FORScan question
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 89
Likes: 2
FORScan question
Hi All! Most of the posts I find now about using FORScan are a couple of years old (at least). Anyway, we own several Ford vehicles and I am interested in learning to use this system, if for nothing else to program new keys (what the "Stealerships" charge is a crime). In the (older) posts I have read, some mention that an 'x86' device is required for the software - is that still the case? Other posts mention a particular OBD2 connector (some prefer USB to a laptop, some like WiFi or Blue-Tooth. Android, or IOS) - What is best?
1) So, is there a consensus on what/which device is best to use to FORScan software? Should I look for an old laptop or search for something newer?
2) What is the best way/device to connect to the vehicle OBD2 port? (USB to laptop, Android tablet, WiFi, or Blue-Tooth)?
3) Is there a place to learn all the features and how to use it?
4) Together with our kids, we own a 1997 E150 Clubwagon, a 2001 Taurus, a 2001 F-150, a 2004 Freestar, a 2010 Flex, and a 2016 Escape. Will FORScan work with ALL of these vehicles?
With the Corona-virus situation I am stuck at home, and with heavy rains predicted for the next few weeks (off and on) I can't go outside for long. So, it appears I will have a lot of time for reading and might as well learn something new.
1) So, is there a consensus on what/which device is best to use to FORScan software? Should I look for an old laptop or search for something newer?
2) What is the best way/device to connect to the vehicle OBD2 port? (USB to laptop, Android tablet, WiFi, or Blue-Tooth)?
3) Is there a place to learn all the features and how to use it?
4) Together with our kids, we own a 1997 E150 Clubwagon, a 2001 Taurus, a 2001 F-150, a 2004 Freestar, a 2010 Flex, and a 2016 Escape. Will FORScan work with ALL of these vehicles?
With the Corona-virus situation I am stuck at home, and with heavy rains predicted for the next few weeks (off and on) I can't go outside for long. So, it appears I will have a lot of time for reading and might as well learn something new.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
1. The most capable version of Forscan requires a Windows device. An old PC or laptop will work. There is a less-capable but still useful Android version.
2. All modes can be supported.
3. www.forscan.org or the old "school of hard knocks" or YouTube University.
4. Yes, provided you get an adapter that can communicate of all of the needed communications buses.
2. All modes can be supported.
3. www.forscan.org or the old "school of hard knocks" or YouTube University.
4. Yes, provided you get an adapter that can communicate of all of the needed communications buses.
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 89
Likes: 2
Thanks for the help! I was worried that the later model Fords in the family (the 2010 Flex, and the 2016 Escape) would not work with FORScan. This is because when, in the past, I was looking for a bi-directional scanner that included the ability to program the Ford chip keys, I was told that the Flex and the Escape have "Multiple Channels(s): meaning multiple modules in different network level(s) communicating at the same time, and that this phenomenon exits in immo functions". Got that from a tech support rep for an Autel scanner. That's one of the big reasons that I would like to learn more about FORScan. Anyone know anything about what the Autel tech was/is talking about?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,768
Likes: 1,082
From: St Louis
I do know that Forscan works fine with the PATS systems that use timed access. I don't know (haven't checked) if it will support those systems that use the coded access protocol. Either someone with updated information/experience will need to chime in or you will have to dig into that detail as well as checking for applicability to your owned vehicles.
The "response" you quoted sounds like gibberish to me.
The "response" you quoted sounds like gibberish to me.
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