44 freekin' computer modules...

[Left Coast Geek]

I dug out the Launch Creader Elite "Benz' I'd gotten a couple years ago to diagnose my wife's Mercedes, and just futzing around, discovered I could easily upgrade it to support all things Ford too, for $38 (1 year license). Being curious, I went ahead and did it.... and yup, it saw my 2019 Expedition Limited Stealth, and read codes (none pending) out of 44 different modules. That is a LOT of discrete computer systems on board.

1. DSM (Driver Front Seat Module)
2. DCMR (Differential Control Module Rear)
3. FCIM (Front Controls Interface Module)
4. PDM (Passenger Door Module)
5. DSP (Audio Digital Signal Processing Module)
6. IPMA (Image Processing Module A)
7. CCM (Cruise Control Module)
8. RBM (Running Board Module)
9. HSWM (Heated Steering Wheel Module)
10. RCM (Restraints Control Module)
11. PSCM (Power Steering Control Module)
12. PAM (Parking Assist Control Module)
13. GSM (Gear Shift Module)
14. ATCM (All Terrain Control Module)
15. RTM (Radio Transceiver Module)
16. ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
17. BECMB (Battery Energy Control Module B)
18. APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module)
19. HUD (Heads Up Display)
20. IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)
21. VDM (Vehicle Dynamics Control Module)
22. BCM (Body Control Module)
23. RGTM (Rear Gate Trunk Module)
24. DDM (Driver Door Module)
25. WACM (Wireless Accessory Charging Module)
26. RHVAC (Rear Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
27. TRM (Trailer Module)
28. TBM (Trailer Brake Control Module)
29. SCMJ (Seat Control Module J)
30. TCM (Transmission Control Module)
31. SODL (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module Left)
32. SCME (Front Seat Climate Control Module)
33. GWM (Gateway Module A)
34. DCDC (Direct Current/Direct Current Converter Control Module)
35. RACM (Rear Audio Control Module)
36. DACMC (Digital Audio Control Module C)
37. SCCM (Steering Column Control Module)
38. IPMB (Image Processing Module B)
39. OCSM (Occupant Classificaition System Module)
40. SODR (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module Right)
41. TCCM (Transfer Case Control Module)
42. ACM (Audio Front Control Module)
43. PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
44. TCM (Telematic Control Unit Module)


yeeeesh. as a retired computer systems engineer, that above list screams SIMPLIFY IT! to me.

 

[whtbronco]

Wow, and I thought the 22 modules and 1 switch in my 2004 was insane. Mine is challenging enough to troubleshoot at times. I hope I never have to work on relatively new one.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

btw, this is a ford specific version of the scanner I have. this reads ALL codes from ALL modules on a ford and explains them. it also can do realtime displays and graphs of engine sensors and such.

LAUNCH Creader Elite For Ford Car ALL System Diagnostic Scanner Tool ECU Coding | eBay

Launch Creader Elite automatic scan tool is based on Android 5.0, 1GB running storage, 16G ram(Support up to 64GB expansion). LAUNCH Creader Elite Scanner provides more powerful features, bring you a new experience.

www.ebay.com

 

[JamaicaJoe]

btw, this is a ford specific version of the scanner I have. this reads ALL codes from ALL modules on a ford and explains them. it also can do realtime displays and graphs of engine sensors and such.

LAUNCH Creader Elite For Ford Car ALL System Diagnostic Scanner Tool ECU Coding | eBay

Launch Creader Elite automatic scan tool is based on Android 5.0, 1GB running storage, 16G ram(Support up to 64GB expansion). LAUNCH Creader Elite Scanner provides more powerful features, bring you a new experience.

www.ebay.com

Will it show power balance? Can I modify the behavior of the instrument cluster lighting so I get backlighting in daytime without headlights turned on?

