Anybody familiar with FORScan?

I just learned about FORScan tonight. I've been using Torque Pro and Dash Command for awhile but I needed something that could read more Ford specific ABS codes.

I downloaded the Android version and checked my 07 F250 using my older ELM327 Bluetooth module.

I have an ABS module VIN mismatch code (B2900) and a generic CAN bus communication code (U1900).

I believe the ABS code is part of the reason why the integrated trailer brake controller throws the "TBC error" and "Check Trailer" messages on the dash. I might be wrong though. I'm not certain if the ABS works either. I haven't had a chance to test it but would like to have functioning ABS before winter hits.

I'm fairly certain the CAN bus error is due to having the trailer brake controller unplugged. That way it only dings once at startup and not every 4-5 minutes while driving.

I believe the ABS module was replaced at some point with a used unit but never programmed to match the truck. Or the PCM was replaced but I'm leaning towards the ABS module.

From what I understand, I can use FORScan to program the ABS module. Do I need a special cable or ELM327 module? I'd much rather do this myself as it seems fairly easy and I won't have to pay a dealership an hour of labor to do it.

In reply to stanger_missle :

I got an elm327 usb cable off of Amazon for cheap.

My only Ford is a '97 Mustang so all forscan does for me is trouble codes and live data from the ecm, Won't even connect to the ABS which is what I was hoping it would do. Though come to think of the Inova tool I borrowed from work didn't connect to the ABS either so maybe I have a bigger problem.

I was able to do a few big money saving jobs on our '12 Focus with forscan, a laptop, and an OBDlink Bluetooth scan tool.

I swapped the non cruise steering wheel for one with cruise control buttons, plugged it in, and changed the cars as-built data to enable cruise control. 

I diagnoses and replaced a faulty ABS module.  I didn't have to do a full reprogram, just a relearn/calibrate.  A huge plus was being able to run the ABS bleed routine using the scan tool and a pressure  bleeder, which the brake bleeding a 5 minute job.

It's been a huge money saver.  Even after buying the more well known, more expensive scan tool, as opposed to the generic knock off all over the internet, it has paid for itself many times over.

Forscan worked great for me to add immobilizer keys to my 2008 Taurus X. I used it with a cheap bluetooth dongle bought off Amazon.

I posted about my experience here: https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/tech-tips/forscan-software-work-on-the-electronics-of-your-ford/139452/page1/

Wow, you guys are awesome! I'll have to buy an ELM327 cable with the HS CAN/ MS CAN switch.

Too bad there isn't a Chrome OS version. I have like 3 cheap Chromebooks that would be perfect for this.

Oh wait, I have a Toughbook CF-U1 with Windows 7 on it that should work great.

Hopefully this will fix my ABS issue. The ABS module is almost $500 

Seriously?  12+ hours in and nobody has questioned the intelligence / proofreading / taste of whoever approved calling it Forscan?  Am I the only one hearing that?

Duke said:

Seriously?  12+ hours in and nobody has questioned the intelligence / proofreading / taste of whoever approved calling it Forscan?  Am I the only one hearing that?

I've been thinking it as well. I just hadn't commented. Then again, I think that Megasquirt sounds like a really foul porno

In reply to Duke :

This was covered last time we had a forscan thread.

In reply to Daylan C :

Ahh, then I'm just late to the party.  Thanks.

Oh yeah, I thought about the name before I posted. The official name is FORScan (FORD Scan).

After I hit post, I had to check to see if the auto correct had changed it to foreskin and I didn't notice.

I bought an ELM327 module with a cable and HS/MS switch earlier.

When I get off work I'll try to install FORScan (dammit now I can't type it without giggling) on my ancient Toughbook.

I just ordered one of the cheap USB ELM327 adapters with the HS/MS switch to try to diagnose an SRS fault in my 2010 E150 work van. 

Well, I bought this cable to see if I could get a higher baud rate and possibly communicate with modules on the slower bus (MS CAN). I couldn't get it to work at all. None of the modules would communicate with FORScan and the CAN error rate was at 40%. I used the cable manufactures drivers and everything installed correctly.

My 5 year old cheapie Bluetooth OBDII dongle had no issues though.

I was able to turn off the Trailer Brake Controller function so the errors would stop. That also stopped the ABS errors.

In reply to TenToeTurbo :

I was impressed with the amount of information I could see about the restraint system. Like if the seatbelt pretensioners have gone off. I did find an airbag code relating to the warning light. When I pulled the cluster, the bulb socket was messed up so the light wouldn't come on and complete the circuit.

FORScan is pretty legit!

FYI, it'll work on a lot of Mazdas as well. I've made very heavy use of Forscan as part of our ND V8 project. Never tried to code a module, but being able to pull codes from ... everything ... is really useful.

On the topic of poorly named software - we used to have a program that allowed you to analyze data from the Link ECU. The programmer called it Analink, no kidding.

In reply to stanger_missle :

I'm glad it worked out for you!! It seems like "too good to be true" software but it really does seem to be true.