Tl;dr: Ford Flex never offered lanekeeping or auto highbeams because the windshield is more vertical than any other model. The entirety of the system is built into the rearview mirror, so I designed an adapter to fit a Lincoln mirror. I started with a mirror from a 2016 Lincoln MKT.
I tried many many different designs for the adapter because I was also learning 3d modeling and printing at the same time. At one point my mirror refused to calibrate, so I bought a second one from a 2013 MKT. Figured it out though and kept it as a spare, then damaged the camera ribbon in it like a schmuck.
Well the other week I was working on the girl next door's transmission and thought it was weird that a Titanium trim didn't have an autodimming rearview mirror. Doing a quick eBay search, came across another lanekeeping mirror for $20. It said it was for a Focus but i knew that was wrong. It was the correct shape for mine, but came out of a Lincoln MKZ.
Now, we need discuss network architecture a little bit. Most Fords/Lincolns were CGEA 1.3 starting in 2013. Flex, Taurus, MKS, MKT, and Continental never got that upgrade; they were all CGEA 1.2 right up to the end.
Some modules are compatible with both networks and there's a configuration bit you change to specify which network it's on. Some modules are hardcoded for a specific network. These mirrors are hardcoded.
In preparation for updating my "how to install lanekeeping in a Flex" guide, I wanted to see if there was any way to get that MKZ/1.3 mirror to work. There's certainly a better supply of Fusion/MKZ parts than Taurus/MKS on eBay.
Right off the bat I could tell there were compatibility issues. When I connected the mirror, I was given "lanekeeping fault", "keep hands on steering wheel", and the lanemarkings showed green / red. All this despite being in park.
I decided to try a firmware update. I was able to pull compatible firmware for the known-good 2016MKT mirror I've been using for years, plus the firmware for the 2013MKZ mirror. I tried flashing the 16!MKT to the 13!MKZ and it kept faulting out, bricking the mirror.
At this moment, I'm not sure if the issue is that I'm putting 1.2 firmware on a 1.3 mirror, or 2016 firmware on a 2013 mirror. The camera itself is slightly different between the two years.
I could try flashing the 16!MKT firmware to the 13!MKT mirror, but I couldn't get compatible firmware for the 13 and would have no way to recover it in the case of failure. The mirror itself is useless in a car -- missing ribbon cable and I drilled a couple test holes in it -- but I still use it as a benchtop CANBUS generator for testing modules I build.
It's frustrating doubly because apparently the mirrors are the hardest thing to update firmware on, but any threads in the forscan forum are by disgusting illiterate euros so there's no useful information. The forum/software itself claims to be American and only accepts support tickets in English, despite clearly being Russian.
So all this was to avoid doing my actual job and i wanted an excuse to post this video. The module reflash process scared the shit out of me the first time it ran. I was most confused by the crash alert -- according to every wiring diagram, those LEDs are wired in series and not addressable. It shouldn't be possible to only light up the middle few. Idk. I'm bored and sick of everything.
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Impressive.
Always thought the Flex was slept on and sad to see it discontinued.
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The last couple years were the saddest. It was an objectively bad value because you were paying 2019 Explorer prices for 2013 technology and 2009 interior design.
Literally the only difference between a 13 and 19 Flex is paint colors, Sync 3, and heated steering wheel. It didn't have stop-and-go cruise, emergency braking, pedestrian detection, active nibble control, reverse perpendicular parking, 360° camera, awd lock, fordpass support, or any of the other convenience features that CGEA 1.3 vehicles gained. The windshield difference meant it couldn't even get basic b-word auto-highbeams because they didn't sell enough to justify a unique mirror assembly.
I never get to drive mine but when I do, I love it. Spent the extra on the Ecoboost engine, 91 octane tune, and retrofitted the seat massagers from a Lincoln. As much fun as the Bronco is to drive, I still prefer my stretched 3-row crossover with a second-row freezer that'll do 0-60 in under 6 seconds.
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I don't want any of those “convenience” features. I just want boxy power.
But regarding preferring the older car to the new one, I'm getting rid of my M440i because I just enjoy driving the Porsche so much more. I'll definitely regret it in the winter but I also need to pay for tooth implants lol.
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Oh boy. Both my canine teeth are implants. $9,000 and it hurt like HECK when he had to tighten one of the studs.
But definitely worth it and I regret not doing it sooner.
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I've been in love with the Flex since I was in middle school and saw a black one in the neighbor's driveway.
I think they were the last good looking American crossovers, although the MKC is nice too.
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