System Operation
Overview
Over the Air (OTA) Programming
Over-the-Air updates allow for vehicle system software to be updated wirelessly over Wi-Fi (both private and or public Wi-Fi connection) and or the vehicle cellular network. Over-the-Air updates occur on a rolling basis. By default, the vehicle starts the update process as soon as new software becomes available, notifications of software update availability are displayed on the vehicle display screen.
The Over-the-Air Updates are available for vehicles that are factory equipped with an Enhanced Central Gateway Module, TCU and APIM with Ethernet communication network connections.
Some OTA updates can complete in the background, more complex updates can take up to 45 minutes to complete and the vehicle will be disabled during the update process. These more complex updates must be scheduled by the customer, to complete at a time convenient for them. If an OTA update becomes available that is required to be scheduled, the customer is notified through the vehicle display screen, remotely through the Lincoln Way app and via consumer website.
Certain vehicle conditions must be met for an update to complete at its scheduled time. If these conditions are not met, the update is postponed to the next scheduled time. The user has the ability to reschedule an update at any time.
Details of the over the air (OTA) update release status can be can be viewed on the PTS Connected Vehicle tab.
System Diagram
NOTE: The system diagrams include all component options. Some components may not be equipped on the vehicle.
Over the Air (OTA) Updates
*.sttxt { visibility: hidden; } *.stcallout { visibility: visible; } E348856 1 DLC 2 Gateway Module 3 Primary Cellular Antenna 4 APIM 5 TCU 6 Cloud-based ConnectivityItem | Description |
---|---|
1 | DLC |
2 | GWM |
3 | Primary cellular antenna |
4 | APIM |
5 | TCU |
6 | Cloud-based connectivity |
Network Message Chart
Over the Air Network Input Messages
Broadcast Message | Originating Module | Message Purpose |
---|---|---|
OTA physical data | GWM | Module update data packet received OTA, to be delivered to the receiving module. |
OTA data push function | GWM | Update distribution data message to the receiving module, function |
Over the Air (OTA) Updates
NOTE: Refer to the Owner Literature for additional details of the over the air update process.
Over The Air (OTA) module updates are released from the Ford cloud and received by the vehicle GWM over the vehicle cellular and Wi-Fi connection. The TCU / APIM vehicle Wi-Fi and cellular connection is used to connect the vehicle to the Ford data cloud and pass the data to the GWM over its Ethernet network connection. The download of OTA updates from the cloud to the GWM occurs seamlessly in the background. Once the download from the cloud to the GWM has completed, the GWM manages the software update installation to the receiving module(s). The module updates are communicated between the GWM and the receiving modules over the Ethernet network, for Ethernet connected modules and the controller area networks (CAN), for all other modules, dependent on the update protocols.
For vehicles capable of receiving over the air updates there are 2 general types of update; Scheduled updates and Non Scheduled updates. An installation update icon will appear on the vehicle display screen to inform the user to schedule a convenient time for the scheduled update to take place.
Vehicle status and operational preconditions must be met for all over the air (OTA) update software installations to complete, scheduled or unscheduled. The GWM is aware of the length of time required to update a given module and compares this against the battery state of charge. If it determines that the battery state of charge is not high enough to support the update, the update is postponed. Other preconditions must also be met before an OTA update is installed. The PTS software update dashboard displays the preconditions applicable to your vehicle. The preconditions can include but are not limited to, the following:
The GWM confirms all preconditions are met and the battery status can support the update process before initiating the module update(s).
Note: The GWM considers the battery life while the module programming action is active and the vehicle is off, to be a maximum of 45 minutes.
Scheduled Updates
NOTE: During scheduled updates the vehicle is disabled and does not function. Scheduled updates may take up to 45 minutes to complete.
When software updates are available that must be scheduled, because the update requires the vehicle to be disabled (unusable) for a period of up to 45 minutes, a schedule installation update popup appears on the vehicle display screen. Using the vehicle display screen the customer can schedule a time when the vehicle will not be in use, for the installation of the update to take place. When the update is in progress the vehicle display screen displays a progress bar. Upon completion, details of the completed update can be viewed on the vehicle display screen.
Scheduled updates are required for downloads to modules where the module data is erased before the new data can be uploaded (Erase and replace method). These updates need to be scheduled as the vehicle is disabled (unusable), for up to 45 minutes while the update takes place. Once the download has completed, a schedule installation update icon will appear for the user to schedule a time for the installation to take place. Once scheduled, the user is informed the installation is taking place and the vehicle is disabled while the update installation takes place. On the next use of the vehicle, details of the update can be viewed on the vehicle display screen.
Installation at the Scheduled Time
Note: An internet network connection is not required during the scheduled update time. If an internet connection is available where the vehicle is parked, the connection is used to update the data cloud of the update status at the time the update completes. Otherwise the system updates the data cloud on its next connection to the internet.
