What OBD II scan tools do you use.

[OrangeAl]

I have an Autel MS906BT. Has bi directional capability. This was what I decided to buy with my Covid stimulus check few years back.
When I purchased my Bronco I had to update the scan tool because there were no 2021 models in it.
I was hoping to use it to maybe disable the auto start stop and the head light switch default to auto. This can probably be done with forscan ,but I don’t have a laptop.
Autel says there is an update coming for the programming features soon. They are not active yet.
I have read that some scan tools have worked and wondering which brands do. May have to change if Autel doesn’t come out with an update. I really don’t want to pay for another year subscription.

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[B22-2023]

Pick up a cheap used windows lap top, a trial Forscan subscription, and an OBD II cable online. It will be cheaper, faster and more capable than any scan tool including one a Ford dealer tech has.

Then again if you care about auto start-stop only there is a dongle, and there's a jumper, available online for like $100. I’ve used both on Ford trucks pre Forscan and they are fine.

 

[OrangeAl]

Pick up a cheap used windows lap top, a trial Forscan subscription, and an OBD II cable online. It will be cheaper, faster and more capable than any scan tool including one a Ford dealer tech has.

Then again if you care about auto start-stop only there is a dongle, and there's a jumper, available online for like $100. I’ve used both on Ford trucks pre Forscan and they are fine.

Looked at the jumper for the auto stop start. May buy that if Autel doesn’t come thru on update. Just hoping to make the most of what I have.

 

[B22-2023]

May buy that if Autel doesn’t come thru on update. Just hoping to make the most of what I have.

I meant to look up the price of the Autel, now looks like $300-400? It’s a nice box but Forscan can also read and clear codes. Still a cheaper route but I get it: a plain but limited vanilla route has its merits; getting deep with Forscan, a hacker collective product, has some risks. But it sure improves the Bronco once you’ve done 7-8 of the mods available no scanner or Ford tech will do.

 

[Brian_B]

I'm not sure the Autel software will do what Forscan can do. Best case scenario is that your Autel adapter will work with Forscan (not all OBD adapters do)

You do need a laptop or computer, but it doesn't have to be an expensive one. Anything running WIndows (not Windows S) will do. I run mine on a 12 year old Lenovo that takes about 10 minutes to boot up.

 

[Mlarv]

I only have one Windows laptop in my house. It is normally turned off. I run Mac's. With that said I went to a Pawn shop found an old Win 10 laptop for $50 bucks. I updated it loaded Forscan on it got a free trial license used it on my Bronco and my F150. I update Forscan once in a while to help neighbors with CEL or that wants something else turned on or off. If the laptop dies it has paid for itself twice over.

 

[OrangeAl]

I meant to look up the price of the Autel, now looks like $300-400? It’s a nice box but Forscan can also read and clear codes. Still a cheaper route but I get it: a plain but limited vanilla route has its merits; getting deep with Forscan, a hacker collective product, has some risks. But it sure improves the Bronco once you’ve done 7-8 of the mods available no scanner or Ford tech will do.

Just thought of it as a saver route to changing some settings.

 

[zombie]

I use a OBDLink LX, I can keep it hooked up to my OBDII port and then use the free app they provide to scan for codes if needed, or I can connect it to the torque app for real-time monitoring.

 

[RagnarKon]

• Software: IDS / FJDS / FDRS / Forscan
• Adapter: Bosch Mastertech 2
• Laptop: Framework 13

Forscan I have a lifetime license for, which they no longer offer. IDS / FJDS / FDRS I just buy 2-day licenses as I need it, which is typically once or twice a year.

Edit— I should note I only own Ford vehicles, and my entire extended family (except my brother-in-law) also owns Ford. I'm the unofficial official family mechanic, so investing into Ford-related software makes a ton of sense for me.

 

[Brian_B]

As far as what I use - an OBDLink MX+, which is my sons. He used to use it for the app to keep it running while he drove, and I borrow it when I need to make a change. I need to get an adapter of my own, just waiting to snag one that is FDRS compatible without breaking the bank.

 

[OrangeAl]

Autel did have a ford update today. Added 2025 explorer. Still says programming not available for this vehicle on the bronco when I tried it a few minutes ago.
When I bought the scanner I had a 2014 3.5 fx4 f150. It had a police mode for it but never tried it. It would do tire and gear sizes also. I guess they have not figured out the bronco or do no have permission from ford yet.

 

[Ducati1098]

FDRS or forscan. Depends what I’m doing.

 

[mpeugeot]

VxDiag VCX Mini J2534 adapter with FORSCAN and FDRS as needed.

 

[Rumbloki]

OBDLink MX+, and FORScan with amazon adaptor.

 

[OrangeAl]

What is FDRS? Not up to date on acronyms.

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