Convers+

[RR7]

No, it's not done.

I took it for an ids session, the software kept bombing out when updating the BCM saying it could not communicate with the module. We tried this with two different laptops with current and older ids.

It basically cost me a couple of hours labour to not fix it.

So is yours also not working? I was under the impression that yours and someone's else's here were straight swapped and working.

I take it you mean the back lights for the dials when you say dash lights?

[137699]

I don't have my convers+ cluster fitted yet, as the mileage on my convers cluster is 10,000 miles more than the car has already done.

I have trial fitted it though and on mine the speedo/rev counter backlight didn't come on with the headlights, and nor did the rest of the dashboard illumination (i.e. climate control buttons, radio buttons, headlight switch etc.).

Refitting the old non-convers+ cluster and all the lights work fine again.

I'm aware that others have not had this problem when retro-fitting convers+ and it is (I'm reliably informed) down to software versions on the BCM and/or GEM modules. If the software version pre-dated the release of the convers+ cluster, it has to be upgraded. On 2007+ cars I'm told it's not a problem as they have newer software pre-loaded at the factory.

[RR7]

What's the gem module? Is that the firmware on the cluster?

We flashed the cluster with the latest software to no avail.

The BCM thing makes perfect sense, but like I said mine wouldn't flash. Not sure what to do next, can't chuck too much money at it for a while.

[137699]

GEM = General Electric Module.

It's the multiplexer device that controls many of the in car electrical systems.

[RR7]

GEM = General Electric Module.

It's the multiplexer device that controls many of the in car electrical systems.

are you going to get your BCM updated any time soon? since mine wouldnt flash i'd like to know if its worth pursuing why it wont flash. already spend a bit trying to get it done, i'm hoping you might now make a move :)

[137699]

I've got another 10,000 miles wait until I put my set in - approx 6-9 months I reckon.

[RR7]

cant see my patience lasting that long ;)

speaking to ford dealers is a pain in the !Removed! too. "you cant change the clsuter as the car wont start" - really? how comes i did fit it and it did start then?

when they make comments like that i really dont know why i should trust anything else they say.

this all came about coz they last guy who tried to update my BCM couldnt do it and then started saying stuff about needing a new module, i hate it when these garages try and convince you for new ECU and crap like that because they dont know what the answer is.

anyway they reckon they can uddate the BCM and blamed the other guys equipment, sad thing is they want £100 to do it. which i think is a lot of money to spend when we dont really know if thats gonna fix it.

part of me wonders if the cluster coming from a mondeo is the issue....

some other guy reckons he's a real wiz with these things, perhaps i'll give it another go next week.....

[RR7]

i've got an update on this, it seems you cannot update the 2006 -03/2007 model BCM to support convers+. it just physically lacks the features that later models have.

so assuming it IS the BCM causing it (and i also have a reliable source that says it is) it will need to be replaced.

the current module that supersedes this one is the same across most of the smax range except the 2.2 diesel and the facelift.

[RR7]

Update:

If your bcm part number begins with a 6 then the convers, will play up with your electrics as mentioned, if it's a 7 series module it works.

I was able to get hold of a second hand 7 series module, matched the settings for my car and it fixes the problem, HOWEVER, you can't configure a second hand module with your chassis number etc using IDS, so I can't run the car with this module installed.

Does anyone know anyone that has software that can totally clear the configuration from a second hand module?

News ones are about £400+

[RR7]

I've got another 10,000 miles wait until I put my set in - approx 6-9 months I reckon.

did you ever make any progress on this?

[137699]

Nope - I ran with the convers+ clocks in for a while - decided I didn't like them anyway - rev counter too small and the screen displays only the same info as the red screen but takes up too much room and glares in your face as you drive at night.

So I sold on the clocks without ever getting to the bottom of the dash lighting issue.

[RR7]

I just wanted to mention that I've since sold my s-max and the convers unit is for sale, I've put an ad in the parts for sale section :)

[tallrob]

This old thread is kind of depressing. Starts off with an easy swap, then oops not so fast, and ends with giving up and selling the unit. Bummer.

[tallrob]

Since I've already resurrected this thread, I'll go ahead and ask a question. I'm looking to replace a broken red led cluster panel with a convers+ panel, and wondering about the cutoff date for compatibility. My 2007 model year S-Max has a "6A" manufacturing date which equals Nov, 2006. Does that make the post-convers+ BCM programming, or am I out of luck?