turn off or shorten duration lights are on

[phollenback]

Hey folks, I got my complete guide to turning off approach lights written.  It covers all the steps I followed to turn off the approach lights on my 2018 TC Wagon.  I tried to be extremely comprehensive with the instructions so I hope it's useful for others.  Feedback or more details appreciated.

[Don Ridley]

Nice work. Thanks for doing this. The change should work for late 2016s and newer TCs. 

 

Resetting the DTCs should be done every time a change is made by Forscan. 

[Fifty150]

That was an awesome tutorial.  

[zalienz]

Great job on the tutorial. Very easy to follow and helpful. Thank you!

[windguy]

On 3/16/2019 at 5:20 PM, phollenback said:

Hey folks, I got my complete guide to turning off approach lights written.  It covers all the steps I followed to turn off the approach lights on my 2018 TC Wagon.  I tried to be extremely comprehensive with the instructions so I hope it's useful for others.  Feedback or more details appreciated.

 

@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.

 

[windguy]

On 3/16/2019 at 6:08 PM, Don Ridley said:

Nice work. Thanks for doing this. The change should work for late 2016s and newer TCs. 

 

Resetting the DTCs should be done every time a change is made by Forscan. 

 

@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.

 

[Don Ridley]

Windguy,

Yes. Someone on the forum found the version number of the BCM firmware that works with this modification. Mine is the version just before it was implemented and my build date is early 2016. A mororcraft website will give you programming info on all modules from a VIN. See the discussion about this mod and it should have all the details. Let me know if you can't find it and I can help 

[Fifty150]

Serramonte  Ford was not able to do it for me.  I will look for another dealership.  Maybe a different tech at a different shop.

 

[windguy]

7 hours ago, Don Ridley said:

Windguy,

Yes. Someone on the forum found the version number of the BCM firmware that works with this modification. Mine is the version just before it was implemented and my build date is early 2016. A mororcraft website will give you programming info on all modules from a VIN. See the discussion about this mod and it should have all the details. Let me know if you can't find it and I can help 

 

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

 

 

 

Edited March 20, 2019 by windguy

[jrm223]

On 3/19/2019 at 2:34 PM, windguy said:

 

 Ford ETIS did not show any BCM updates but not sure that is accurate.

 

 

I've looked at ETIS a couple times after successfully getting my approach lights disabled (dark mode), and it still shows the original build number for my BCM. It seems to me like ETIS is not a reliable way to verify that BCM has been updated. If you have the scan tool and software, give it a shot yourself before wasting more time with dealers, IMO. Disable the setting (called Approach Lights in FORScan) and save the changes, etc, then verify that the lights stay off. If they don't, change the setting back to enabled and bring it to the next dealer - but, if the BCM actually is updated, it should work for you.

[windguy]

5 hours ago, jrm223 said:

 

I've looked at ETIS a couple times after successfully getting my approach lights disabled (dark mode), and it still shows the original build number for my BCM. It seems to me like ETIS is not a reliable way to verify that BCM has been updated. If you have the scan tool and software, give it a shot yourself before wasting more time with dealers, IMO. Disable the setting (called Approach Lights in FORScan) and save the changes, etc, then verify that the lights stay off. If they don't, change the setting back to enabled and bring it to the next dealer - but, if the BCM actually is updated, it should work for you.

 

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

[Drew103]

Updated my 2018 to turn off the approach lighting with Ford's IDS software

Step by step pics.

[windguy]

@drew103 - Thanks for sharing your mod and congrats on getting your approach lights disabled.

 

Can you share more info on how you went about using Ford's IDS software?

Did you purchase a time-based license to get an activation code and how did that process go?

Did you also get the required interface Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) or Vehicle Measurement Module (VMM)?

 

https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com/vdirs/wds/diagnosticsites/ids/mcs/Overview.asp

 

There has been some recent discussion about trying to get this task done using Forscan in the thread link below:

 

 

[Drew103]

@windguy - I work at a Ford dealership and since i manage the IT equipment i am familiar with using the IDS software and have access to a VCM.

 

I had been trying to disable this since i purchased it a year ago.

Even went as far as to contact the Ford technical hotline to ask for help in disabling this and was told it was a normal function that could not be disabled.

