I think it stops the interior (dome) lights from turning on when you open a door, things like that.
START HERE: New FORScan user education
We have had a few questions recently from new owners interested in learning about FORScan, and found that we have a few posts in random threads that can help, but not really a dedicated FORScan thread that new owners can reference. I did start an earlier thread on FORScan Adapter recommendations back at the end of 2018 that got corrupted and the admins could not recover, so probably the most comprehensive thread we had on choosing a FORScan adapter no longer exists.
There is a ton of information out on the FORScan website and on other F150 forums, but both are almost too much information (= think lips around a firehose)
I know that all three (3) Super Moderators here (@wreedsvt, @kdjapser and myself) have all figured out how to do FORScan programming, but all three of us also work in the IT industry and aren't afraid of a computer. I know when I initially went out to the FORScan website, the number for choices for H/W (Hardware) adapters and S/W (Software) applications was over-whelming and took me even some time to sort out what should work and what won't. I would have loved if there was a single thread that said: "Here's exactly what you need to do and is guaranteed to work..."
I also know we have some older owners who may or may not be tech-savvy, and for anyone who is not, I can understand how trying to figure out what you need is near impossible without someone explaining what combination of H/W and S/W actually works together and how to use FORScan for monitoring and/or programming once you have everything installed.
I am starting a new "sticky" thread here to hopefully demystify what you need from a H/W and S/W perspective in order to do FORScan monitoring and programming. These are my notes and documentation on what combinations are currently working for me and how to use FORScan for basic monitoring and programming.
I am going to add posts to this thread on the following topics:
This is my first pass and I'm looking for some feedback on if these instructions helped or how they can be improved.
There is a ton of information out on the FORScan website and on other F150 forums, but both are almost too much information (= think lips around a firehose)
I know that all three (3) Super Moderators here (@wreedsvt, @kdjapser and myself) have all figured out how to do FORScan programming, but all three of us also work in the IT industry and aren't afraid of a computer. I know when I initially went out to the FORScan website, the number for choices for H/W (Hardware) adapters and S/W (Software) applications was over-whelming and took me even some time to sort out what should work and what won't. I would have loved if there was a single thread that said: "Here's exactly what you need to do and is guaranteed to work..."
I also know we have some older owners who may or may not be tech-savvy, and for anyone who is not, I can understand how trying to figure out what you need is near impossible without someone explaining what combination of H/W and S/W actually works together and how to use FORScan for monitoring and/or programming once you have everything installed.
I am starting a new "sticky" thread here to hopefully demystify what you need from a H/W and S/W perspective in order to do FORScan monitoring and programming. These are my notes and documentation on what combinations are currently working for me and how to use FORScan for basic monitoring and programming.
I am going to add posts to this thread on the following topics:
- H/W requirements
- S/W requirements
- FORScan Installation
- Using FORScan for Monitoring
- Using FORScan for Programming
- FORscan F150 spreadsheet
This is my first pass and I'm looking for some feedback on if these instructions helped or how they can be improved.
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@jmperlik I cannot find the OBDLink you recommended anywhere. All sold out. Would this one be suitable? I'm planning running Forscan on a Windows OS. Thanks. https://www.amazon.com/ScanTool-OBDLink-Bluetooth-Professional-Diagnostics/dp/B006NZTZLQ?ref_=ast_sto_dp
Well I did find one on Ebay but they were asking $999.00! Tell me this isn't the going price for one of these scanners.
Well I did find one on Ebay but they were asking $999.00! Tell me this isn't the going price for one of these scanners.
@hend238 - looks like there has been a run on the OBDLink MX+ adapters:
- I think I paid $99 for the first one I bought and $79 plus tax for the 2nd one via Amazon
=> Answer: No, $999 is not the going price for one of these adapters - Searching Amazon now yields nothing available right now:
=> OBDLink MX+ is unavailable
=> OBDLink MX Wi-Fi (good idea but failed in implementation) is also unavailable - OBDLink MX is the predecessor to the MX+ and has almost all of the same functionality:
=> See comparison chart attached below taken from Compare tab on OBDLink Feature Comparison
=> OBDLink MX will work for FORScan monitoring, as long as you have no plans to use any iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, etc)
=> OBDLink MX will work for FORScan programming (has Ford CAN support w/o the "switch") - You can try calling around to their US distributors to see if they have any in stock: OBDLink Distributors
- If you really want an OBDLink MX+, PM me to discuss purchasing one of the two that I have
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Thanks for the reply jmperlik. Honestly, I'm indifferent to what scanner I use. It just needs to work. I've been an Apple guy for a while now but for various reasons, I'm planning to get a Windows based laptop and would run Forscan from it. What is this "switch" I'm reading about and is it important? I'm just starting to educate myself on this subject. I'm a mechanical guy not a tech guy. It takes me a while to wrap my head around all the techy acronyms and vocabulary. My intention is to run FORscan from a windows OS for monitoring and programming.
