Stacy L. Balzer
Director
Service Engineering Operations
Ford Customer Service Division

Ford Motor Company
P. O. Box 1904
Dearborn, Michigan 48121

November 1, 2023

TO:

All U.S. Ford and Lincoln Dealers

SUBJECT:

Customer Satisfaction Program 23P16
Certain 2023 Model Year F250 – F600 Vehicles Equipped With Max Recline Seats
Driver Seat Module (DSM) Software Update

PROGRAM TERMS
This program will be in effect through October 31, 2024, for vehicles within the new bumper-tobumper warranty coverage period.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
Vehicle

Model Year

Assembly Plant

Build Dates

F250 - F600

2023

Kentucky Truck

March 15, 2022 through March 29, 2023

US population of affected vehicles: 510. Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS.
REASON FOR THIS PROGRAM
In the affected vehicles, the DSM is not configured correctly and could prevent a Diagnostic Trouble
Code (DTC) B161A-29 from setting if a seat position sensor fault is present.
SERVICE ACTION
Customer satisfaction P-type programs are to be performed on impacted vehicles already in for other
service work (either mobile repair or in dealership). Dealers are to update the DSM configuration and
then check for DTC B161A-29. If the DTC is present, dealers are to perform Pin Point Test (PPT) S to
correct the DTC following normal warranty diagnostics. This service must be performed on all affected
vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner. For new vehicle storage guidelines, refer to EFC13033.
OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE
Owner letters will not be mailed for this program.
ATTACHMENTS
• Administrative Information
• Labor Allowances and Parts Ordering Information
• Technical Instructions
• Mobile Service Repair Assessment

 Copyright 2023 Ford Motor Company

QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE
For questions and assistance, contact the Special Service Support Center (SSSC) via the SSSC Web
Contact Site. The SSSC Web Contact Site can be accessed through the Professional Technician
System (PTS) website using the SSSC link listed at the bottom of the OASIS VIN report screen or
listed under the SSSC tab.
Sincerely,

Stacy L. Balzer

 Copyright 2023 Ford Motor Company

Administrative Information
Page 1 of 2
Customer Satisfaction Program 23P16
MOBILE SERVICE REPAIR ASSESSMENT LEVEL
•
- Mobile Reprogramming
• Customer satisfaction P-type programs are to be performed on impacted vehicles already in
for other service work (either mobile repair or in dealership) and Remote Experience
reimbursement for just this repair is not supported.
OASIS ACTIVATION
OASIS will be activated on November 1, 2023.
FSA VIN LISTS ACTIVATION
FSA VIN Lists will not be activated for this service action.
SOLD VEHICLES
• Correct affected vehicles identified in OASIS which are brought to your dealership.
• Dealers are to prioritize repairs of customer vehicles over repairs of new and used vehicle
inventory.
STOCK VEHICLES
• Correct all affected units in your new vehicle inventory before delivery.
• Use OASIS to identify any affected vehicles in your used vehicle inventory.
BRANDED / SALVAGED TITLE VEHICLES
Affected branded / salvaged title vehicles are eligible for this service action.
OWNER REFUNDS
Refunds are not approved for this program.
RENTAL VEHICLES
Rental vehicles are not approved for this program.
ADDITIONAL REPAIR (LABOR TIME AND/OR PARTS)
Additional repairs identified as necessary to complete the FSA should be managed as follows:
• For related damage and access time requirements, refer to the Warranty and Policy Manual /
Section 6 – Ford & Lincoln Program Policies / General Information & Special Circumstances
for FSAs / Related Damage.
• For vehicles within new vehicle bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage, no SSSC approval is
required, although related damage must be on a separate repair line with the “Related
Damage” radio button checked.
o Ford vehicles – 3 years or 36,000 miles
• For vehicles outside new vehicle bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage, submit an Approval
Request to the SSSC Web Contact Site before completing the repair.

 Copyright 2023 Ford Motor Company

Administrative Information
Page 2 of 2
Customer Satisfaction Program 23P16
CLAIMS PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION
• Claim Entry: Enter claims using Dealer Management System (DMS) or One Warranty
Solution (OWS) online.
o When entering claims:
 Claim type 31: Field Service Action
 Sub Code: 23P16
 Customer Concern Code (CCC): S15 – Seat operation - front power
 Condition Code (CC): X9 – Incorrect configuration of electronic control unit
 Causal Part Number: 14C708, Quantity 0
o For additional claims preparation and submission information, refer to the Recall and
Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) Repairs in the OWS User Guide.
• Related Damage/Additional labor and/or parts: Must be claimed as Related Damage on a
separate repair line from the FSA with the same claim type and subcode as described in Claim
Entry above.
IMPORTANT: Click the Related Damage Indicator radio button.

