[jwrco2000]

I've been lurking around the forum for about a year and a half trying to learn as much as possible about these trucks.

I bought my 2015 F-250 in Feb of 2015 with 47 miles on it. It now has 25.7k on it, and it's been flawless. I use Optilube Summer + with every fill up, 5k oil changes, 15k filter changes (air and fuel).

Tonight I figured out how to use the Forscan app on the PC (free), and a $14 Bluetooth OBDII connector to enable the exhaust filter % screen. I searched, and this doesn't appear to have been done before. If so, I apologize for the duplicate post.

Here's a pic of my screen:

Here are the modules that can be customized in Forscan:

Here's the customization options in the Instrument Control System:

Here's the customization options in the Body Control Module System:

If anyone would like their display enabled in the Bakersfield, CA area, PM me. I can't guarantee it will work for all trucks, but it worked flawlessly for mine.

Forscan appears to be very close to what IDS can do. It can read codes from all modules, as well as display scopes and data points for troubleshooting.

I don't claim to be an expert on this software, but am willing to answer any questions anyone may have!

 

[Larry1013]

Sounds great. Thanks for sharing. I know many will appreciate you sharing this info.

 

[xcntrk]

I have the ForScan Lite version for IOS. It's just a monitor only and can't manipulate any of the control modules, only read them. Are you saying the full version allows you to change values? Are you able to enable that day time running lights entry? This could be huge!

 

[TX_TRU_STUD]

I agree, if that app can change that, it's awesome and you dont need the 100 ebay IDS clone (at least for this part).

 

[blwnsmoke]

I have the ForScan Lite version for IOS. It's just a monitor only and can't manipulate any of the control modules, only read them. Are you saying the full version allows you to change values? Are you able to enable that day time running lights entry? This could be huge!

The latest update or two on windows has allowed you to change certain settings with Fords. I wasn't aware the Superduty could be done but on the Explorer forum I'm on, this has been able to be accomplished since July.

Forscan is getting better and better. You need to get an extended license from their website in order for this to work like this.

To the OP, thanks for posting all this.. time to play now!!

 

[xcntrk]

The latest update or two on windows has allowed you to change certain settings with Fords. I wasn't aware the Superduty could be done but on the Explorer forum I'm on, this has been able to be accomplished since July.

Forscan is getting better and better. You need to get an extended license from their website in order for this to work like this.

To the OP, thanks for posting all this.. time to play now!!

So I notice the Windows version download is free. Are you saying there's an additional licensing cost to enable the settings modification features? I was going to try this out today, got my dedicated "Windows" tuning VM fully constructed on my MacBook!

 

[blwnsmoke]

So I notice the Windows version download is free. Are you saying there's an additional licensing cost to enable the settings modification features? I was going to try this out today, got my dedicated "Windows" tuning VM fully constructed on my MacBook!

Is it a simple process to get Windows working on a Mac?

From my understanding on how I am interpreting it the Enhanced license is free.

FORScan forum ? View topic - Standard and Extended licenses for Windows

Just throwing this out there for everyone.. this is very new and there have been members on the Explorer forum who have F'd up their vehicles (were able to fix it).. where by changing settings they shouldn't have touched, it disabled AWD, traction control errors, ABS errors etc.

Although it is fun to play, please be careful on what one changes.

I'm glad I have the day off today, going to load it on my windows tablet and see what I can do with it.

 

[White Ox]

This is pretty cool.

Loaded it up on my El-Cheapo Netbook and went out and got connected to my bluetooth adapter in the truck - and shortly thereafter found out that I needed an extended license. User account generated for the FORScan forum and awaiting the admin's acceptance of it so I can go down the list of "how to get an extended license".

 

[blwnsmoke]

I just loaded the app on my tablet, connected on to the truck and saved the profile.

I then followed the steps for the extended license (I already had a forscan username so didn't need to wait), got that loaded and connected just like the OP.

As you can see in the screen shots, you can change your fuel tank size, tire psi and tire size through it.

Now I want my $55 back from my dealer for the dpf screen lol.

 

[White Ox]

So you can make the same changes via the FORSan andriod App? Or are you talking about a tablet running an actual windows operating system?

I've got an on-going Andriod Tablet install going on in the truck. I'll have to eventually start a post about it.

The dealer didn't know how to add the DPF screen when I asked about it - so I asked the S.M. how much they were going to charge me to learn how to do it. He replied "$5,000". I laughed, and then asked if they wanted the instructions on exactly how to do it. He asked me, "How Much?", I said "$5,000". We both laughed, and shook hands and I proceeded to load the instructions from this forum onto my phone and showed the tech what he needed to do.

 

[blwnsmoke]

So you can make the same changes via the FORSan andriod App? Or are you talking about a tablet running an actual windows operating system?

I've got an on-going Andriod Tablet install going on in the truck. I'll have to eventually start a post about it

Android and iOS is read only.. you can't write with it yet. You need windows (I run Mac for computers).

Being I tuned my truck with an SCT device, it requires Windows to transfer the tunes so I went out and bought a Windows 10 tablet cheap so I could do all my programming updates and transfers when needed.

