Any negatives/issues with ForScan?

[Maximus3311]

Now that I finally have a VIN for my Badlands I’m seriously looking at picking up ForScan so I can add Sport and “fix” the speed since I’m adding 35” tires (also understand the double honk is annoying).

But as with any modifications I’m worried about bricking/damaging my vehicle or somehow messing up my warranty.

So for all you knowledgeable people out there - any advice/information?

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[JediMcMuffin]

Now that I finally have a VIN for my Badlands I’m seriously looking at picking up ForScan so I can add Sport and “fix” the speed since I’m adding 35” tires (also understand the double honk is annoying).

But as with any modifications I’m worried about bricking/damaging my vehicle or somehow messing up my warranty.

So for all you knowledgeable people out there - any advice/information?

It’s quite safe, just take a photo of the values you’re changing or save a backup file. If something goes wrong change it back.

 

[RagnarKon]

As long as you do your research and stay within the values posted on the Forscan spreadsheet... it's pretty safe and hard to mess things up. As @JediMcMuffin said... backups are key to returning to the factory config.

That said... have I bricked modules with Forscan before?? Yes, yes I have.

 

[Baja Bronco]

Yeah, I should have read more on here, and watched less videos. I bricked the ECU when I went over 2800mm for tires. I didn’t see / read that, especially after watching videos where they claim to put in 2900+. For now, I’ll live with the 3 mph difference. Adding the Goat modes was simple, and worked flawlessly.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

Yeah, I should have read more on here, and watched less videos. I bricked the ECU when I went over 2800mm for tires. I didn’t see / read that, especially after watching videos where they claim to put in 2900+. For now, I’ll live with the 3 mph difference. Adding the Goat modes was simple, and worked flawlessly.

wow that's just crazy. so you had to replace the ECU?

 

[Maximus3311]

Yeah, I should have read more on here, and watched less videos. I bricked the ECU when I went over 2800mm for tires. I didn’t see / read that, especially after watching videos where they claim to put in 2900+. For now, I’ll live with the 3 mph difference. Adding the Goat modes was simple, and worked flawlessly.

Probably a dumb question but does this add the graphics (ie for sport mode) as well? Obviously doesn’t really matter either way just curious.

 

[Maximus3311]

As long as you do your research and stay within the values posted on the Forscan spreadsheet... it's pretty safe and hard to mess things up. As @JediMcMuffin said... backups are key to returning to the factory config.

That said... have I bricked modules with Forscan before?? Yes, yes I have.

Thanks that’s great information! Do you need to reset the bronco to “stock” before taking it in for service?

 

[Baja Bronco]

wow that's just crazy. so you had to replace the ECU?

No, you can actually follow the Forscan thread, and they tell you how to get rid of the errors. A lot seem to get them when doing the tire change. Once again, I didn’t read it unfortunately. Took my Bronco to my dealer, they reset, and got rid of the errors and wrench for $169. Not an expensive lesson, but a lesson!

 

[Baja Bronco]

Probably a dumb question but does this add the graphics (ie for sport mode) as well? Obviously doesn’t really matter either way just curious.

Graphics? You lost me? You mean on the dash? Yes, to that. I added Baja (which I needed), and rock crawl to have them all. They all have an individual picture and wording.

 

[BigMeatsBronco]

No, you can actually follow the Forscan thread, and they tell you how to get rid of the errors. A lot seem to get them when doing the tire change. Once again, I didn’t read it unfortunately. Took my Bronco to my dealer, they reset, and got rid of the errors and wrench for $169. Not an expensive lesson, but a lesson!

uh, trust me I've got the forscan threads memorized, even f150s and rangers as built as well. I've probably made more changes than most folks here....
HOWEVER, what you are describing is NOT a bricked module. FDRS can fix most modules with PMI or calibration. this is why I asked....your saying the ECU was bricked simply because YOU did not understand how to clear codes or fix the problem you created....this is NOT the definition of bricked module.

these kind of comments, while somewhat true, but not fully, are the ones that scare folks like the OP from ever trying changes on their own...

 

[Baja Bronco]

uh, trust me I've got the forscan threads memorized, even f150s and rangers as built as well. I've probably made more changes than most folks here....
HOWEVER, what you are describing is NOT a bricked module. FDRS can fix most modules with PMI or calibration. this is why I asked....your saying the ECU was bricked simply because YOU did not understand how to clear codes or fix the problem you created....this is NOT the definition of bricked module.

OK, sorry for the wrong terminology.

 

[RagnarKon]

Thanks that’s great information! Do you need to reset the bronco to “stock” before taking it in for service?

It depends on what you are servicing.

For example... if you added GOAT modes by messing with the ABS module configuration... and then later had issues with the ABS or 4x4 system, then it probably makes sense to return the ABS module to factory config.

If you are just getting an oil change, then you don't have to reset anything.

HOWEVER, what you are describing is NOT a bricked module. FDRS can fix most modules with PMI or calibration. this is why I asked....your saying the ECU was bricked simply because YOU did not understand how to clear codes or fix the problem you created....this is NOT the definition of bricked module.

Yeah, just to second this... anytime I've bricked a module with Forscan I've been able to save it with a PMI in FDRS. I've only truly bricked a module beyond repair once.

The issue with FDRS is that it requires a fairly significant financial investment to get up and running. Forscan you can get going for $50 or so. FDRS is in the hundreds-of-dollars range, and occasionally you'll encounter a issue that can only reliably be solved with a VCM2/VCM3.

 

[Golfsnob]

2023 base manual doesn't have Sport mode available. Forscan is set for Sport to be active (I didn't change the value because it was already correct) but I don't have Sport mode. Anyone else?

 

[Phil James]

2023 base manual doesn't have Sport mode available. Forscan is set for Sport to be active (I didn't change the value because it was already correct) but I don't have Sport mode. Anyone else?

Hummm, I'd like to know about that too. I haven't tried the GOAT modes yet and that would be nice to know.

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