 

[Left Coast Geek]

not sure what 'power balance' you are talking about.

that model does not seem to have any features for modifying feature codes, the larger/fancier ones that are more like $250-300 do have that sort of capability, at least on some car makers. but even with a model that does have feature coding, I dont know if what you specifically ask for is possible on these fords... I know the Mercedes versions that can do coding can do things like enable the european ILS mode on the headlights, things like that. disable 'eco start/stop'. turn on Android Auto/Apple Carplay on a car that wasn't sold with that option enabled. etc.

 

[5280tunage]

btw, this is a ford specific version of the scanner I have. this reads ALL codes from ALL modules on a ford and explains them. it also can do realtime displays and graphs of engine sensors and such.

LAUNCH Creader Elite For Ford Car ALL System Diagnostic Scanner Tool ECU Coding | eBay

Launch Creader Elite automatic scan tool is based on Android 5.0, 1GB running storage, 16G ram(Support up to 64GB expansion). LAUNCH Creader Elite Scanner provides more powerful features, bring you a new experience.

www.ebay.com

That's pretty cool, I do essentially the same thing with Forscan, does that also allow you to initiate module tests?

and now you all see why during and post covid, there are still so many vehicles with deleted options, everyone of those requires multiple integrated circuits and asic's. Just more to go wrong unfortunately.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

That's pretty cool, I do essentially the same thing with Forscan, does that also allow you to initiate module tests?

I think the larger model Launch Creader can do module tests, I've not found that menu option on mine.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

I dug out the Launch Creader Elite "Benz' I'd gotten a couple years ago to diagnose my wife's Mercedes, and just futzing around, discovered I could easily upgrade it to support all things Ford too, for $38 (1 year license). Being curious, I went ahead and did it.... and yup, it saw my 2019 Expedition Limited Stealth, and read codes (none pending) out of 44 different modules. That is a LOT of discrete computer systems on board.

1. DSM (Driver Front Seat Module)
2. DCMR (Differential Control Module Rear)
3. FCIM (Front Controls Interface Module)
4. PDM (Passenger Door Module)
5. DSP (Audio Digital Signal Processing Module)
6. IPMA (Image Processing Module A)
7. CCM (Cruise Control Module)
8. RBM (Running Board Module)
9. HSWM (Heated Steering Wheel Module)
10. RCM (Restraints Control Module)
11. PSCM (Power Steering Control Module)
12. PAM (Parking Assist Control Module)
13. GSM (Gear Shift Module)
14. ATCM (All Terrain Control Module)
15. RTM (Radio Transceiver Module)
16. ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
17. BECMB (Battery Energy Control Module B)
18. APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module)
19. HUD (Heads Up Display)
20. IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)
21. VDM (Vehicle Dynamics Control Module)
22. BCM (Body Control Module)
23. RGTM (Rear Gate Trunk Module)
24. DDM (Driver Door Module)
25. WACM (Wireless Accessory Charging Module)
26. RHVAC (Rear Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
27. TRM (Trailer Module)
28. TBM (Trailer Brake Control Module)
29. SCMJ (Seat Control Module J)
30. TCM (Transmission Control Module)
31. SODL (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module Left)
32. SCME (Front Seat Climate Control Module)
33. GWM (Gateway Module A)
34. DCDC (Direct Current/Direct Current Converter Control Module)
35. RACM (Rear Audio Control Module)
36. DACMC (Digital Audio Control Module C)
37. SCCM (Steering Column Control Module)
38. IPMB (Image Processing Module B)
39. OCSM (Occupant Classificaition System Module)
40. SODR (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module Right)
41. TCCM (Transfer Case Control Module)
42. ACM (Audio Front Control Module)
43. PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
44. TCM (Telematic Control Unit Module)


yeeeesh. as a retired computer systems engineer, that above list screams SIMPLIFY IT! to me.

Wow, that's whole lotta computin goin on there !

I know my 011 EL has some of the same modules, but I think it's about 1/2 that many, judging by the print out the dealer gave me when attempting to diagnose my no-start-no crank-flashing padlock issue last year....it was several pages long, but that's because of all the codes/pass/fail/successful reset results that were spit out from the main computer....

