Technical Support

8 Jan 2009

Getting Started - Firmware Update FAQ

Can I update the firmware on my Bypass module?
Not all Fortin Bypass modules are updatable by Internet. If the Bypass module has a bar-code with a 12-character serial number on its sticker the preloaded firmware can be updated by Internet.

Why should I update the firmware on my Bypass module?
All Bypass modules are preloaded at the factory with the latest firmware available at the time of manufacture. Since that time we may have enhanced the firmware to include support for new vehicles, added functionality for vehicles that were already supported, or enhanced the firmware to address issues that were not foreseen at the time of manufacture. You should check regularly to see if there are either optional or mandatory firmware updates for the vehicle the Bypass module will be installed in.

Which firmware do I need on my Bypass module for a specific vehicle?
When performing a search for a specific vehicle or viewing the list of compatible vehicles for a Bypass module the minimum firmware version is always given whenever applicable. If no firmware version is given the preloaded firmware (or any version) will suffice. If a minimum firmware version is required to support a specific vehicle or function it is important to update the firmware version on the Bypass module to at least the minimum version provided. Newer versions are denoted with larger numbers which are backwards compatible, so any newer (or greater) firmware version will suffice.

What firmware version is currently in my Bypass module?
To check the firmware version and update history visit the on line firmware search and enter the 12-character serial number which is located below the bar-code on the Bypass modules sticker. The preloaded firmware version along with the complete firmware update history is always listed newest first, to oldest last.

Can older firmware damage the the vehicle?
It is not possible for the firmware to damage a vehicle. Damage to a vehicle can only occur from improperly designed hardware. The greatest care has been taken in designing and producing our products. With the highest industrial grade components and state-of-the-art protection circuits, Fortin Bypass modules and products are designed to integrate seamlessly into all supported vehicles without risk of damage to the vehicles computers or electrical systems. Damage may occur as a result of installation error so it is very important to ensure the product is being installed by a certified technician or a qualified installer.

Is it possible to damage the Bypass module by loading the incompatible firmware?
The Bypass module stores critical information in stored in a separate location of its memory so it is impossible to load firmware on to any Fortin Bypass module that it does not support. Even if the connection is lost or disconnected during a firmware update there is no danger of damaging the Bypass module. If this does happen, simply restart the flash process to complete the firmware update.

How do I update the firmware on my Bypass module?
First you will need to get a FLASH-LINK UPDATER. Next download and install the latest Windows Software. Once the Software is installed load the program and plug in the USB cable from your PC to the FLASH-LINK UPDATER, then connect the Fortin Bypass module using the 4-pin data-link connector included with the product. Choose the firmware version from the list of available updates and click the flash button. More detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips can be downloaded in PDF format from the Files Section of the FLASH-LINK UPDATER.

Where can I get the FLASH-LINK UPDATER?
Please contact your Fortin representative at one of our direct distributors for pricing and availability of the FLASH-LINK UPDATER module.

Where can I download the latest Windows Software for the FLASH-LINK UPDATER?
The latest FLASH-LINK Software can be downloaded here. Scroll to the bottom of the page, click the I AGREE button and save the executable file on your PC.

How much does firmware cost?
You've already paid for the Bypass module, why should you need to pay more? Firmware does not cost anything and is always available for free regardless of the number of times you may need to re-flash it. Don't forget to use the "Automatic Flash" option under the Configuration menu to flash multiple Bypass modules quickly.

Is there a limit to how many times I can re-flash my Bypass module?
There is no limit to the number of times a Bypass module can be programmed.

Do I have to download firmware to my computer before updating my Bypass module?
Firmware updates do not need to be saved to your PC before updating the Bypass module. The FLASH-LINK Software automatically downloads the necessary firmware file from the Internet and sends it directly to the Bypass module being updated. This process only takes a fraction of a second to perform instead of the alternative method of locating the proper file on line, saving it to your PC and reloading it from within the update Software.

Will the Xpresskit XpressVIP or iDatalink Weblink update the firmware on my Fortin Bypass module?
Only the Fortin FLASH-LINK updater can update the firmware on your Bypass module. Our state-of-the-art update process is much faster than the XpressVIP or Weblink because we chose to use our own hardware to update the firmware on our products. See for yourself the difference in speed when updating the firmware on a Fortin Bypass compared to the time it takes to update our competitors products using either the XpressVIP or Weblink.

Is it safe to download the FLASH-LINK Software from your Web site?
Our FLASH-LINK Software has undergone extensive testing for compatibility with the most popular operating systems including both Windows Vista and Windows XP. All downloads from our Web site are scanned for viruses ensuring that all downloads are secure. We install only the required components, with no adware or malware of any kind. Our downloads do not require registration and all information is kept private and confidential. See our Private Policy for more information.

Why is an administrator account on Windows required to install the FLASH-LINK Software?
The FLASH-LINK Software includes a USB driver for the FLASH-LINK UPDATER that is installed when the Windows Software is installed. A user account without administrator privileges will restrict this driver from being installed consequently preventing the Software from detecting the FLASH-LINK UPDATER when the USB cable is connected and displaying the error "Device Not Found" in the lower left corner. An administrator account or a user account with administrators privileges is mandatory when installing this software so that the USB driver is installed correctly.

Will a firmware update erase the Bypass modules programming?
Yes. After updating the firmware on your Bypass module you will need to reprogram the module in the vehicle. However this does not apply to the KEY-OVERRIDE-ALL's 2x programming limitation. The KEY-OVERRIDE-ALL will allow you to program it to the vehicle two times before it becomes locked. Once it is locked you cannot unlock it by re-flashing the firmware, it must be re-flashed at the factory. This is a safety feature that prevents the module from being learned to multiple vehicles.

How is the firmware version denoted on your Web site and in the modules documentation (x.x.x.xx)?
The firmware notation that is used is universal throughout the web site and on the product documentation. However it is sometimes abbreviated so that the left-most digits are dropped and only the right-most digits are shown. The first segment (or digit) denotes the Platform Version where each product has its own unique number. The second segment is the Hardware Version for a specific product. The third and fourth segments denote the Firmware Version.

The 4-segment version notation:
[PlatformVersion].[HardwareVersion].[MajorFirmwareVersion].[MinorFirmwareVersion].

The 2-segment version notation (abbreviated):
[MajorFirmwareVersion].[MinorFirmwareVersion].

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