New to FORScan

[AlvinRoberts]

Good evening, I recently got a 2021 F-150 XLT SuperCrew and I've been reading here about FORScan. I would like to get started with it but have a couple of questions. From what I've read thus far it seems you can clear DTC codes if there are any...I assume you can see them and know what the codes are? Like you could with a normal OBDII scanner? I think that's a dumb question but just making sure. Also, are most folks using the OBDLink MX Bluetooth version or the hardwired OBDLink EX USB Auto-Switch? I saw the EX was the recommended one for a 2021 in the FORScan tutorial.

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[RcFlyer330]

Yes, you can read and clear dtc codes with FORscan just like every other obd tool and can give you codes from modules that other scantools can't for example the drivers seat module. It can do way more than just dtc like being able to edit asbuilt data to enable different features and you can also use it for diagnostics. An example on older cars you can use it to test the egr valve by commanding it on and off and seing if the valve responds. To put is simply it's a high end diagnostic software for almost free. The obdlink mx+ is what most use for live data paired with the obdlink app on their phone. The mx+ could be used for editing module asbuilt data although I have no experiance with that and hopefully someone else will answer that. The hardwired one is great if you don't want to use your phone for live data as it needs a computer.

Below is the thread and spreadsheet for forscan
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/2021-f-150-forscan-list-database-spreadsheet.1578/

 

[Darry_Lavid]

I bought the Bluetooth MX+. Was hoping to avoid getting a USB to USB-C converter for my computer, but it ended up taking way longer for the device to show up on forscan via Bluetooth.

I only played around a bit with the phone app, but had difficulty updating any codes in the app… just ended up using my computer to do it.

If I was to do it again, I probably would have just purchased the EX.

 

[fordtruckman2003]

Forscan will work over Bluetooth but wired is recommended because less risk. You wouldn't want a disconnection in middle of writing asbuilt data to a module. Best to post in the Forscan mega thread questions and issues so they are seen by the people who use it most.

 

[AlvinRoberts]

Yes, you can read and clear dtc codes with FORscan just like every other obd tool and can give you codes from modules that other scantools can't for example the drivers seat module. It can do way more than just dtc like being able to edit asbuilt data to enable different features and you can also use it for diagnostics. An example on older cars you can use it to test the egr valve by commanding it on and off and seing if the valve responds. To put is simply it's a high end diagnostic software for almost free. The obdlink mx+ is what most use for live data paired with the obdlink app on their phone. The mx+ could be used for editing module asbuilt data although I have no experiance with that and hopefully someone else will answer that. The hardwired one is great if you don't want to use your phone for live data as it needs a computer.

Below is the thread and spreadsheet for forscan
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/2021-f-150-forscan-list-database-spreadsheet.1578/

Sounds like it's something I would like to have access to. What do you mean by being able to edit asbuilt data?

Edit: Nevermind, I did some Googleing and I think I understand now.

 

[AlvinRoberts]

I got FORScan downloaded and ordered the OBDLink EX FORScan OBD adapter. Looking forward to learning how to use it. Thanks for the help!

 

[Ricksc]

Just make sure to save your build so you have a back up before making changes.

 

[MattV]

I got FORScan downloaded and ordered the OBDLink EX FORScan OBD adapter. Looking forward to learning how to use it. Thanks for the help!

So many great things to do with forscan. Read this tutorial a few times: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-8dKaS_Spu4Zw4hV_CrKC4tLoP9G8yejqegF1wxIqxY/mobilebasic

Make a backup. Do a couple small changes then you’re hooked

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