EVO-FORT1 enables ignition before programming sequence finished

Question

EVO-FORT1 for a 2014 Ford Focus SE (SFE) (Automatic Transmission) as a stand-alone installation (3x door lock start). I have the T-harness installed along with the connections to the Lt. Blue, Blue, and Yellow/Black wires on the harness. I have also connected the CAN bus signals. As I go through the 2-key programming sequence, the relay on the EVO-ALL will enable the ignition DURING the 3-second time of the 2nd key. When I remove the 2nd key and press/release the programming button, the unit never shuts off the ignition and neither the blue nor red LEDs flash. I have to remove power or the red connector from the EVO-ALL to turn off the ignition. I also tried pressing/releasing the foot brake as well.

During the programming sequence, I notice that the yellow LED will sometimes go on and then off. If I plug in the unit without putting it in programming mode, the unit will blink the blue LED if I press the door lock button.

I have been following guide #32051.

Does this indicate a problem with the unit itself, or is the pre-loaded firmware corrupt and needs to be re-programmed? (I will need to purchase a EVO Flash Link updater.) Is it a possible connection issue? Is it an issue in performing the programming sequence?

Answer 1

There are a couple of reasons this programming may not be working in your vehicle.

1. Intermittent Key Sense signal, the yellow wire in the 20 pin connector of the evo, connects to the Yellow/Black wire of the t-harness, if checked with a voltmeter, this wire should show 12v when the vehicle's key is inserted in the ignition barrel (but not turned) and voltage should stay and not drop out at all when turning the ignition switch all the way to the crank position when starting the vehicle.) If the voltage drops out at any position when turning the key, then your issue is there.

2. Firmware too low, you might need a Flashlink Updater-2 to update the firmware to the minimum recommended firmware stated in the guide. Evo-combos are shipped with the latest firmware available when it was packaged, updating is sometimes required since a particular vehicle or solution may have been added after this evo unit was packaged and shipped.

3. Please follow the right programming sequence depending on where the oem button for doorlocks is located, on the door OR in the center of the dashboard.

 

Thank you,

Comments

Thank you for the suggestions.  I got a Flash Link programmer and got the firmware updated.  I also checked the key sense voltage.  It turned out that the voltage was dropping out.  I found that I had to keep the key pressed into the ignition cylinder to keep the voltage steady.  After that, it programmed on the first attempt today.

Answer 2

The unit turns on ignition at the end of programming and the first thing it checks is Can-Bus. Ignition will not turn off until Can-Bus is programmed. If the unit is leaving ignition on, this indicates a little issue with the Can-Hi Can-Low connections.

 

A simple test without even looking at your connections would be to attempt to program only Can-Bus. Which is easy.  Once you have been able to program Can-Bus only, go right ahead and follow the proper programming procedure indicated in the installation guide.

1. With the unit disconnected, press hold the programming while inserting the 4-pin black connector.
2. Release the  button whent he LED is blue.
3. PLug in remaing connectors.
4. Turn ignition On.

 

At this point, the Blue LED will do one of three things; Flash, Turn Off, or Stay On.

• Flash = GOOD, Peftect, Thumbs up
• Turn OFF = Bad Can-bus connections
• Stays ON = issue with yellow wire connection.

Comments

Thank you for your answer.  The unit was actually enabling the ignition before the end of programming, before I turned off the second key.  I was pretty sure the Can-Bus was working because the unit was able to recognize door locks. As I mentioned in the comment to the other answer, it seemed to ultimately be the key sense voltage.  For this particular ignition cylinder, I needed to keep the key pressed all the way in for the key sense to remain active, instead of letting go of the key during the 3-second wait..