ATTN: FORD 2025 AWD software update needed…

[Huffy]

As the title says!!! ATTN: FORD; Give us an over air update for our 2025 AWD!!! Winter is upon us and it’s overdue.

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[Scupking]

As the title says!!! ATTN: FORD; Give us an over air update for our 2025 AWD!!! Winter is upon us and it’s overdue.

They said they would but haven't yet... I figured they would have phused it by now..

 

[chilicharger]

I agree! I want to buy some better looking 17" wheels for my '25 Lariat and put some more aggressive semi-offroad tires on them. I am thinking the Nokian Outposts in 235/65/17. After watching the TFL videos on the much better '26 slip performance, that software upgrade would pair perfectly with the new wheels/tires. I would feel much better about going deeper down trails and rougher roads with that combo.

 

[Tom 71 Maverick 24]

What, exactly, would they be updating? Is this in relation to the TFL slip performance tests, because if it is, the 2024 could use the update too.

 

[Dave O]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

 

[chilicharger]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it

It is broken. That is why they updated it in '26.

 

[chilicharger]

What, exactly, would they be updating? Is this in relation to the TFL slip performance tests, because if it is, the 2024 could use the update too.

22-24 definitely won't get it. They are unable to be updated wirelessly like the 25 and up can be. The software is different in the refresh models. Ford also isn't going to offer an update that would require a dealer visit like the 22-24 would need.

 

[Scupking]

What, exactly, would they be updating? Is this in relation to the TFL slip performance tests, because if it is, the 2024 could use the update too.

They would be updating the 2025 Hybrid AWD software to match the 26. The pre refresh Mavericks will not get it as the 22-24 Hybrid does not have AWD.

 

[SteveM]

What, exactly, would they be updating? Is this in relation to the TFL slip performance tests, because if it is, the 2024 could use the update too.

The OAT Update would be for the AWD Hybrid, which wasn't available in 2024. The 2026 has AWD programming for the Hybrid that mirrors the EB AWD, which is what the OAT Update is supposed to do for the 2025's.

 

[Finnster]

My question is that with all the AWD RDU Problems seen on this site, is it wise to install this update and presumably increase the stress on the rdu's clutch packs, etc.

 

[Huffy]

My question is that with all the AWD RDU Problems seen on this site, is it wise to install this update and presumably increase the stress on the rdu's clutch packs, etc.

The entire 2026 model year was the “Beta” test year. Are you saying the RDU problems are 2026 related due to software update? If not then I’ll take my chances with the update…

 

[Finnster]

The entire 2026 model year was the “Beta” test year. Are you saying the RDU problems are 2026 related due to software update? If not then I’ll take my chances with the update…

I am not saying the RDU problems are 2026 related due to software update! I am questioning whether the stock RDU is strong enough for this application, and if the update will put additional loading and wear on the unit!
My presumption is that the MY25 and MY26 share the same RDU. The failures I have seen on this site appear to be from most or all model years, including 2025's and possibly 2026's.

My intention is to not install the AWD improvement update when it arrives. I want to be best able to keep my RDU from failing!
That brings me to another question, Is there any difference between the RDU's in the basic AWD vs 4K Tow AWD? My guess is that there is not.

 

[Huffy]

I am not saying the RDU problems are 2026 related due to software update! I am questioning whether the stock RDU is strong enough for this application, and if the update will put additional loading and wear on the unit!
My presumption is that the MY25 and MY26 share the same RDU. The failures I have seen on this site appear to be from most or all model years, including 2025's and possibly 2026's.

My intention is to not install the AWD improvement update when it arrives. I want to be best able to keep my RDU from failing!
That brings me to another question, Is there any difference between the RDU's in the basic AWD vs 4K Tow AWD? My guess is that there is not.

My intention is to install the update when available, not worried one bit that it will increase RDU issues, I want to be “best able” to keep from getting stuck this winter when I go out on remote forest service roads etc!

 

[SteveM]

I am not saying the RDU problems are 2026 related due to software update! I am questioning whether the stock RDU is strong enough for this application, and if the update will put additional loading and wear on the unit!
My presumption is that the MY25 and MY26 share the same RDU. The failures I have seen on this site appear to be from most or all model years, including 2025's and possibly 2026's.

My intention is to not install the AWD improvement update when it arrives. I want to be best able to keep my RDU from failing!
That brings me to another question, Is there any difference between the RDU's in the basic AWD vs 4K Tow AWD? My guess is that there is not.

There are only 2 RDUs. The Standard RDU used for FX4/AWD, and a Twin Cluctch RDU used in the Tremor and Lobo configurations. The 2 are not interchangable. That said you CANNOT get the 4K tow package without the AWD. The RDU for the Hybrid, and the EB are the same flavors as I just mentioned. The software update appears to only be changing PDU/RDU behavior, not ECM power or Torque outputs.
Furthermore, the RDU issues appear to be related to low fluid fill from the factory. If you take care of that issue early, you should not have any problems.

 

[Finnster]

I haven't seen anything on this site that ties the RDU failures to low fluid levels from the factory??
However, I'll be topping off my RDU this fall, it doesn't pay to take chances!

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