So after reading this, I installed the Windows Forscan program onto the Windows 10 tablet and it works just like a laptop/pc.

I bet you future releases on iOS and Android will allows what you can do on the screen shots here but for now it is just a monitor.

 

[White Ox]

Now that I know when you say "Tablet", you mean "Windows Tablet". lol. When I say Tablet, I mean Andriod Tablet. lol

I'm glad I had my install mostly done - as on my 6285 mile in 12 days towing trip earlier this month, I pulled into the Iowa 80 Truck Stop for fuel and as I put her in park at the pump, all hell broke loose on the dash - Service Advancetrac, Low Oil Pressure, High Coolant Temperature - and a slew of other things. A quick google and my memory was jogged about reading on this site about the "harness connector" just above the parking brake. I use my parking brake RELIGIOUSLY at every stop. Sure enough, that's the last thing I did before all the codes went off. Once I fiddled with the harness and restored the connection, I was able to use Torque on my tablet to clear the codes/CEL. You can imagine that this being my first diesel, and all those warnings coming up on the screen, not being able to start it, no mileage on the dash - etc, it was the first time since buying this truck that I felt like throwing up. lol

 

[blwnsmoke]

It was probably the same feeling I got driving down the highway and getting the "ding" and the "low fuel pressure" light and then the truck bogging down to about 25mph.... When I immediately went to $10,000 fuel system replacement lol.

I was much happier when I figured out it was gelled fuel.

 

[SkiSmuggs]

Or me running over a ski that flew off the car in front of me and having warnings going off a quarter mile later. 1500 miles on my truck and I had to have it towed to the dealer to have the shattered fuel filter replaced.
But speaking of monitors, I had my oil changed and tires rotated at the dealer today, and was told that the DEF was topped off as well. I left the dealer and noted on the CTS that Urea still showed 99%. There was no charge for any of it as service was free to veterans special, but now I won't wonder why my DEF ran out so early. Plus I used the CTS to clear a N-VRAM error after installing a new tune yesterday. I could have used the SCT X4 as well, but I had just plugged the CTS back in.

 

[mwe_060]

curious on the best obd dongles. I know it need MS-can capability. Iv heard to use the obdlink MX ( bluetooth ), MX ( WIFI ) version or the SX usb version but it may or may not allow MS-CAN.

All of these are pricey but heard they WILL work with forscan programing side. Anybody using something else that supports MS-can and is cheaper than 80 bucks?

Thanks in advance

 

[White Ox]

Got it all up and functional. Pretty cool what an idiot with a laptop and half a brain cell can accomplish - I'm living proof! lol

Things that stuck out - per thread topic - DPF %Full Screen. As well as: Daytime Running Lights, BELTMINDER. I've left all of mine as is for now, but I'm gonna make a call to a friend of mine and see if he wants any of his changed. I'm all but positive he's gonna want the DPF %Full Screen turned on. More than likely he'll want the DTR's turned on and the BeltMinder off.

 

[Larry1013]

Or me running over a ski that flew off the car in front of me and having warnings going off a quarter mile later. 1500 miles on my truck and I had to have it towed to the dealer to have the shattered fuel filter replaced.
But speaking of monitors, I had my oil changed and tires rotated at the dealer today, and was told that the DEF was topped off as well. I left the dealer and noted on the CTS that Urea still showed 99%. There was no charge for any of it as service was free to veterans special, but now I won't wonder why my DEF ran out so early. Plus I used the CTS to clear a N-VRAM error after installing a new tune yesterday. I could have used the SCT X4 as well, but I had just plugged the CTS back in.

Does not good to monitor the DEF levels with ANY device whether it is the CTS/CTS2, Forscan or any other device. The tank only has 3 level sensors in the tank. One for full, one for half tank and one that starts the mileage count down. There is not accurate measurement of the DEF usage in the Ford Reductant System.

 

[jwrco2000]

Sorry, I've been at work and missed everyone's questions.

blwnsmoke seems to have nailed it. It won't work in a VM, because I think it needs direct access to the Bluetooth adapter in the computer to access the OBD dongle.

Android and iOS are read only. I couldn't get access to change any parameters until I got the PC version working and the extended license (Free)

I might mess with the DRL setting, I kind of like having them. I will report back if that works or not.

WhiteOx, as far as all those weird errors, I do know that harness has caused issues. Having said that, I had some REALLY weird stuff happen with my truck that was I traced down to a cheap car adapter for charging phones. I got in after a fuel stop in the middle of Utah, and got a bunch of errors, including a starting system fault. I was able to get it started after a key cycle, but was getting intermittent TPMS faults/warnings as I was driving. Turns out that the cheap adapters don't have shielding in them, and can actually intefere with the vehicles CANBUS network and cause weird things to happen.

Similar thing in my Tundra, I had a Scangauge in that to monitor temps when towing. It would randomly send the ABS/TRAC computer into a frenzy and throw a bunch of alarms up. I got a different cable from Scangauge and never had the issue again.

If I missed any questions, please let me know!

 

[Treatcg]

Can a wireless adapter be used?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[blwnsmoke]

Can a wireless adapter be used?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, my $20 wireless adapter works and it will change settings as I changed some on my Explorer last night.