 Copyright 2023 Ford Motor Company

Labor Allowances and Parts Ordering Information
Page 1 of 1
Customer Satisfaction Program 23P16
LABOR ALLOWANCES
Description
Update the DSM configuration software

Labor Operation

Labor Time

23P16B

0.3 Hours

PARTS REQUIREMENTS / ORDERING INFORMATION
Software update. Parts are not required.

 Copyright 2023 Ford Motor Company

Mobile Service Repair Assessment
Page 1 of 2
Customer Satisfaction Program 23P16
Mobile Service Repair Assessment
Assessment levels have been identified to help determine the ease of performing eligible mobile
service repairs for a Field Service Action (FSA) outside of the dealership service facility.
Dealer Bulletin
Within the Administrative Information Attachment of the dealer bulletin a mobile service repair
assessment level(s) will be provided. These assessment levels have been determined using the
amount of time, equipment and labor identified to perform the intended service action.
Assessment Levels
- Mobile Reprogramming
- Light Mobile Service
- Enhanced Mobile Service
- Advanced Mobile Service
- Wheel and Tire Mobile Service
- Not a Mobile Service Repair
Description of each level that is used to determine the overall assessment.
– Mobile Reprogramming
• Module Programming or similar type services
• Minimum tools maybe required other than an IDS/FDRS setup
• FDRS programming that requires internet connection (wi-fi or mobile hotspot)
• Make sure vehicle has a charge port to ensure battery voltage is maintained during
flashing of the module(s)
• Repairs not greater than 1 hour in length (including time to wait for programming)
Note: The location will need a charging station or wall box to maintain the 12-volt battery.
•
•
•
•

– Light Mobile Service
Interior repair procedures that do not require seat, dash, or headliner removal
Under hood repairs that do not require large component removal
Exterior repairs that do not require large component/panel removal
Repairs may require standard hand tools (Access to a Technician starter kit or similar)

Mobile Service Repair Assessment
Page 2 of 2
Customer Satisfaction Program 23P16
– Enhanced Mobile Service
A two-person process is required anytime a procedure requires work under the
vehicle
• Brake Inspection and Brake Repair/Replacement
• Limited Suspension Component replacement (no alignment)
• Under Vehicle access for limited repairs (no large component removal)
• Vehicle Check Up - VCU
• Pre-Delivery Inspection - PDI
• Used Car Inspection/Presale Inspection
• May require floor jack, jack stands, and impact tools
Note: Wheel lock may be required.
•

•
•
•

– Advanced Mobile Service
Fluid Exchange/Oil Change
Light Repairs
Brake Hydraulic Repairs

– Wheel and Tire Mobile Service
• Tire Removal from Wheel
• Tire Balancing
• Tire Repair
Note: Specialized Mobile Service unit and equipment including Tire balancer and Tire
Changer required.
– Not a Mobile Service Repair
• Large component removal
• BEV Battery Replacement
• Requires a vehicle hoist – to complete the repair (more than inspection)
• Required vehicle alignment
• Requires significant vehicle disassembly
• Repairs greater than 2-3 hours
• Any repairs that require M-Time
• Includes a service procedure where the vehicle owner may be distressed about the state
of their vehicle

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS
PAGE 1 OF 3
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 23P16

CERTAIN 2023 MODEL YEAR F250 - F600 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MAX
RECLINE SEATS DRIVER SEAT MODULE (DSM) SOFTWARE UPDATE
SERVICE PROCEDURE
Module Reprogramming
NOTE: Reprogram appropriate vehicle modules before performing diagnostics and clear all Diagnostic
Trouble Codes (DTCs) after programming. For DTCs generated after reprogramming, follow
normal diagnostic service procedures.
1. Connect a battery charger to the 12 Volt (V) battery.
• Use of a heavy-duty charger is recommended to maintain proper battery voltage during this
procedure.
NOTE: Verify the negative cable of the charger is installed on a chassis or engine ground and not
the 12V battery negative terminal to prevent the battery saver mode from activating on the
vehicle.
NOTE: If the diagnostic software does not load or if the vehicle cannot be identified properly, make sure
there is a good internet connection and the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) is properly
connected to the Data Link Connector (DLC).
2. Log into Ford Diagnostic and Repair System (FDRS).