 

Thanks to your thread i was able to have a starting point to go into the modules and eventually found the option to disable it..

 

 

[Fifty150]

It would be great if we had step-by-step directions for the dealership tech.  Then anyone could walk into their dealership, hand them a printout of what to do, and the tech who is not experienced could follow the directions using what the dealership has on hand.  As opposed to guys trying to convince a service writer that it could be done, and nobody in the dealership has any knowledge.  

[windguy]

On 7/9/2019 at 6:33 AM, Drew103 said:

@windguy - I work at a Ford dealership and since i manage the IT equipment i am familiar with using the IDS software and have access to a VCM.

 

I had been trying to disable this since i purchased it a year ago.

Even went as far as to contact the Ford technical hotline to ask for help in disabling this and was told it was a normal function that could not be disabled.

 

Thanks to your thread i was able to have a starting point to go into the modules and eventually found the option to disable it..

 

 

 

Thanks Drew103. You've got the inside advantage to getting this done. Good for you. Interesting that your own tech support couldn't help you with making this change.

You can be a real hero and take a 2014 or 2015 off your used car lot, when one comes in, and perform the necessary BCM upgrade and then see if you can do the same approach light disable function. I'd really like to hear how that goes. It's still a mystery for me, and others apparently, why multiple Ford techs at multiple dealerships around the US were unable to complete these steps successfully. A few did, but most didn't.

['14 Connect]

On 9/13/2017 at 5:24 PM, Mickster said:

I complained about the entry illumination to my dealer, and expressed my concern that it would drain the battery on my 2017 TC XL Cargo Van, since it is being converted to a weekend camper. The service tech hooked up their Integrated Diagnostic System computer to the vehicle's On-board Diagnostic port and scrolled through the Body Control Module menus, but couldn't find any way to shorten or turn off the unwelcome 10-minute "Welcome Lighting."

So, I spoke with the dealership's service director, who went online and looked through Ford's technical bulletins for customer complaints about battery drain caused by the long open-door lighting delay. Sure enough, Ford had come out with a firmware update for the TC's Body Control Module. Once my vehicle's module had been updated with the new firmware, the tech was able to access the menu to turn off the lighting. The software update and programming change was covered under my warranty. Now that I am finally in "Dark Mode" I am a happy camper. Moral of the story: Keep complaining until you get results.

Let us know how you fare with your dealer.

 

I have the 14 Connect out of warranty do you think this would still be covered?? What Nazi Moron would program any vehicle to make the head lights and tail lights come on when you open any of the doors!! Seriously??

[OLDSCHOOLFOOL]

53 minutes ago, '14 Connect said:

What Nazi Moron would program any vehicle to make the head lights and tail lights come on when you open any of the doors!! Seriously??

They're call Software Engineers. Wouldn't you like to shoot one in the kneecap about right now? I know I would.?

['14 Connect]

Anyone with a 14 Connect and up try this to disable perimeter lights, if you have any luck let me know I wont be able to do this for awhile.. Sorry about the blots covering the letters my screen is jacked up, its lamp illuminated entry.

Edited January 12, 2020 by '14 Connect

['14 Connect]

36 minutes ago, OLDSCHOOLFOOL said:

They're call Software Engineers. Wouldn't you like to shoot one in the kneecap about right now? I know I would.?

Both knee caps I swear to god!! To make matters worse ALL exterior lights stay on for 10 minutes to boot.. Yeah I'm sure that's just GREAT for the battery.. I just posted a possible remedy hopefully everyone can see it.. Its funny on another note, there is no interior dome light switch that turns on all the interior lights either if you have kids in the back or need to see anything. You have to physically reach around on the ceiling and manually turn on 1 of 3 switches that goes all the way back if you want to see anything. My ribs already hurt    

Edited January 12, 2020 by '14 Connect

[OLDSCHOOLFOOL]

3 hours ago, '14 Connect said:

To make matters worse ALL exterior lights stay on for 10 minutes to boot.    

 

ALL exterior lights? On mine only the running lamps come on, not the headlights. For grins and giggles I did the F150 sequence in your screenshot and it actually honked the horn at the appropriate times but of course the lights still come on. To be honest I'm not sure if the headlights were coming on before I did the sequence or not.

