Forscan for Windows

[Donald]

I am looking to install Forscan on my PC and use it with a bluetooth OBDDII adapter and buy a key for my Ford pickup on Amazon and program it using Forscan. Has anyone had success with this? I have a bluetooth OBDII connector I use with Torque, will it work with Forscan also? Or do I need a special one for Forscan?

There are a few keys on Amazon. Anyone have good or bad luck with a particular aftermarket key?

I wonder how much a uncut/unprogrammed key is from a Ford dealer?

 

[Hall]

I use it on my wife's Fusion. It does things that Torque can't do, so you generally want both. I used it for non-engine-related things like enabling DRLs, "Bambi" mode, turning on an equalizer for the audio system, etc, etc.

This is the ELM327 adapter I use.

The adapter needs to be able to read/write (toggle) between ALL of the CANBUS networks the vehicle has. Some adapters don't.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Am I the only one who experiences a Freudian slip every time I read posts on this topic?

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Am I the only one who experiences a Freudian slip every time I read posts on this topic?


yes

 

[racin4ds]

I've never used it to program a key but Forscan and the cheap ELM adapter works wonderful on my 05 PowerStroke truck. I can run all diagnostic functions and even turn off injectors one by one. Without a doubt the most awesome program out for a ford that doesn't cost and arm and a leg!

 

[redhat]

Yes, I've used them on many Fords, a 12 Fusion, my 17 Taurus and my 19 F150. I would recommend getting one that has a switch to go between HCAN and MSCAN (high-speed and medium speed canbus) as some Fords modules live in different networks.

The one Hallstevenson posted should work fine. I bought mine off of Amazon as well. Besides a USB HCAN/MSCAN swtiched one, I have used a cheap ELM Bluetooth one with good results, but it was only HCAN.

My biggest take away is always write down the hex values you're changing incase you want to go back. But besides that, the software is pretty easy to use.

 

[ford46guy]

Originally Posted by racin4ds
I've never used it to program a key but Forscan and the cheap ELM adapter works wonderful on my 05 PowerStroke truck. I can run all diagnostic functions and even turn off injectors one by one. Without a doubt the most awesome program out for a ford that doesn't cost and arm and a leg!


It was created by a Russian programming genius. I've worked with him to get the ford door keycodes. He logged things on all my ford cars below and now the feature is mainstream.

 

[Rand]

Originally Posted by Donald
Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Am I the only one who experiences a Freudian slip every time I read posts on this topic?


yes


Absolutely.

 

[tcp71]

I used it to adjust the sound system on my truck when I added a subwoofer and turn the tpms off every winter when I put the winter wheels (without tpms sensors) on. Use a USB version with the switch. Works great.

 

[racin4ds]

Originally Posted by ford46guy
Originally Posted by racin4ds
I've never used it to program a key but Forscan and the cheap ELM adapter works wonderful on my 05 PowerStroke truck. I can run all diagnostic functions and even turn off injectors one by one. Without a doubt the most awesome program out for a ford that doesn't cost and arm and a leg!


It was created by a Russian programming genius. I've worked with him to get the ford door keycodes. He logged things on all my ford cars below and now the feature is mainstream.


Yes, quite an intelligent fella!!! I'd love to work with him directly and ask a few questions about some features for the PSD trucks....

 

[qdeezie]

I've used it to program new keys on my '03 Focus and '06 King Ranch. I order my OEM key blanks online and get them cut at a local locksmith and program at home in my driveway. Works like a charm. I use that ELM327 connector as well.

 

[dan_erickson]

I got a new key on eBay for about $25. It was a refurbished key with a new key blade. Looked brand new. I was skeptical of any aftermarket keys and I was also told by a mechanic not to use aftermarket keys. I had the refurbished key cut and then I programmed it was forscan. Very easy on a 2011 Fusion.

I am not sure what car or key the OP has but a basic 4 button Fusion key was over $100 from the dealer and then 1 hour of labor for programming.

 

[JustinH]

Can you tell me if you needed two working keys to use forscan to program a third key?

I have one key for my escape, and have one new blank, if I just get it cut can I program it myself?

 

[dogememe]

I use Forscan with an OBDLink MX to do key programming. I've done it on my Escape and my previous Escape. It works well, very easy... Only problem I had is one time the key I bought off eBay and had cut locally then didn't work because the chip inside the key was the wrong one. So we had to buy one locally at 3x the price because the car wouldn't start anymore with just one programmed key.

 

[Donald]

I bought a new OEM key w/fob on EBAY. I will get it cut at my trusted locksmith. Not going to trust Home Depot to cut a $100 key. Then use Forscan.

So I should find my lost key in 2 weeks once I get the replacement all set.