Thanks for the offer to sell me your scanner. I see you're in New York? I live on the opposite side of the continent and in Canada.
Thanks for the offer to sell me your scanner. I see you're in New York? I live on the opposite side of the continent and in Canada.
@hend238 - I don't personally own one of the ODBii USB cable style adapters, but I think if you buy one of the cheap Chinese "knock-off" adapters of Amazon, there is a switch you need to flip back and forth anytime you want to update/change/program any values that has to do with the ODB protocols being used:
Full disclosure: I don't own the OBDLink EX so I am only quoting information from their website and the FORScan forums
Hope this thread and my responses help with your ODBii adapter purchasing decision.
- This "switch" sounded like a PITA to me, so I was willing to pay more to not have to deal with it = You get what you pay for
- Some of the wired USB cables are switchless (e.g. OBDLink EX) and all of the wireless OBDLink models have electronically eliminated the switch
- @justlucky has an adapter with a CAN switch and maybe he can chime in with details of how the switch comes into play
I wanted to do live/real-time monitoring while driving using an old iPhone 5s I had on-hand; therefore, I went with the OBDLink MX+ wireless Bluetooth model, as you probably don't want the hard-wired OBDLink EX USB cable hooked-up while you are driving.OBDLink EX Description
Key Features
- OBDLink EX is an affordable, user-friendly, professional-grade OBD adapter designed from the ground up to take full advantage of all of the features of the FORScan software for Windows. In turn, FORScan takes advantage of exclusive OBDLink functionality. FORScan team recommends EX for its connection reliability, lightning-fast data transfer speed, and support of the proprietary Ford CAN buses.
- OBDLink EX can access 100% of Ford ECUs and get access to more functions than the official Ford dealer scan tool. FORScan has capabilities that are locked out in the proprietary software used at Ford dealerships.
- Electronic switching allows access to advanced functions such as simultaneously reading parameters from ECUs on different CAN networks and initializing some modules (e.g., “Remote Keyless Entry and Start”) OBDLink switches seamlessly between HS-CAN, MS-CAN, and J1850 Ford networks. “No switch” means no worries about messing things up if you accidentally transmit on the wrong network
- If you look at Table 2.1 in this post in the FORScan forums, the OBDLink EX is the recommended adapter for Windows programming: Adapter performance
- Custom-Designed for FORScan
OBDLink EX is recommended by the FORScan team- Dealership-level Diganostics
OBDLink EX supports all Ford protocols, modules, and advanced features of FORScan- Electronic Switching
Electronic switch allows FORScan to access all CAN buses simultaneously and enables advanced functions not possible with “toggle switch” adapters- Maximum Throughput
Up to 20 times faster than “toggle switch” adapters- Rock-Solid Connection
Avoids data corruption and dropped packets
Full disclosure: I don't own the OBDLink EX so I am only quoting information from their website and the FORScan forums
Hope this thread and my responses help with your ODBii adapter purchasing decision.
@hend238 - looks like the Amazon stock of OBDLink products fluctuates, as I see the OBDLink MX+ is now available from their storefront: OBDLink products on Amazon
- OBDLink MX+ is available but at $119.95 where I have paid $99 for my first one and $79 for my 2nd one, so demand seems to be driving price up
- Soon after recommending the OBDLink EX hard-wired USB cable adapter above, I checked on Amazon and those were also out-of-stock.
- Initially I thought maybe there was some sort of cease-and-desist action from OBDLink selling any new products, but I couldn't find any such news, so this is NOT the case.
- When I checked Amazon yesterday, they had 18 new OBDLink EX units available, so I decided to jump on one not knowing if there is some sort of run on these adapters...
- Checking Amazon again this morning shows that the OBDLink EX is out-of-stock again = go figure!
- Not sure exactly what is going on with the OBDLink products, but I would just be patient & wait for Amazon to restock as their inventory seems to fluctuate.