 

[Flathead40]

I dug out the Launch Creader Elite "Benz' I'd gotten a couple years ago to diagnose my wife's Mercedes, and just futzing around, discovered I could easily upgrade it to support all things Ford too, for $38 (1 year license). Being curious, I went ahead and did it.... and yup, it saw my 2019 Expedition Limited Stealth, and read codes (none pending) out of 44 different modules. That is a LOT of discrete computer systems on board.

1. DSM (Driver Front Seat Module)
2. DCMR (Differential Control Module Rear)
3. FCIM (Front Controls Interface Module)
4. PDM (Passenger Door Module)
5. DSP (Audio Digital Signal Processing Module)
6. IPMA (Image Processing Module A)
7. CCM (Cruise Control Module)
8. RBM (Running Board Module)
9. HSWM (Heated Steering Wheel Module)
10. RCM (Restraints Control Module)
11. PSCM (Power Steering Control Module)
12. PAM (Parking Assist Control Module)
13. GSM (Gear Shift Module)
14. ATCM (All Terrain Control Module)
15. RTM (Radio Transceiver Module)
16. ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
17. BECMB (Battery Energy Control Module B)
18. APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module)
19. HUD (Heads Up Display)
20. IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)
21. VDM (Vehicle Dynamics Control Module)
22. BCM (Body Control Module)
23. RGTM (Rear Gate Trunk Module)
24. DDM (Driver Door Module)
25. WACM (Wireless Accessory Charging Module)
26. RHVAC (Rear Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
27. TRM (Trailer Module)
28. TBM (Trailer Brake Control Module)
29. SCMJ (Seat Control Module J)
30. TCM (Transmission Control Module)
31. SODL (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module Left)
32. SCME (Front Seat Climate Control Module)
33. GWM (Gateway Module A)
34. DCDC (Direct Current/Direct Current Converter Control Module)
35. RACM (Rear Audio Control Module)
36. DACMC (Digital Audio Control Module C)
37. SCCM (Steering Column Control Module)
38. IPMB (Image Processing Module B)
39. OCSM (Occupant Classificaition System Module)
40. SODR (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module Right)
41. TCCM (Transfer Case Control Module)
42. ACM (Audio Front Control Module)
43. PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
44. TCM (Telematic Control Unit Module)


yeeeesh. as a retired computer systems engineer, that above list screams SIMPLIFY IT! to me.

Different system design philosophy. Overall there are more individual modules but each module is simplified. A complex system made of simple parts. Makes sourcing the parts easier and also allows them to have more common modules between all models ($$$ savings). But it can make maintenance and repair more complex as more modules may need diagnosing to resolve individual issues.

 

[ROBERT BONNER]

I dug out the Launch Creader Elite "Benz' I'd gotten a couple years ago to diagnose my wife's Mercedes, and just futzing around, discovered I could easily upgrade it to support all things Ford too, for $38 (1 year license). Being curious, I went ahead and did it.... and yup, it saw my 2019 Expedition Limited Stealth, and read codes (none pending) out of 44 different modules. That is a LOT of discrete computer systems on board.

