What exactly do I need to start using Forscan?

[Rickap7]

What do I need to start using Forscan? There is so much out there it's so confusing what connector what laptop where to get the program what is the cost?
I have a 2025 Big Bend.
Just looking for very basic info for now really just wondering if it is worth doing.

Thanks and sorry i'm sure these question have been asked.

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[Area51BS]

There are some great YouTube videos. Watch many and follow the one that makes sense to you and provides the most info for what you are trying to change.

 

[Squirrel13]

Start with a tutorial.

TUTORIAL DOCUMENT BY ZOODAD ON FORD-TRUCKS forum
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11irQux94dNXvnMPiDY7IZyFVa-8cC3E7ZRFuL8tHBVs/edit


FORSCAN RESOURCES

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1649945-2017-forscan-threads-and-resources-index.html

 

[Squirrel13]

For an OBD adapter I have never had any issues with my OBDLink MX+

https://www.obdlink.com/products/obdlink-mxp/

 

[Johnny Mo]

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/...&visitId=625e25ea-611d-4f12-9a75-5c359425ce9a

I wound up doing a pretty extensive forscan update (paid version) on my PHEV Fusion to upgrade a telematics module so that remote start would still work after 2G and 3G modems were discontinued. The wired version ensures no disconnect during an update which could brick a module - I know plenty have used the BT and WiFi ones without issue, but it is a risk.

 

[Squirrel13]

https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/...&visitId=625e25ea-611d-4f12-9a75-5c359425ce9a

I wound up doing a pretty extensive forscan update (paid version) on my PHEV Fusion to upgrade a telematics module so that remote start would still work after 2G and 3G modems were discontinued. The wired version ensures no disconnect during an update which could brick a module - I know plenty have used the BT and WiFi ones without issue, but it is a risk.

I should have mentioned that.
my 01 Excursion 7.3 would stall if I plugged in the MX+. I use the MX+ to read diagnostic codes only..
For programming I use the EX wired version. As mentioned much safer.

https://www.obdlink.com/products/obdlink-ex/

 

[Brian_B]

A Windows computer (not Windows Home edition or ARM)
A compatible OBD dongle
A license from Forscan (can still get a free 2-month license I believe)

A battery tender is recommended any time you are monkeying with programming

 

[LT. DAN ICE CREAM!!!]

If you're competent with command lines and tinkering, you can also use a Linux laptop for FORScan. Just be warned that it's not officially supported and you will have to troubleshoot on your own if you have an issue.

 

[crenca]

What do I need to start using Forscan?

To answer your question directly you need three things:

1) a Windows laptop
2) an OBDLink connection, either hardwired (USB) cable or bluetooth
3) Forscan software properly downloaded and setup

Only cavet is if you only plan on using Forscan to read DTC codes and other simple tasks (not making actual changes to Ford's programing), then you can use "Forscan Lite" on your phone with the blutooth OBDLink.

 

[broncobase1]

If you're competent with command lines and tinkering, you can also use a Linux laptop for FORScan. Just be warned that it's not officially supported and you will have to troubleshoot on your own if you have an issue.

No changes made with FORScan are officially supported, not by Ford anyway. Its a great tool for reading codes and data, but be careful making changes. I would imagine it makes a good excuse to deny warrantee claims.

 

[WarthogJr]

To answer your question directly you need three things:

1) a Windows laptop
2) an OBDLink connection, either hardwired (USB) cable or bluetooth
3) Forscan software properly downloaded and setup

Only cavet is if you only plan on using Forscan to read DTC codes and other simple tasks (not making actual changes to Ford's programing), then you can use "Forscan Lite" on your phone with the blutooth OBDLink.

You don’t have to use a Windows laptop. I used my MacBook Pro and partitioned the drive. Worked great.

 

[crenca]

You don’t have to use a Windows laptop. I used my MacBook Pro and partitioned the drive. Worked great.

Well, the OP asked for the basics, minimum, etc. Most folks who do that are not hacking in Linux terminals, running window app emulation in MacOS, etc. "What's a "partition" and where do I buy one" would be the next question maybe

 

[WarthogJr]

Well, the OP asked for the basics, minimum, etc. Most folks who do that are not hacking in Linux terminals, running window app emulation in MacOS, etc. "What's a "partition" and where do I buy one" would be the next question maybe

When I got my Bronco 4 years ago, I just wanted the double honk to go away and I heard about a solution of Forscan. I'm not a computer programmer, hacker, coder, or computer nerd of any kind and started asking online what I would need. For weeks, everyone online kept telling me I had to have a Windows laptop. That sucked because I only have a MacBook. Then one person told me about the process to "partition my drive" which I had no idea what that meant. I did more research, followed verified instructions verbatim, and was eventually able to make a ton of changes to my Bronco using the computer I had and a cable I also researched.
I was where this person was, so I thought I would offer up a small bit of detail before he/she started thinking a Windows laptop was the only path forward.

 

[Brian_B]

You don’t have to use a Windows laptop. I used my MacBook Pro and partitioned the drive. Worked great.

Certainly possible if you are motivated

That’s different than what I would recommend though.

 

[WarthogJr]

Certainly possible if you are motivated

That’s different than what I would recommend though.

Definitely motivated! Probably would have walked through fire to make that damn double honk go away.

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