All good here. I managed to find an MX+. It cost more than I should have paid but decided to jump on it while it was available. Thanks again jmperlik for all your help. I'll post back here if I have any issues getting up and running when my adapter arrives.
Received my OBDLink EX hard-wired USB cable adapter today and just finished trying it out.
Observations:
Anyone what to fathom a guess as to what these new Service functions are for?
=> They look to be SCR service-related = DO NOT attempt to use/execute
Observations:
- Red/Green lights on the OBDii end of the cable make it very clear when you are plugged in and have power from USB port
- Took a few attempts to get it connected, as I kept getting a "Connecting" message in the status area without it actually connecting or timing out
- After dropping the OBDLink EX device from Settings>Devices, Windows rediscovered the device and it finally connected after getting a baud rate warning
- I updated the H/W Requirements post in this thread indicating that the OBDLink EX also works
- I did notice I was down-level again on my FORScan software level, so I visited the FORScan download page to see what was new and found the following for the 2.3.31 beta:
+ Service functions
- "Reset SCR converter Learned Values"
- "SCR System Refill Activation"
- "Reset Fuel Mass Observer adaptations"
for:
- Edge 2.0 TDCi 2019-2020 model years
- F-150 3.0 Powerstroke 2018-2020 model years
- F-Series 2011-2019 model years
- Transit 2.0 TDCi 2016 model year
=> They look to be SCR service-related = DO NOT attempt to use/execute
Thank you jmperlik...I cringe at the thought of messing up my new truck but feel more confident having read the above detailed guidance. I just ordered the OBDLink EX adapter on scantool.net and wanted to provide everyone with a promo code (RCDECUMX) I obtained that successfully worked.
I want to say this is an excellent write up, it's given me the confidence to give this a try. I've never done this type of modification before, but the way you've explained it makes it seem almost fool proof. I do have a question to start: is there a reason I would need Windows 10 to utilize FORScan? My current laptop is Windows 7 and isn't in need of an upgrade or replacement at this point. If I can do without purchasing a newer laptop, that would be great, if not I will search for something cheap just for FORScan. I really want to get everything together so I can take advantage of the regen monitoring. I have a very short daily commute and I am afraid I will run into problems in the future. Thanks in advance!
@Chipster314 - unfortunately this thread did not migrate well from the old forum format to the new forum format this past weekendOK I have the FORScan program loaded and activated with 3 year license. But I do not see any of these red icons or orange pull down list you talk about . \yet it shows \i am connected.
I tried to reformat the posts to add back in the inline images that did not migrate over correctly
=> Please go back and review the same posts, as I have added the mocked up images with the buttons circled with colors and arrows indicating order
=> Please post back here if you still have questions after reviewing the updated posts
FYI- your FORScan image you posted shows your're successfully connected and ready-to-roll
@vturney - FORScan forums indicate Windows 10 only, but I believe other members have successfully installed and programmed using Windows 7. I will defer to others to verify...I want to say this is an excellent write up, it's given me the confidence to give this a try. I've never done this type of modification before, but the way you've explained it makes it seem almost fool proof. I do have a question to start: is there a reason I would need Windows 10 to utilize FORScan? My current laptop is Windows 7 and isn't in need of an upgrade or replacement at this point. If I can do without purchasing a newer laptop, that would be great, if not I will search for something cheap just for FORScan. I really want to get everything together so I can take advantage of the regen monitoring. I have a very short daily commute and I am afraid I will run into problems in the future. Thanks in advance!
@Chipster314 - unfortunately this thread did not migrate well from the old forum format to the new forum format this past weekend
I tried to reformat the posts to add back in the inline images that did not migrate over correctly
=> Please go back and review the same posts, as I have added the mocked up images with the buttons circled with colors and arrows indicating order
=> Please post back here if you still have questions after reviewing the updated posts
FYI- your FORScan image you posted shows your're successfully connected and ready-to-roll
I got it figured out, under connection setting the MS-Scan was not set to MS\HS. All good now. Thanks
Hello,
I apologize for what will probably be an embarrassing question, but I am having trouble with Forscan version 2.3.32. I am using the cabled OBD adaptor recommended above and a several year old HP tablet with a touch screen running Windows 10. The program interfaces with my 2020 F150 and load all the modules, and about this time I lose the mouse arrow/use of the touchpad and touch screen. I can "tab" and "arrow" around somewhat, but buttons etc. do not highlight like you would expect. Should I move to an earlier version of Forscan or is this a problem with my computer?
