ForSCAN
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
ForSCAN
I couldn't find any posts in the 6.7 section about this - although there were a couple in the 6.0l section.
Recently my truck had an erroneous airbag light, as well as the buttons on my steering wheel for my command center stopped working, my truck is out of warranty, and I like trying to diagnose these issues my self anyway... I suspected my Clockspring (a common fault on Super Duties), but wanted to check further.
As some of you might know, codes that aren't engine/transmission related aren't accessible through most code readers, as all different brands of vehicles use different codes for airbag/body etc. issues. You can buy code readers that can read some of these codes, but they are both expensive (~$200+), and don't always have the codes for every vehicle.
After some research, I found this:
FORScan Home
Its freeware, that you can download to any Windows based computer, and as long as you can connect your computer to your OBDII port, supports all Ford/Mercury/Lincoln/Mazda models, and can read codes from all modules, as well as do some other diagnostic/monitoring (I actually think that if you had a portable Windows based platform that could run this program it would do anything the Edge CTS can do, plus a lot more).
All you need for it to work is an ELM 327 style connector to your computer, either a USB style connector, or a Bluetooth one. I chose the latter as it will enable me to use the connector with my Android phone and the Torque app if I so chose.
Here were the connectors I ordered:
It was a straight forward install/setup process, and I was immediately able to see the codes that were present, both the steering wheel buttons and the airbag light said open circuit (and it was the drivers airbag), which went with my guess of it being the clock spring. I cleared the codes, restarted, and the codes returned, so there is definitely a connection issue, with 99% possibility of it being in the clock spring.
Anyway, just wanted to make sure you were all aware of what I think is a really awesome, and very cheap tool.
Recently my truck had an erroneous airbag light, as well as the buttons on my steering wheel for my command center stopped working, my truck is out of warranty, and I like trying to diagnose these issues my self anyway... I suspected my Clockspring (a common fault on Super Duties), but wanted to check further.
As some of you might know, codes that aren't engine/transmission related aren't accessible through most code readers, as all different brands of vehicles use different codes for airbag/body etc. issues. You can buy code readers that can read some of these codes, but they are both expensive (~$200+), and don't always have the codes for every vehicle.
After some research, I found this:
FORScan Home
Its freeware, that you can download to any Windows based computer, and as long as you can connect your computer to your OBDII port, supports all Ford/Mercury/Lincoln/Mazda models, and can read codes from all modules, as well as do some other diagnostic/monitoring (I actually think that if you had a portable Windows based platform that could run this program it would do anything the Edge CTS can do, plus a lot more).
All you need for it to work is an ELM 327 style connector to your computer, either a USB style connector, or a Bluetooth one. I chose the latter as it will enable me to use the connector with my Android phone and the Torque app if I so chose.
Here were the connectors I ordered:
It was a straight forward install/setup process, and I was immediately able to see the codes that were present, both the steering wheel buttons and the airbag light said open circuit (and it was the drivers airbag), which went with my guess of it being the clock spring. I cleared the codes, restarted, and the codes returned, so there is definitely a connection issue, with 99% possibility of it being in the clock spring.
Anyway, just wanted to make sure you were all aware of what I think is a really awesome, and very cheap tool.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 4
From: Connecticut
Cool... I have a autoengenuity with the ford pack scan tool from when I had my 2002 7.3 .. I wonder if that could grab the codes off of my current truck? If it doesnt then I could prolly use that software you referenced with the usb to OBD connector I have for the auto enginuity right?I should go try it.I do have a edge cts.Would the edge be able to get those hidden codes?
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: s.f. bay area
Have you tried to get any of the DPF PID's to be displayed yet (like the Edge CTS can do)? This would be really excellent, as no one else seems to be able to display the DPF stuff for any reasonable price.
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
I meant to update this thread. I was able to fix the Instrument Cluster Menu buttons on the steering wheel (which were not working) and an airbag light by using this to diagnose. It was a faulty clock-spring.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I couldn't find any posts in the 6.7 section about this - although there were a couple in the 6.0l section.