 

I did notice that turning OFF the headlight from automatic mode stops the dinging when you open the door. Which is annoying because I like to run my lights on all the time and have them shut off automatically when the truck shuts off. I don't like that you cannot manually turn on the headlights without turning on the ignition.

 

This lights on crap is one of the stupidest setups I have EVER seen from a car manufacturer!

['14 Connect]

5 hours ago, OLDSCHOOLFOOL said:

 

ALL exterior lights? On mine only the running lamps come on, not the headlights. For grins and giggles I did the F150 sequence in your screenshot and it actually honked the horn at the appropriate times but of course the lights still come on. To be honest I'm not sure if the headlights were coming on before I did the sequence or not.

 

I did notice that turning OFF the headlight from automatic mode stops the dinging when you open the door. Which is annoying because I like to run my lights on all the time and have them shut off automatically when the truck shuts off. I don't like that you cannot manually turn on the headlights without turning on the ignition.

 

This lights on crap is one of the stupidest setups I have EVER seen from a car manufacturer!

Yes all lights meaning when I open any door including the back door the both front headlight side marker lights AND both the rear lights come on!.. That's 4 all the way around which is totally rediculous when a door is opened. When you open your door look at the rear lights they will probably come on to if you have the '14 Connect and up maybe your not seeing them. The screenshot I took was for the connect not sure if the F-150 is the same. I'll have to keep looking into this to get this to stop because i use this for work to and the doors are always open so at this rate I'll need a new battery in 4-6 months. I would be more understanding if they went off in 10 or 20 seconds but 10 minutes headlights AND brakelights??...Holy crap is Ford TRYING to burn the atmosphere?? 

Edited January 13, 2020 by '14 Connect

[jrm223]

I have a 2015 and only the "city lights" (tiny 194-style bulb) NOT the headlight bulbs came on with the perimeter lights, I don't think the back-up lights turned on, either - thus not "all" lights turn on with perimeter lighting feature. And, the solution has been posted dozens of times in this forum, your screenshot even shows this website in the results. 

 

Look up SSM 46321 - wouldn't you know it, I found that in this very thread on page 4. It's unlikely that you'll have the newer BCM programming (which came out circa late-2016), so Ford will need to update it per the SSM 46321, which will also guide them in disabling the perimeter lighting feature. Here's a helpful post from page 4 of this thread that tells you everything:

 

On 7/20/2018 at 8:49 PM, mrpeabody56 said:

HELLO ALL YOU FELLOW HAPPY (DISGRUNTLED) CAMPERS.

Are you plain SICK AND TIRED of the STUPID "Perimeter lights" (aka: courtesy lights, courtesy lights, etc ad naseum) staying on when you are camping, in a quiet spot of the woods, wherever you wish to go unnoticed? I finally found / got the answer and the fix. It is as follows:

JULY 20 2018 _ DISABLING 2016 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT TITANIUM PERIMETER LIGHTING_POLICE DARK MODE (Please note: This will work for 2014-2017 Transit Connect vans):

 

SSM 46321 – (Dark mode) for 2014-2017 Transit Connect - Battery Drain Due to Frequent Door Openings and Approach Light Strategy).

 

Ford has come out with a firmware update for the TC's Body Control Module. When your vehicle's module had been updated with the new firmware, the tech will be able to access the menu to turn off the lighting. The software update and programming change was covered under warranty. Others TC owners confirm that the 2016 transit connect titanium can have this function disabled. At an online TC forum; many others with the same complaint were able to disable this feature under warrantee by having the “BCM” and/or the “PCM” upgraded/reprogrammed. After this is accomplished, the service tech needs to find the proper “box” to check off (disable) this “feature”.

 

Two steps to perform:

 

1) Update the BCM.  (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.  Calibration files may also be obtained at www.motorcraft.com. Prior year vans need to have the BCM updated first as step one of the SSM. Vans built after 12-11-16 already have the updates for the dark mode loaded in their BCM version).

