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Summary of my projects / mods.

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Discussion starter · #81 ·
Today was 2 mods, 1 repair.
Repair was to replace the sunroof accordion on driver’s side. No pictures for this…

Mods:
Drive mode switch - recalls last drive mode
PRNDM light strip on center console

The drive mod switch connects to the shifter connector and the PRNDM light strip attaches to an open connector under the shifter too, so I removed the shift console trim and the trim plate under that too. Easy to pop these off.

The PRNDM light strip had to be secured with tape, and the connector it plugs into was bound together shorter than it should be, so I just had to cut some of the tape to get the full length.
The Drive mode switch attaches with double sided tape and a zip tie.

The drive mode switch functions by switching to the last drive mode you used. It does this about 10 seconds after you put the truck into R or D. Now I don’t have to hit the drive mode switch 5x to get into Sport mode. “There’s a fine line between efficiency and laziness”. Between this drive mode switch and my auto stop defeat switch, I’m one efficient guy!

The PRNDM light strip is for visual effect only. It lights up the PRNDM letters left of the console shifter. Doesn’t tell you which position the shifter is in; it just lights them all up. I wanted this only to see if I could get it to light up.
Light strip pictures

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Drive mode switch pictures:

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#83 ·
Auto Return would be Great for towing or mountain drive which I stay in one of those

Does remote start switch it make to normal like I’ve read?


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Discussion starter · #84 ·
rjschatts said:
Does remote start switch it make to normal like I’ve read?
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
I don’t know (yet). Since the timer works to put the drive mode back to the last mode being used, I’ll assume “yes”. A remote start never goes into gear it’s technically in “normal” mode; so it probably defaults to normal and the timer switch will see that on next start.
I’ll test this and report back soon!

edit - thinking some more, it would seem starting the truck normally (sitting inside and using key or push button) and then not ever putting into gear (R or D) is the same as a remote start. Therefore a regular start without ever putting the transmission into gear and then turning off the truck may also default the timer to think you want Normal mode.
I’ll test this too.

edit - the timers.shop website https://timers.shop/assets/documentation/FordDrivingModeMemoryModule.pdf does has a note for column shift F150’s:
NOTE: The Column Shifter module will not work with the Remote Start option. When the vehicle is started with the Remote Start the ECU does not accept changes to the DM mode. If the vehicle started with the remote start the module stored DM mode and actual DM modes will be out of sync.
If you want to use the DM Memory module with the remote start you would need to restart the engine with the key present and then drive the vehicle. In this scenario, the module will set the DM correctly.
 
Discussion starter · #87 ·
I tested the Drive Mode (DM) Switch functions today. My pre-written test procedure and results are below.
In summary:
Test truck 2018 F150 Lariat with console shifter and 5 drive modes
Test 1 - a normal start up but never going into gear, and them turning off the truck will not interrupt the DM Switch function.

Test 2 - a Remote Start cycle will interrupt the DM Switch and it will default back to Normal mode.

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#88 ·
So remote start will reset it to normal but not driving it after starting will not.

Looks like I might end up getting one from springtime.
Would be great for towing and not having to remember to switch it (lazy).
I think I know the answer already but does it remember if you lock out gears also? That would be awesome if it does, doubtful since that’s a transmission setting


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Discussion starter · #89 ·
FYI - now that I don’t have to contort my wrist and hand to push the DM button 5 times, I am finding that I drive more “normally”. Seems like the action of putting into Sport mode caused me to drive more sporty. Now I just put it into drive and go. Normal like.
 
Discussion starter · #92 ·
Today I added a visual queue to the inner edge of my sideview mirrors.
Why? you ask...
When I park my truck in a public area, I try not to use my fob to lock the doors. I'm trying to reduce the chance of someone cloning my fob's signal. Yes - I am paranoid. So, I press the door handle to lock the truck, and walk away. Well, with a 4-year-old kiddo, I often and preoccupied and kinda forget if I just pressed the door handle to lock the truck. I'll look back and try to see if the mirrors are folded in (I added this feature with FORScan) but sometimes my older eyes can't really tell if the mirror is folded in or not (but I can still see enough to drive legally). It's something about the white mirror cap and black trim which makes it harder to see that the mirror is folded in.
So today I added a strip of red tape (you know it had to be red tape!) to the inside surface of the mirror hinge which is only exposed when the mirror is folded in. I can see this red tape contrast enough to know the mirror is folded in and therefore the truck is locked! I don't have to go back or (worse yet) press the fob to lock the truck.
In real life, the red is easier to see than these photos. It's a gimmick that works for me and might be useful for someone else reading this one day - although I bet no one else would ever admit to using this gimmick.


Before - mirror folded in, no visual queue

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After - mirror folded in with red tape visual queue.

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Discussion starter · #95 ·
Discussion starter · #96 ·
Today I installed my RAS 3611-Y active suspension. I could only drive her around the block. So far feels great - very “planted”. Patiently waiting to take it out on a longer test ride.
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Discussion starter · #97 ·
Oooooooooh Yes! I’m liking the ride with the RAS units installed. Went on some basic suburban roads today but really liked the new ride feel. Since putting on rear Bilsteins + rear Hellwig + RAS, my truck rides so much firmer and I feel like it has the control my driving style enjoys taking advantage of.
I even gained a slight rake post-RAS which is ok. Once I get the 5100s up front - with the adjustable HaloLift collars, I’ll be able to dial in whatever final rake or level I desire.
 
#98 ·
Boatwaco said:
Oooooooooh Yes! I’m liking the ride with the RAS units installed. Went on some basic suburban roads today but really liked the new ride feel. Since putting on rear Bilsteins + rear Hellwig + RAS, my truck rides so much firmer and I feel like it has the control my driving style enjoys taking advantage of.
I even gained a slight rake post-RAS which is ok. Once I get the 5100s up front - with the adjustable HaloLift collars, I’ll be able to dial in whatever final rake or level I desire.
Click to expand...
I probably sound like a broken record to some people but the greatly improved unloaded ride quality was a big surprise to me back when I first installed RAS on my last truck. I was actually shocked, I was expecting to have a bouncier ride and stiffer
 
Discussion starter · #100 · (Edited)
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Boatwaco
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