Recently my truck had an erroneous airbag light, as well as the buttons on my steering wheel for my command center stopped working, my truck is out of warranty, and I like trying to diagnose these issues my self anyway... I suspected my Clockspring (a common fault on Super Duties), but wanted to check further.
As some of you might know, codes that aren't engine/transmission related aren't accessible through most code readers, as all different brands of vehicles use different codes for airbag/body etc. issues. You can buy code readers that can read some of these codes, but they are both expensive (~$200+), and don't always have the codes for every vehicle.
After some research, I found this:
FORScan Home
Its freeware, that you can download to any Windows based computer, and as long as you can connect your computer to your OBDII port, supports all Ford/Mercury/Lincoln/Mazda models, and can read codes from all modules, as well as do some other diagnostic/monitoring (I actually think that if you had a portable Windows based platform that could run this program it would do anything the Edge CTS can do, plus a lot more).
All you need for it to work is an ELM 327 style connector to your computer, either a USB style connector, or a Bluetooth one. I chose the latter as it will enable me to use the connector with my Android phone and the Torque app if I so chose.
Here were the connectors I ordered:
BAFX Products - Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool - For check engine light & diagnostics - Android ONLY : Amazon.com : Automotive
Amazon.com : Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth 4.0 USB adapter - For Windows 8 / Windows 7 / Vista : Usb Network Adapters : Computers & Accessories
It was a straight forward install/setup process, and I was immediately able to see the codes that were present, both the steering wheel buttons and the airbag light said open circuit (and it was the drivers airbag), which went with my guess of it being the clock spring. I cleared the codes, restarted, and the codes returned, so there is definitely a connection issue, with 99% possibility of it being in the clock spring.
Anyway, just wanted to make sure you were all aware of what I think is a really awesome, and very cheap tool.
Recently my truck had an erroneous airbag light, as well as the buttons on my steering wheel for my command center stopped working, my truck is out of warranty, and I like trying to diagnose these issues my self anyway... I suspected my Clockspring (a common fault on Super Duties), but wanted to check further.
As some of you might know, codes that aren't engine/transmission related aren't accessible through most code readers, as all different brands of vehicles use different codes for airbag/body etc. issues. You can buy code readers that can read some of these codes, but they are both expensive (~$200+), and don't always have the codes for every vehicle.
After some research, I found this:
FORScan Home
Its freeware, that you can download to any Windows based computer, and as long as you can connect your computer to your OBDII port, supports all Ford/Mercury/Lincoln/Mazda models, and can read codes from all modules, as well as do some other diagnostic/monitoring (I actually think that if you had a portable Windows based platform that could run this program it would do anything the Edge CTS can do, plus a lot more).
All you need for it to work is an ELM 327 style connector to your computer, either a USB style connector, or a Bluetooth one. I chose the latter as it will enable me to use the connector with my Android phone and the Torque app if I so chose.
Here were the connectors I ordered:
BAFX Products - Bluetooth OBD2 scan tool - For check engine light & diagnostics - Android ONLY : Amazon.com : Automotive
Amazon.com : Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth 4.0 USB adapter - For Windows 8 / Windows 7 / Vista : Usb Network Adapters : Computers & Accessories
It was a straight forward install/setup process, and I was immediately able to see the codes that were present, both the steering wheel buttons and the airbag light said open circuit (and it was the drivers airbag), which went with my guess of it being the clock spring. I cleared the codes, restarted, and the codes returned, so there is definitely a connection issue, with 99% possibility of it being in the clock spring.
Anyway, just wanted to make sure you were all aware of what I think is a really awesome, and very cheap tool.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: Rural Central Illinois
Great post BigF350; thanks for sharing. When my '12 got smacked, the windshield wiper pump motor wouldn't work after it was fixed and the body shop couldn't read the code so this would have saved me a lot of grief.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 102
Likes: 3
I know this is a old thread but, can you use the AE proline VCI connector with Forscan?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 24
From: Houston
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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