scan tool
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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You are not going to get an aftermarket scan tool that does an uncompensated contribution test (except for maybe the IDS clones) - at least not that I know of.
The best value is to get the full version of ForScan on a laptop or tablet. ForScan is a great code reader and has quite a few diagnostic features as well.
There is an advantage to have something that will be convenient to watch while you are driving. That would probably lead you to either a phone app or maybe one of the Edge products, but the Edge products are more of an electronic gauge system than a scan tool. You can pull codes with these products, but I don't believe you can run tests. You can run tests with ForScan Lite downloaded to a smartphone, but it isn't as full featured as the full version.
The best value is to get the full version of ForScan on a laptop or tablet. ForScan is a great code reader and has quite a few diagnostic features as well.
There is an advantage to have something that will be convenient to watch while you are driving. That would probably lead you to either a phone app or maybe one of the Edge products, but the Edge products are more of an electronic gauge system than a scan tool. You can pull codes with these products, but I don't believe you can run tests. You can run tests with ForScan Lite downloaded to a smartphone, but it isn't as full featured as the full version.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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An interesting bit of information is that the full version on a laptop is free, whereas the mobile app costs a little bit.
The difference between the Lite version (mobile app) and the full windows version is primarily "Output Control" from my perspective. They both will retrieve codes and engine PIDs, and perform module (ECM, TCM, GPCM, FICM, HEC, VSM, 4WD, etc) self tests:
https://forscan.org/comparsion.html
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=844
There are some "service functions" that are critical and are deemed "not safe" to perform on a wireless platform. I don't have the full version, so I can't get into more detail than that.
From their website:
.
Edit - Just saw that the full version has configuration and programming functions that the Lite version does not. Again, since I don't have it, I am not familiar with details.
.
HydroTek can provide more detail on the full version capability. I'll ask him to add his knowledge to this thread.
The difference between the Lite version (mobile app) and the full windows version is primarily "Output Control" from my perspective. They both will retrieve codes and engine PIDs, and perform module (ECM, TCM, GPCM, FICM, HEC, VSM, 4WD, etc) self tests:
https://forscan.org/comparsion.html
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=844
There are some "service functions" that are critical and are deemed "not safe" to perform on a wireless platform. I don't have the full version, so I can't get into more detail than that.
From their website:
"Lite" means this version of application is simplified to be used on mobile devices as safe as possible. Service and Programming functions are not safe, and using them on mobile devices is quite not desirable because of the platforms nature: using wireless devices (that are less reliable than USB ones), possibility to get application killed or freezed by OS during a critical operation (e.g. because of incoming call or other reason) and so on. Nevertheless, we think on adding relatively safe service functions to FORScan Lite.
..
Edit - Just saw that the full version has configuration and programming functions that the Lite version does not. Again, since I don't have it, I am not familiar with details.
FORScan Lite for iOS and Android are simplified versions of FORScan optimized for mobile platforms. It has no configuration and programming functions, as well as some service functions.
..
HydroTek can provide more detail on the full version capability. I'll ask him to add his knowledge to this thread.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,901
Likes: 3,617
Here is a good write-up on the Windows "Extended License" (which costs money) vs the standard license:
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=836
Primarily PATS functions
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=836
Primarily PATS functions
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 233
Likes: 65
From: Southern Indiana
The extended license is also "free" by using the two month trial - to my knowledge there is no restriction on the amount of times you can re-up for the free license
Most will not need the extended license tho, as this mostly involves the PATS system or DPF system or modifying the "as built" options
I think @bismic has stated pretty well the benefits of Forscan for grabbing codes -- the full version shines in that it can output control to the various systems on the truck -- many of the electrical functions can be toggled on/off - this is helpful to see if the controller is able to operate a certain light(useful for looking for shorts or broken wires) -- operating the various functions of the engine - like the EGR, ABS, VGT - think the unison ring may be sticking, just sweep it a few times and notice the engine readings
I use the PC full version with my Bluetooth, but if I was doing a critical change, maybe the wired cable would be safer -- I have not had the Bluetooth drop out on me
Most will not need the extended license tho, as this mostly involves the PATS system or DPF system or modifying the "as built" options
I think @bismic has stated pretty well the benefits of Forscan for grabbing codes -- the full version shines in that it can output control to the various systems on the truck -- many of the electrical functions can be toggled on/off - this is helpful to see if the controller is able to operate a certain light(useful for looking for shorts or broken wires) -- operating the various functions of the engine - like the EGR, ABS, VGT - think the unison ring may be sticking, just sweep it a few times and notice the engine readings
I use the PC full version with my Bluetooth, but if I was doing a critical change, maybe the wired cable would be safer -- I have not had the Bluetooth drop out on me
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
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Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
While we have this up and are talking about it.
What is the wired version of the interface and what are the wireless ones you can use?
This is sounding like a very good option for IDS VCM option for the DIY person.
What is the wired version of the interface and what are the wireless ones you can use?
