and another poster (can't remember name), I put together a small self contained and portable shower kit that's in an milk crate. After using the shower I turn the pump switch off and bleed the pressure of the spigot (just a little squirt comes out) and I haven't had a problem with any leaking or accidental turn-ons. Hope your new setup works out okay. Good luck!

@CarlaCB - See the pics below showing the plug circled in red. I think this is what r1alvin is referring to. My van has a wire going through this plug. I think it's for the factory trailer hitch harness. My van is a 2015 Cargo model and r1alvin's is a wagon model.

CarlaCB, You can download a PDF Owner's Manual from Ford using the link below http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2014-transitconnect-owner-manual-version-1_EN-US_11_2013.pdf

Thanks JRM223. Good to know. Will give this a try after I get scan tool.

Thanks Don. On page 2 of this thread I posted what Ford ETIS provided for my van. The BCM version never changed after the two dealer visits but each time the tech said they updated the BCM. I did this a few months before my three year warranty expired. Sounds like yours is still under the three year warranty unless your mileage is over the 36,000 limit, so you can try to get your BCM version updated if you're interested. The first dealer gave me a hard time about doing this update under warranty on my second visit. The first time they didn't question it, but failed in getting it done correctly. The second visit they said Ford wouldn't cover it under the warranty. The second dealer I went to had no problems in doing the work, but again failed after two visits with two different techs. As I said in the earlier post, there must be a nuance to getting this enabled. Link for Ford ETIS is below in case someone else wants to check. https://www.etis.ford.com/home/about.do

@Don R - would it fair to say that it would work for earlier Gen 2's as well, provided the BCM has been updated, per the SSM? I'm hoping that's the case for me. Numerous posters have shown that dealers seem to have trouble performing this process. Not sure if it's updating the BCM or setting the dark mode feature or both but something is hanging up the technicians. I'd venture to guess that more have failed in getting this done right than have had success. There must be a subtle step that is being missed.

@phollenback - Thanks for taking the time to put together this tutorial. You did an excellent job. You're a skilled technical writer. You've given me the confidence to see if I can make this change to my 2015 TC, provided the two dealers that had tried to do this had actually updated the BCM as they said they did. Ford ETIS did not show any BCM updates but not sure that is accurate. If they got that critical first part done right but were unable to set the dark mode correctly, I might have a chance. Worth a shot to satisfy my curiosity keeping in mind the evil of good is better.

Zeb - Your van should still be under warranty (3 years or 36,000 miles), yes? I realize you can't drive it over to the dealer to have them fix it with a dead battery, but perhaps you can consult with the dealer on how to fix it or remedy the situation under warranty work. You can ask if your new vehicle Ford tow coverage would cover the costs to transport to the dealer or if you have AAA or insurance coverage for towing. Just things to think of before you start busting into the van causing collateral damage. Good luck!

@bug512 - welcome to the forum and congrats on your new TC. Thanks for sharing pics - good looking van - I like the color. Great looking dogs too. Lots of room in the van for them. You're going to have fun with your TC. Enjoy!

Nice update, thanks. Still a great thread with some decent battery information. Glad to hear you're enjoying your TC and that fridge is working out okay.

Below is the SSM info. Guessing it applies to 2018 and 2019 vehicles as well. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TSB 12651D4 reprogram BEC module SSM 46321 test 9002 WF Dark mode SSM 46321 - 2014-2017 Transit Connect Battery Drain Due to Frequent Door Openings and Approach Light Strategy Some 2014-2017 Transit Connect vehicles may exhibit a condition that causes the battery to discharge. If normal battery drain diagnosis leads to no issues, it may be caused by the approach lights illuminating every time the body control module (BCM) receives a lock/unlock signal or opening any door. If the door remains open, the lights will remain illuminated for up to 10 minutes. If the vehicle was built on or before 11-Dec-2016, reprogram the BCM to the latest calibration using IDS release 103.05 and higher. For all vehicles, access the BCM Configuration Parameters. Select Module Programming, Programmable Parameters, Personality, Approach Light. Choose Disabled and follow the screen prompts to completion. Use causal part 14A068 and applicable labor operations in section 10 of the SLTS manual.

Great news. Good work! Looking forward to seeing your notes. As written earlier, two dealers were unable do make this change on my 2015 following the SSM after supposedly updating the BCM. Is there a way to tell the BCM version using Forscan? I realize your 2018 already has a BCM version that has dark mode option available. I'm guessing if the option to toggle dark mode is available then the BCM has been updated. Been a while since visiting this topic.

@r1alvin - where have you been stranger? Miss seeing your build and adventure videos. Sorry to hear about your water leak. Crap! I believe the clock on your warranty starts when you take delivery at the dealer, not when the vehicle was made. You should have a few extra months wiggle room but obviously you want to get this problem correctly quickly. Please keep us posted and good luck!

You are right that an OEM seat would be safer than the jump seat and the better option if you plan to use the seat with some frequency. In my situation, the seat will rarely be used and it's an afterthought with the storage compartments already in place, which I'm not willing to redesign, along with height restrictions as well. The jump seat is also compact and easy to store.