 

2) Set the approach lights to dark mode.  For all vehicles access the BCM Configuration Parameters. Select -> Module Programming -> Programmable Parameters -> Personality -> Approach Light -> Choose “Disable” and follow the screen prompts to completion.  (It takes about 15 minutes). If there are problems setting the dark mode, (if the service technician can see the option in the programming, but it won't let him save the change or move out of that screen, it may be the programming device but probably not the van. Also, it may be that the PCM might have been updated instead of BCM. Disabling will not work without doing updating the BCM first if the Transit Connect was built prior to that 2016 date in the document). If this is the case, the dealer will have to update the BCM, then disable the perimeter lighting, then enable (again the perimeter lighting, then once again "disable" the perimeter lighting - AFTER performing the software/firmware update.

 

(Updated BCM codes: The SMM uses the term "Approach Light" per below:

 

  The print out the dealer gave me for what my van BCM shows:  Approach Light - (BdyCM) = Disabled).

 

You can check the history of your vehicle at http://www.etis.ford.com/vehicle/softwareUpgrades.do -> Summary -> History (registration as an independent operator is mandatory - and free). This enables you to cross-check to see if any changes have occurred since your vehicle was first built. This means that you now have the means to verify statements made by dealers or garages. (If no updates to the BCM are flagged the dates shown are the original manufacture dates).

 

Police Dark (Stealth) Mode - keeps your interior (and Pony) lights off when you enter/exit/turn off vehicle BCM 726-32-01 : xxxx x?xx xxxx Change ? To: 0-Disable (off-default), 1-Enable (on)

 

When the dealer updates the BCM they need to activate dark mode. Check the Ford ETIS for your VIN before and after you have your BCM updated to see if that BCM status changes. Here's the link, (First register and create a free account: https://www.etis.ford.com/home/about.do

 

 

I am VERY please to state that my 2016 ford transit connect van (built Mar 14 2016) is now in the "Police Dark Mode" - and I am not waking / irritating any fellow campers around me, not draining my battery dead.

YEAHHHH...!!!! I wis the best for you. PS: There should be NO CHARGE from dealers to "update" this annoying software.

Mr peabody56

 

[jrm223]

19 hours ago, '14 Connect said:

Anyone with a 14 Connect and up try this to disable perimeter lights, if you have any luck let me know I wont be able to do this for awhile.. Sorry about the blots covering the letters my screen is jacked up, its lamp illuminated entry.

[Pic deleted]

 

If you had clicked on the link right below the procedure, which takes you right to this forum in another post, you'd see that the procedure you're posting was actually from Ford Fusion & Lincoln MKZ, so it probably won't do anything for your TC.

Quote is from this thread "Disable Perimeter Lighting" by Daedalus1

On 11/21/2014 at 9:32 AM, 103west43rd said:

Hello Daedalus1,try this, it works on the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ. Deactivating/activating perimeter lamps illuminated entry
You may enable/disable this feature by having your vehicle serviced by
your authorized dealer.
You may also perform the following power door lock sequence to
enable/disable the perimeter lamps feature. Note: Before starting, ensure
the ignition is in the 1 (LOCK) position and all vehicle doors are closed.
You must complete Steps 1–5 within 30 seconds or the procedure will
have to be repeated. If the procedure needs to be repeated, wait a
minimum of 30 seconds before beginning again.
1. Place the key in the ignition and
turn the ignition to the 3 (RUN)
position.
2. Press the power door unlock
control on the door panel three
times.
3. Turn the ignition from the 3
(RUN) position to the 1 (LOCK)
position.
4. Press the power door unlock control on the door panel three times.
5. Turn the ignition back to the 3 (RUN) position. The horn will chirp
one time to confirm programming mode has been entered and is active.
6. Press the power door unlock control twice within 5 seconds. Note:
The horn will chirp once to indicate the perimeter lighting feature has
been deactivated. The horn will chirp once and honk once (one short
and one long) to indicate the perimeter lighting feature has been
activated.
7. Turn the ignition to the 1 (LOCK) position to exit the procedure.
Note: The horn will chirp once to confirm the procedure is complete.

Let us know.

 

[Fifty150]

12 hours ago, jrm223 said:

only the "city lights" (tiny 194-style bulb) NOT the headlight bulbs came on with the perimeter lights, I don't think the back-up lights turned on, either - thus not "all" lights turn on with perimeter lighting feature

High beams and signal lamps do not turn on either.