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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 08:34 AM
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Ford IDS

I don’t have Forscan and I don’t have a laptop.
I did find a local shop that has access to forscan and said any programing and they charge an hourly rate of $120.
right now I was just looking to get my DPF filter activated in the dash but if he is going to charge me one hour I figure I might as well get the most out of it and have other things activated while he is in there.

what are some of the things you folks have had activated in your diesel trucks?
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 08:43 AM
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I don't have a diesel, but for a what they are charging you can probably buy an old, use laptop and Forscan and do it yourself. And have it for future.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by fireguyed
I don't have a diesel, but for a what they are charging you can probably buy an old, use laptop and Forscan and do it yourself. And have it for future.
Especially if they start to charge you for more than 1hr of work! Plus if you ever wanted to make any changes you won't have to fork over more cash in the future.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 08:57 AM
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I would suggest buying a laptop and the cable yourself like others suggest. I bought a Gateway laptop for $150 from Walmart that runs Windows 10 and the cable for $50 on Amazon. I have made several changes over several different times so at the rates he quoted you, I have saved hundreds of dollars. Also, Forscan is pretty easy to use so I wouldn’t sweat it if your worried about that aspect.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 09:50 AM
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I switched on global window open/close screen. So now I can roll the front windows down and up with the remote on my xlt. I turned in the Lincoln style folding mirrors, put the read text messages while in motion on even tho I always have sync read them to me. I put the heated seat buttons on the sync display easier for me to use without taking my eyes off the road. Turned drl to full brightness, remember fogs so they are on when lights come on. I’m sure there are a few more things I am forgetting.

not a diesel truck but can apply to any.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 10:10 AM
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Just in case there was any confusion, the title here says Ford IDS. That's not the same as FORScan.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 10:13 AM
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Yes like others have said just buy a cheap laptop and learn it. Once you make a few changes you'll realize you want other things changed. Plus it's a great resource just to have.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by cpobst
Yes like others have said just buy a cheap laptop and learn it. Once you make a few changes you'll realize you want other things changed. Plus it's a great resource just to have.
That's the way I look at it. I've used FORScan on 3 or 4 trucks now. All my stuff is Mac so I bought a cheap Lenovo laptop from Best Buy. Used exclusively for FORScan.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by cpobst
Yes like others have said just buy a cheap laptop and learn it. Once you make a few changes you'll realize you want other things changed. Plus it's a great resource just to have.
Originally Posted by Poncho450
That's the way I look at it. I've used FORScan on 3 or 4 trucks now. All my stuff is Mac so I bought a cheap Lenovo laptop from Best Buy. Used exclusively for FORScan.
Am I safe to assume that you don't need a ton of computing power to be able to run this program? So literally anything you get from a best buy caliber store would be up to the task of running this operation?
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by nc350
Am I safe to assume that you don't need a ton of computing power to be able to run this program? So literally anything you get from a best buy caliber store would be up to the task of running this operation?
You don’t. It’s very minimal. Like I said I bought a Gateway computer from Walmart that barely has the required specs to run Windows but it’s still fine for Forscan. I also use it for all of my Garmin stuff and my Victron stuff.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 11:07 AM
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Originally Posted by nc350
Am I safe to assume that you don't need a ton of computing power to be able to run this program? So literally anything you get from a best buy caliber store would be up to the task of running this operation?
I'll put it this way: it's worked for me for several years but the little Lenovo could probably stand to be replaced. It'll barely run a browser and FORScan these days. Slower than slow. I've even taken it in to a little independent shop that does all of my work for a tuneup. He installed a newer version of Windows on it but said that the little thing is pretty much at it's limits.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 11:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Poncho450
I'll put it this way: it's worked for me for several years but the little Lenovo could probably stand to be replaced. It'll barely run a browser and FORScan these days. Slower than slow. I've even taken it in to a little independent shop that does all of my work for a tuneup. He installed a newer version of Windows on it but said that the little thing is pretty much at it's limits.
Yeah Windows is a hog. Even the little brand new computer I just bought says it’s eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade but I’ve heard it’s even more of a hog then 10. I’m not upgrading as the computer is just barely specs to even run 10. It sure isn’t the fastest but I only have the bare necessities installed and then just the few programs I mentioned above. I wouldn’t upgrade the OS if the current one worked. After using Macs for so long I sure do hate the Windows platform. At least on these cheaper laptops… I’m sure a more expensive one would work better but not needed for just Forscan. I did run Parallels on my MBA for a year but I hated it too and to renew it every year costs more than just buying the cheap PC.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Poncho450
Just in case there was any confusion, the title here says Ford IDS. That's not the same as FORScan.
Title says "IDS", content says "Forscan"...
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 04:38 PM
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I see several cables on Amazon for Forscan. Do they all do the same thing?
 
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Old Dec 9, 2021 | 04:40 PM
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Get this one unless you want wireless then get the Bluetooth version. For programming I use this one.


Amazon Amazon
 
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