Non Scheduled Updates
Some updates are not required to be scheduled. These updates will install in the background once the download is complete and all vehicle preconditions are met. The customer can drive the vehicle normally during the update.
Update Now
The update now function enables the vehicle owner to activate an update as soon as an update has been downloaded to the vehicle, rather than waiting for the scheduled update time. The option is designed to give more flexibility for users with schedules that do not fit a scheduled weekly update timing.
The update now button can be selected on the vehicle display screen when an update is available through the following:
When the update now button is selected, a pop up screen displays showing a countdown stating the update will start in "x" minutes, the vehicle is not usable during the update and instructing the occupants to exit and secure the vehicle before the update starts. An option to cancel an update is also displayed.
NOTE: The occupants of the vehicle must have exited and secured the vehicle within the stated time period for the update to start.
System Settings
Vehicle connectivity must be enabled for over the air updates to be applied to the vehicle.
The customer has the option to turn Automatic Updates on or off, to switch notifications on or off, and set or change update schedules. Manual updates can be initiated by selecting the update icon on the vehicle display screen.
Notifications
The primary point for notification of OTA software updates to the customer is the vehicle display screen. The customer also has the option to receive notifications through the Lincoln Way app or the Lincoln customer website. If the customer's e-mail is available, the customer can choose to receive OTA related notification via e-mail.
Update available: Notifies the user system software updates are available.
Schedule reminder: Once an update is scheduled the user is informed through the vehicle display screen 24 hours prior to the scheduled time that the installation is going to take place and is given the option to reschedule. If the user has chosen to use the Ford mobile app, they will receive the same notification 12 hours prior to the scheduled installation time.
Download From the Cloud to the Vehicle
All module software update files are downloaded from the Ford data cloud by the GWM through the vehicle Wi-Fi or cellular connection provided by the TCU , expect for APIM SYNC software files, which are passed through the GWM to the APIM . Updates to the APIM module are driven by the GWM .
Internet Network Connection
The vehicle has 2 sources of connection to the Ford data cloud, vehicle Wi-Fi and vehicle cellular data. The vehicle is required to have a minimum of 3 bars signal at the location where the vehicle is parked over night, to make sure OTA updates are completed without delays.
OTA Update Subtypes
There are a number of OTA update sub types as described below.
Cancellation of Ongoing OTA Updates
The customer does not have the direct ability to cancel an OTA system software update. There are a few reasons why an update may be canceled.
Module Over the Air Programming Capability Chart
Module Name | Over the Air Update Programing Capable (Yes/N0) | Module Update Method |
APIM | Yes | ABA swap |
GWM | Yes | ABA swap |
TCU | Yes | ABA swap |
OTA & Connected Vehicle Dashboard
PTS has a Connected Vehicle tab that allows access to details of the Over the Air (OTA) update status of the vehicle. The dashboard contains a calendar with a 60 day history of the Over the air update activity on the vehicle and a Currently In Process dashboard. The calendar contains but is not limited to the information listed below.
The Currently In Process dashboard contains but is not limited to the information listed below.
Updating Modules Using The Diagnostic Scan Tool
Modules with an Ethernet network connection can be updated through the diagnostic scan tool, using the USB flash method. A 32 GB USB drive formatted to exFAT can be used to transfer software to the Ethernet connected modules. Connect the appropriate exFAT format USB drive to the diagnostic scan tool and follow the on screen prompts to complete the software download.
Component Description
Telematic Control Module
The TCU receives the software update data from the Ford data cloud and passes it through the Ethernet network to the gateway module for distribution to the receiving module(s).
The TCU requires PMI when replaced.
Gateway Module
The GWM serves as the programming manager for over the air software updates completed for target modules. Depending on the modules involved the gateway module may store the update or just relay the update to the target module. The gateway module acts as a router or hub for the Ethernet networks and is also connected to the vehicle CAN . Software updates can be deployed from the GWM to target modules using either CAN or Ethernet networks.
The GWM requires PMI when replaced.
Erase and Replace Modules
Many modules on the vehicle need to be erased before new data can be installed. The software installation process can take up to 45 minutes to complete. Updates to these modules need to be scheduled and specific vehicle conditions must be met for the update to be initiated.
ABA Swap Configuration Modules
For modules that have an ABA swap configuration the update is applied to the B portion of the module while the vehicle continues to reference the data in the A portion. The module will reference the new data once a key cycle has completed.
WARNING: If the tire pressure monitor sensor becomes damaged it may not function.
Note: The use of tire sealant may damage your tire pressure monitoring system and should only be used in roadside emergencies. If you must use a sealant, use the Tire Mobility Kit sealant. Replace the tire pressure monitoring system sensor and valve stem on the wheel by an authorized dealer after use of the sealant.
Note: The tire pressure monitoring system indicator light will illuminate when the spare tire is in use. To restore the full function of the monitoring system, all road wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring sensors must be mounted on the vehicle.
If you get a flat tire while driving, do not apply the brake hea