NOTE: Vehicle information is automatically retrieved by the diagnostic software and a Network Test is
run. Vehicle identification data appears on the screen when this is complete.
NOTE: Follow the FDRS on-screen instructions to complete the reprogramming procedure.
3. Click Read VIN from Vehicle or manually enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
NOTE: Available modules are shown on the left hand (LH) side of the screen and available procedures
are listed on the right hand (RH) side of the screen. Modules that are communicating are
highlighted in green.
4. Select Toolbox tab.
5. From the list on the LH side of the screen, select the DSM.
6. From the list on the RH side of the screen, select DSM - Driver Seat Module (DSM) Software Update.
7. Click RUN. Follow all on-screen instructions carefully.
8. From the list on the RH side of the screen, select Self-Test and click RUN.
9. Click the Run Selected Tests button in the lower right.

CPR © 2023 FORD MOTOR COMPANY
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
10/2023

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS
PAGE 2 OF 3
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 23P16

10. Is DTC B161A-29 present?
YES - Proceed to step 12 to complete FSA.

• Perform Pin Point Test S and repair as needed under normal warranty.

NO - Proceed to step 11.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Federal law prohibits selling motor vehicle parts or components that are under
safety, compliance, or emissions recall. Unless a part is requested to be returned to Ford, all
parts replaced under this FSA must be scrapped in accordance with all applicable local, state and
federal environmental protection and hazardous material regulations. Refer to the Parts Retention,
Return, & Scrapping section of the FSA dealer bulletin for further information.
11. Click the Clear & Retest button at the top of the screen to clear DTCs in all modules.
12. Disconnect the battery charger from the 12V battery once the programming has completed.
NOTE: Advise the customer this vehicle is equipped with an adaptive transmission shift strategy
which allows the vehicle's computer to learn the transmission's unique parameters and improve
shift quality. When the adaptive strategy is reset, the computer will begin a re-learning process.
This re-learning process may result in firmer than normal upshifts and downshifts for several days.

Important Information for Module Programming

NOTE: When programming or reprogramming a module, use the following basic checks to ensure
programming completes without errors.
• Make sure the 12V battery is fully charged before carrying out the programming steps and connect
FDRS/scan tool to a power source.
NOTE: A good internet connection is necessary to identify the vehicle and to load the diagnostic software.
• Inspect the Vehicle Communication Module II (VCM II)/Vehicle Communication Module III (VCM III) or
the Vehicle Communication and Measurement Module (VCMM) and the cables for any damage. Make
sure scan tool connections are not interrupted during programming.
• A hardwired connection is strongly recommended.
• Turn off all unnecessary accessories (radio, heated/cooled seats, headlamps, interior lamps, HVAC
system, etc.) and close doors.
• Turn the accessories back on after programing has completed.
• Disconnect/depower any aftermarket accessories (remote start, alarm, power inverter, CB radio,etc.).
• Follow all scan tool on-screen instructions carefully.
• Disable FDRS/scan tool sleep mode, screensaver, hibernation modes.
• Create all sessions Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO). Starting the vehicle before creating a session will
cause errors within the programming inhale process.

CPR © 2023 FORD MOTOR COMPANY
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
10/2023

TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS
PAGE 3 OF 3
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 23P16

Recovering a module when programming has resulted in a blank module
a. Disconnect the VCM II/VCM III or the VCMM from the data link connector (DLC) and your computer.
b. After ten seconds, reconnect the VCMII/VCMIII or the VCMM to the DLC and the PC. Launch FDRS.
The VCMII/VCMIII or the VCMM icon should turn green in the bottom right corner of the screen. If it
does not, troubleshoot the FDRS to VCM connection.
c. If you are using the same FDRS as the initial programming attempt, select the appropriate VIN from
the Vehicle Identification menu. If you are using a different FDRS, select “Read VIN from Vehicle”
and proceed through the Network Test.
d. In the Toolbox menu, navigate to the failed module and Download/Run Programmable Module
Installation (PMI). Follow the on-screen prompts. When asked if the original module is installed,
select “No” and continue through the installation application.
e. Once programming has completed, a screen may list additional steps required to complete the
programming process. Make sure all applicable steps are followed in order.

CPR © 2023 FORD MOTOR COMPANY
DEARBORN, MICHIGAN 48121
10/2023