Thanks in advance!
I apologize for what will probably be an embarrassing question, but I am having trouble with Forscan version 2.3.32. I am using the cabled OBD adaptor recommended above and a several year old HP tablet with a touch screen running Windows 10. The program interfaces with my 2020 F150 and load all the modules, and about this time I lose the mouse arrow/use of the touchpad and touch screen. I can "tab" and "arrow" around somewhat, but buttons etc. do not highlight like you would expect. Should I move to an earlier version of Forscan or is this a problem with my computer?
Thanks in advance!
@snowshew - I am using 2.3.31 Beta successfully, so I would drop back to that level first to see if that helps. If not, then I'd make sure your laptop is up-to-date with all Windows service/fixes.
So if I am reading this correctly, you finally "pulled-the-trigger" on purchasing a 2020 F150 PS 3.0 Diesel?!? If so congrats on the purchase after a very thorough research cycle for your purchase.
So if I am reading this correctly, you finally "pulled-the-trigger" on purchasing a 2020 F150 PS 3.0 Diesel?!? If so congrats on the purchase after a very thorough research cycle for your purchase.
JMP! long time no chat- glad to hear from you. I am trying my wife's Surface now and am having better success although I am going to go back to the .25 version to follow along with the tutorials on this forum (as I could not find the non-plain English version of the code lines to change in the .32).
Alas, no, I am very recently in a 2.7 gasser. After ~5 years of building trucks on Ford.com, test driving, dreaming and being very realistic about our needs, the 3.0 just would not fit us: I drove ~4k miles last year with only a handful of trips over 20 miles. I ordered a 501a with a very narrow list of additional items and am extremely happy with it. I am on the diesel f150 site with this question as I find that the smaller crowd here is much more courteous, knowledgeable and pleasant and patient.
Thanks for the assist; I might be back with additional questions...
Alas, no, I am very recently in a 2.7 gasser. After ~5 years of building trucks on Ford.com, test driving, dreaming and being very realistic about our needs, the 3.0 just would not fit us: I drove ~4k miles last year with only a handful of trips over 20 miles. I ordered a 501a with a very narrow list of additional items and am extremely happy with it. I am on the diesel f150 site with this question as I find that the smaller crowd here is much more courteous, knowledgeable and pleasant and patient.
Thanks for the assist; I might be back with additional questions...
@snowshew - Ha! I ferreted you out on your 2.7 Gasser purchase!
I think you learned enough (good and bad) here about this new engine option to influence your purchase decision, and like I had commented in a previous post: These engines may not be for masses given their driving habits. These engines and overall powertrains are really designed for highway mileage where passive regeneration burns off the diesel particulates leading to clearer/emptier DPFs and cleaner engine oil. I think you made the right purchase decision based on your driving habits.
Now we may need to take a forum vote on whether or not to let you stick around with your non-diesel engine option, but maybe we'll grant you special dispensation since you were an active contributor as a potential owner in 2019 while you were researching your purchase... I appreciate the feedback that we are bit more "civilized" compared to the larger F150 forums. I'm no FORScan expert but we can certainly try to answer setup questions you might have.
Congrats on the new F150 purchase, even if it isn't an F150 3.0L PS Diesel
I think you learned enough (good and bad) here about this new engine option to influence your purchase decision, and like I had commented in a previous post: These engines may not be for masses given their driving habits. These engines and overall powertrains are really designed for highway mileage where passive regeneration burns off the diesel particulates leading to clearer/emptier DPFs and cleaner engine oil. I think you made the right purchase decision based on your driving habits.
Now we may need to take a forum vote on whether or not to let you stick around with your non-diesel engine option, but maybe we'll grant you special dispensation since you were an active contributor as a potential owner in 2019 while you were researching your purchase... I appreciate the feedback that we are bit more "civilized" compared to the larger F150 forums. I'm no FORScan expert but we can certainly try to answer setup questions you might have.
Congrats on the new F150 purchase, even if it isn't an F150 3.0L PS Diesel
Man this thread is so detailed, thank you!
Is there a way to add a digital readout for engine oil pressure, like the digital temperature readouts for engine coolant and transmission fluid? I know the engine has an oil pressure sensor for the ECM, but is there a way to display the actual oil pressure reading?
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