This is sounding like a very good option for IDS VCM option for the DIY person.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 103
From: Jacksonville Florida
I have the full version on laptop with lifetime licence. For the early model Ford 250 , you are limited to what programming you con do. I think 2010 and up you have a whole lot more options you can toggle on and off or reprogram. There is a lot of new code coming out daily where you can go in and actually change the code writing. Simple things are pretty much like changing vin no. On your pcm. I am still learning as I go. But with a 2004 there is a lot my truck doesn't have that newer trucks do. Say like putting digital readings above you analog dash gauges. Turning you climate control on or off to appear on your radio screen. Fog lights on with high beams. You can go to the Forscan Forum and read up on all those things.
The main diagnostics that we all use are the same in full and lite. They are working on releasing a newer update for cylinder compensation tests. That will be only on full version. But I get the same update info time after time, saying it's coming but haven't seen it yet.
The main diagnostics that we all use are the same in full and lite. They are working on releasing a newer update for cylinder compensation tests. That will be only on full version. But I get the same update info time after time, saying it's coming but haven't seen it yet.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 233
Likes: 65
From: Southern Indiana
As to the phone or tablet, the Android will go either way(Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) not sure about the iPhone(Wi-Fi)
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 103
From: Jacksonville Florida
I have a hard wire with MS and HS switch on it. High speed and minimal speed. Some functions have to have high speed access.
my tablet and cellphone use an OBD11 Elm 327 Bluetooth dongle without the MS, HS switch.
my tablet and cellphone use an OBD11 Elm 327 Bluetooth dongle without the MS, HS switch.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 27,901
Likes: 3,617
ForScan Lite for iOS
https://forscan.org/documentation_iOS.html
ForScan Lite for Android
https://forscan.org/documentation_Android.html
ForScan Lite for Windows
https://forscan.org/documentation_13.html
The approved adapters are mentioned in this table
https://forscan.org/comparsion.html
If you want to use BlueTooth with iOS, you seem to specifically need the adapter below (it also works for Android and Windows, set the option within FORScan to use the com port for communication when using Windows):
OBDLink MX+
There is a code you can use to get a discount, but I can't find it now (EDIT - discount code FORSCAN10). A link to purchasing the OBDLink MX+adapter:
Note from ForScan - From our experience, Bluetooth components are more reliable, so Bluetooth is preferable than WiFi. WiFi may be faster though. I have no issues with the BAFX WiFi adapter on my i-phone.
The ELM 327 WiFi version seems to be supported by both iOS and Android (note in one of the above links, ForScan has a note: With "OBDLink MX WiFi", WiFi interface works unstable - it freezes and times out. Strongly not recommended!)
Links on choosing ELM327 adapters:
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6142
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic....1834&start=100
For the laptop version using a USB corded connection, this adapter looks fully featured (and it looks like the one to use with Android):
Setting up ELM327 USB so that the OBD software will properly function:
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic....=6142&start=40
For the more experienced folks using the Windows full version - the J2534 Passthru device
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic....assthru+device
https://forscan.org/documentation_iOS.html
ForScan Lite for Android
https://forscan.org/documentation_Android.html
ForScan Lite for Windows
https://forscan.org/documentation_13.html
The approved adapters are mentioned in this table
https://forscan.org/comparsion.html
If you want to use BlueTooth with iOS, you seem to specifically need the adapter below (it also works for Android and Windows, set the option within FORScan to use the com port for communication when using Windows):
OBDLink MX+
There is a code you can use to get a discount, but I can't find it now (EDIT - discount code FORSCAN10). A link to purchasing the OBDLink MX+adapter:
Note from ForScan - From our experience, Bluetooth components are more reliable, so Bluetooth is preferable than WiFi. WiFi may be faster though. I have no issues with the BAFX WiFi adapter on my i-phone.
The ELM 327 WiFi version seems to be supported by both iOS and Android (note in one of the above links, ForScan has a note: With "OBDLink MX WiFi", WiFi interface works unstable - it freezes and times out. Strongly not recommended!)
Links on choosing ELM327 adapters:
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6142
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic....1834&start=100
For the laptop version using a USB corded connection, this adapter looks fully featured (and it looks like the one to use with Android):
Setting up ELM327 USB so that the OBD software will properly function:
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic....=6142&start=40
For the more experienced folks using the Windows full version - the J2534 Passthru device
https://forscan.org/forum/viewtopic....assthru+device
Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
Likes: 512
From: Foothills, CA
I used a hardwire connector with the HS/MS switch and my laptop with the Extended Forscan version to enable a buddy's TBC unit, which he installed after he bought the truck - while we were in there we turned off door chime and some other stuff. Personally I'd only change settings using a hardwire connection... Here's the one I bought:
A number of folks recommend the BBFLY unit, which is more expensive. An interesting note is while I ordered the Vint unit above, I received a BBFLY unit - they must be related? YMMV but the unit worked just fine...
Scott
A number of folks recommend the BBFLY unit, which is more expensive. An interesting note is while I ordered the Vint unit above, I received a BBFLY unit - they must be related? YMMV but the unit worked just fine...
Scott
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 17,829
Likes: 3,114
From: Jersey Shore
Sean (you know this - just reacting to the statement), but the need of being able to do an uncompensated injector balance cannot be understated since injector contribution confounds so many.