1. DSM (Driver Front Seat Module)
2. DCMR (Differential Control Module Rear)
3. FCIM (Front Controls Interface Module)
4. PDM (Passenger Door Module)
5. DSP (Audio Digital Signal Processing Module)
6. IPMA (Image Processing Module A)
7. CCM (Cruise Control Module)
8. RBM (Running Board Module)
9. HSWM (Heated Steering Wheel Module)
10. RCM (Restraints Control Module)
11. PSCM (Power Steering Control Module)
12. PAM (Parking Assist Control Module)
13. GSM (Gear Shift Module)
14. ATCM (All Terrain Control Module)
15. RTM (Radio Transceiver Module)
16. ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
17. BECMB (Battery Energy Control Module B)
18. APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module)
19. HUD (Heads Up Display)
20. IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)
21. VDM (Vehicle Dynamics Control Module)
22. BCM (Body Control Module)
23. RGTM (Rear Gate Trunk Module)
24. DDM (Driver Door Module)
25. WACM (Wireless Accessory Charging Module)
26. RHVAC (Rear Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
27. TRM (Trailer Module)
28. TBM (Trailer Brake Control Module)
29. SCMJ (Seat Control Module J)
30. TCM (Transmission Control Module)
31. SODL (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module Left)
32. SCME (Front Seat Climate Control Module)
33. GWM (Gateway Module A)
34. DCDC (Direct Current/Direct Current Converter Control Module)
35. RACM (Rear Audio Control Module)
36. DACMC (Digital Audio Control Module C)
37. SCCM (Steering Column Control Module)
38. IPMB (Image Processing Module B)
39. OCSM (Occupant Classificaition System Module)
40. SODR (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module Right)
41. TCCM (Transfer Case Control Module)
42. ACM (Audio Front Control Module)
43. PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
44. TCM (Telematic Control Unit Module)


yeeeesh. as a retired computer systems engineer, that above list screams SIMPLIFY IT! to me.

I worked at Ford 20 years ago. This is "modular design". Right or wrong, the idea is to compartmentalize and use as many carry-over or common pieces/systems as possible. 20 years ago we assumed every new part developed cost about $1M on average from thought experiment to production. Reuse pieces and systems, save money and leverage experience, drive refinement. So, many of these modules are likely shared with other vehicle lines and/or previous MY Expeditions.

As you are no doubt fully aware, the down side is complexity and compatibility issues, additionally, vehicle configuration issues enter into prove-out and troubleshooting as well. There were those of us back in the day that wanted to consider a centralized, all software approach rather than distributed processing. The concern was that could lead to prolonged development cycle times because much of that software would have to be tested and proven out at the very end of the development cycle. Life lessons have trained management in most industries to believe that relying on a short list of software folks at the last minute to save your timing/profit/warranty exposure, butt, etc. will end poorly. So, here we are.

Whose to say which approach is better in the long run?

Suffice it to say, if your Powertrain engineers can't do a better job than the 3.5L/10spd guys did...this discussion doesn't matter a lot.

 

[Deadman]

And people wonder why I hate new cars in general..... This crap makes me buy older cars and just enjoy their reliability unlike this new computer junk.

 

[RSNovi]

The software defined vehicle trend that Tesla pioneered is starting to spread across the automotive industry. Soon there will be significantly fewer electronic control units onboard and be replaced with more powerful centralized computers and zonal computers.

 

[foxg]

Wouldn’t it be nice if they only had one module that could be programmed with any of the modules information. This way you could buy a spare and have it on hand if needed then just download the new program and go about your day.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

Wouldn’t it be nice if they only had one module that could be programmed with any of the modules information. This way you could buy a spare and have it on hand if needed then just download the new program and go about your day.

yeah, but that one module would be $30000

one of the goals here is reducing the number of wires. as copper is expensive, and heavy.

 

[BigOleFordFan]

Wouldn’t it be nice if they only had one module that could be programmed with any of the modules information. This way you could buy a spare and have it on hand if needed then just download the new program and go about your day.

Nice for you & me (but not at $30K), not so much for the mfgr's of all the different modules though....

 

[Left Coast Geek]

I read that Ford is trying to do more electronics in house so they can better control systems integration, so all those vendors might be getting cut out, anyways.

 

[5280tunage]

I read that Ford is trying to do more electronics in house so they can better control systems integration, so all those vendors might be getting cut out, anyways.

and we think that's a good thing? Look at quality control on everything else. Ford printing IC's, but can't get a cast block or cam shaft, or phasers done right?

 

[Left Coast Geek]

they aren't going to be fabricating ICs, very few companies do that, almost all IC companies now are 'fabless' and rely on fabricators like TSMC. In fact, I bet they don't even fabricate their own PCBs or populate them, as that's commodity stuff that 1000s of companies can do for you. Rather, I expect they are going to design and program the modules inhouse.