FORscan Help

[Beggsie]

Cool, but can you go in and make some changes through your phone or can you monitor readings only?

I think the answer you're looking for is that your laptop can connect wireless to the Bluetooth adapter and then be used cordless to make changes. I don't know that you can make changes by phone, but once playing with Forscan on the laptop, you'll see that you'd want the bigger screen. There is a lot of information that displays and seems to me that would be real easy to f-ck something up on a tiny phone screen.

Sponsored

 

[crenca]

Yes, I went there also and they recommend both of these. I just want to make sure I can make a few changes with one or both of them.

Ahh, I understand now. Yes, I want to make some changes, not just monitor. I had a feeling it was like this, but the phone app with the Bluetooth version threw me off.
Thanks a lot!

I use the corded one because it was cheaper and I liked the idea of a physical vs. Bluetooth connection.

That said, if I had to do it over again I would probably go with the Bluetooth one for the convenience of not having to have the laptop "right there" in my lap or just outside the vehicle, there would be less plugging/unplugging from the OBD port which is inconveniently located, etc. The risk of Bluetooth failing at 'just the right time' when writing a change to the Bronco is relatively small, I am probably more likely to pull the USB cord from the laptop accidentally at 'just the right time', etc...

 

[Beggsie]

I use the corded one because it was cheaper and I liked the idea of a physical vs. Bluetooth connection.

That said, if I had to do it over again I would probably go with the Bluetooth one for the convenience of not having to have the laptop "right there" in my lap or just outside the vehicle, there would be less plugging/unplugging from the OBD port which is inconveniently located, etc. The risk of Bluetooth failing at 'just the right time' when writing a change to the Bronco is relatively small, I am probably more likely to pull the USB cord from the laptop accidentally at 'just the right time', etc...

Yeah, once I hit that "write" button I don't even breathe!

 

[Brian_B]

Forscan Lite on the phone is monitoring and reset codes only - no programming

But you can use the BT adapter for both the phone and a laptop. Just not at the same time.

 

[B-rad351]

I think the answer you're looking for is that your laptop can connect wireless to the Bluetooth adapter and then be used cordless to make changes. I don't know that you can make changes by phone, but once playing with Forscan on the laptop, you'll see that you'd want the bigger screen. There is a lot of information that displays and seems to me that would be real easy to f-ck something up on a tiny phone screen.

I understand, thanks!

 

[B-rad351]

Forscan Lite on the phone is monitoring and reset codes only - no programming

But you can use the BT adapter for both the phone and a laptop. Just not at the same time.

I understand now. Thank you!

 

[B-rad351]

I think the answer you're looking for is that your laptop can connect wireless to the Bluetooth adapter and then be used cordless to make changes. I don't know that you can make changes by phone, but once playing with Forscan on the laptop, you'll see that you'd want the bigger screen. There is a lot of information that displays and seems to me that would be real easy to f-ck something up on a tiny phone screen.

Okay. Is there a ‘guide’ of sorts that takes you to the proper module and then which lines and what to change them to?

 

[BudgetBronco]

Okay. Is there a ‘guide’ of sorts that takes you to the proper module and then which lines and what to change them to?

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/2021-bronco-forscan-thread.844/

 

[B-rad351]

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/2021-bronco-forscan-thread.844/

Thanks!

 

[Mjasi3]

Go Corded. You don’t want to introduce any issues with a Bluetooth connection. I have the corded one and have not any issues.

 

[Brian_B]

I've not had any issues with the Bluetooth one and Forscan. Forscan writes are usually pretty small - you're usually just changing a few hex codes at a time. Not saying nothing can go wrong there, but they are usually pretty easy to roll back even if something does hiccup (which I've not had happen because of a bad write, but I've keyed in wrong values in the wrong places before).

I ~do~ use a corded adapter for FRDS though, but those writes are much bigger and more able to brick things. And the cordless adapters there are ... fairly pricey.

 

[B-rad351]

I've not had any issues with the Bluetooth one and Forscan. Forscan writes are usually pretty small - you're usually just changing a few hex codes at a time. Not saying nothing can go wrong there, but they are usually pretty easy to roll back even if something does hiccup (which I've not had happen because of a bad write, but I've keyed in wrong values in the wrong places before).

I ~do~ use a corded adapter for FRDS though, but those writes are much bigger and more able to brick things. And the cordless adapters there are ... fairly pricey.

I understand. I sound stupid, but what is FRDS?

 

[Haykayy]

I think the answer you're looking for is that your laptop can connect wireless to the Bluetooth adapter and then be used cordless to make changes. I don't know that you can make changes by phone, but once playing with Forscan on the laptop, you'll see that you'd want the bigger screen. There is a lot of information that displays and seems to me that would be real easy to f-ck something up on a tiny phone screen.

Yes.

 

[Ducati1098]

I understand. I sound stupid, but what is FRDS?

It’s Ford’s factory scan tool.
Ford Diagnostic and Repair System

 

[crenca]

According to:

https://www.motorcraftservice.com/Purchase/ViewIDSFDRS

a license (i.e. subscription) to FDRS is $1200 a year, $300 for 30 day, $120 for 3 days.

I won't say that is reasonable, but it is not $18 a crush washer pricing...more like $8 dollar a crush washer

I have never purchased/used FDRS so maybe there is more to it, like having to pay $20k a year for your ASE license or some such before you can get access to FDRS

EDIT: Maybe you have to spend $1800 on one of these before you can even use FDRS :

https://fordvcm3ids.com/products/fo...PPGEpY4HV4ZTXjQlf9ll-tFnH6hs51u0LKG8CDmtoPczq

Sponsored