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Best free OBDII software I've used!

42K views 14 replies 8 participants last post by  Big Jim 
#1 ·
Not sure if I'm allowed to promote this free software but thought I'd ty :alaugh:

FORScan

Very simple and lightweight program that can read A LOT of Ford/Mazda/Mercury/Lincoln PIDS and even run service tests. And you only need a cheap ELM327 OBDII adapter (and a computer, of course)!

I've used a lot of different OBDII scanners and hardware tools and this one by far is my favorite.

http://forscan.org/home.html

Thought I'd share some love that I found from the different FocusST.org and Focusfanatics.com sites.

Hope this helps!
 
#4 ·
Not sure if it will activate the ABS module. It could probably read but not write to it, limitation of the software and ELM327 hardware (mostly).

OBDII adapters are pretty cheap! I would highly recommend the USB version for PC use. I have a bluetooth one and it didn't really want to connect, be recognized by FORScan, USB has worked before.

Look here (cheapest for my location): http://www.ebay.ca/itm/PRO-Car-USB-...s_Automotive_Tools&hash=item43c9989f2a&_uhb=1
 
#7 ·
OK, I bought a cable and downloaded the software, but nothing displays when I plug it in to my car. What else do I need? Did I get the wrong cable? Do I need to download drivers?

I could not find anything helpful on the FORScan web site about how to get started.
 
#6 ·
I also highly recommend FORScan. I bought an ELM327 off Amazon and modified it so I can read MS-CAN modules now (HVAC, SJB, PAM, etc). You need a DPDT switch and the ability to solder.

Forscan may activate the ABS pump very briefly when running the ABS diagnostic test, but that may depend on the car. However it is not enough time to do a purge (it cannot do the ABS purge service procedure like a bidirectional scan tool can).
 
#11 ·
If it's USB you need to install VCP drivers. One of these links depending on which chipset yours has:

http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
http://www.silabs.com/products/mcu/pages/usbtouartbridgevcpdrivers.aspx

I recommend getting a bluetooth or Wi-Fi ELM327 since you do not have to worry about a wire getting in the way of your legs. If you get a wireless version, you don't have to install drivers (just connect to it each time). If you have an iPhone, I highly recommend getting a WiFi adapter because it's the only version that works with the upcoming FORScan mobile app (which I am currently beta testing).
 
#12 · (Edited)
I've never gotten FORscan to work on my Dad's '08 Fusion. It freezes when I try to connect. It loves my '97 Escort, though!

I picked up one of the Bluetooth ELM327s that Amazon had on sale about a month ago, and I found that it does take a bit of practice to get it to connect. On my Escort, I have to plug in the ELM327 with the key off, hit connect on FORscan, then turn the key on to get it to reliably connect.

Casey

Edited due to formatting
 
#14 ·
I've never gotten FORscan to work on my Dad's '08 Fusion. It freezes when I try to connect. It loves my '97 Escort, though!

I picked up one of the Bluetooth ELM327s that Amazon had on sale about a month ago, and I found that it does take a bit of practice to get it to connect. On my Escort, I have to plug in the ELM327 with the key off, hit connect on FORscan, then turn the key on to get it to reliably connect.
My guess is you probably have a bad ELM327 (trust me, they are made very cheaply). The older cars use a different set of pins for the interface compared to the newer CAN-bus vehicles, so that's why it only works for older vehicles (I've seen this exact problem before and it was a bad ELM). You should be able to plug the ELM into a running vehicle (key already ON) and get it to connect.

Can you do anything other than read engine codes and see parameters with this setup? For example, would I be able to buy software that would allow me to mess with shift points and fuel maps?
You can run some module tests, but FORScan will not allow you to change module programming. You need an IDS or tuner to do that.
 
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