People who use Forscan - how long did it take?

[Danhedonia]

I'm on the fence about learning it -- I don't have a "single specific thing" I'm looking to change, I just think it might come in handy down the road.

How long did it take you to feel comfortable in using it? Ever have any really rough learning experiences? Once you got comfortable with it, did it lead to doing more? etc. etc. etc. Looking for peoples' experiences.

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[BigClydeLittleTruck]

I'm on the fence about learning it -- I don't have a "single specific thing" I'm looking to change, I just think it might come in handy down the road.

How long did it take you to feel comfortable in using it? Ever have any really rough learning experiences? Once you got comfortable with it, did it lead to doing more? etc. etc. etc. Looking for peoples' experiences.

I would say some of this will come down to your personal level of comfort with software overall.

I have many years learning new software as one who wrote the user manuals and online help so the idea of learning a new piece of software is old hat for me. The hard part is figuring out the specific settings that need to be changed to accomplish whatever it is you want to change. The online info around that varies in accuracy and detail quite a bit so you may end up needing to experiment your way to what you want rather than just following a given set of changes.

For example, the prevailing wisdom around getting the speed limit signage to show up is to use "Camera Only" so that it only shows what it reads from the signs on the road rather than including map data. I found using that setting that there were often big gaps in the info showing up because either the camera couldn't read a particular sign or it had been a while since I passed one. I ended up going with the option that allows both (I don't recall what that's called) which for me works much better.

So I would say as long as you take your time and be sure to follow the backup steps, you'll be fine. And if you think of it as a fun experiment rather than something to be fearful of, you'll likely pick it up and get comfortable much quicker.

 

[VX2]

The first time was longest since just attaching the devices and placing my laptop in a comfortable position took time. Then I backed up all the modules to a usb storage before beginning to try to change anything. After all that it was just a matter of getting used to how things worked.

 

[r0tax]

Be Curious.

Laptop/Windows (You can make this work on Linux, but Win will be the easiest for a noob.) device:
Download>Install the software.
Generate a free, temporary (3 month) 'key'.
Apply key to software.

Adapters:
Wired? or Wireless? - Personal choice, both can have advantages.
A Bluetooth option makes it easier/quicker to implement. Especially if you also want to use Forscan Lite or other phone apps and run in vehicle displays/gauges in real time, and gather data.
You can still do it with a wired, and your preferred device.

Manual switch? or auto switching? - Auto. Its worth the extra $ imo. Especially if you are using it regularly and for more than a once a year 'diagnostic check'.
Basically Fords system(s) operate in a High speed and "Medium" speed mode. Some of the onboard 'computers' interface at different speeds. So when you access said system, you have to 'switch' speeds. The *cheap* wired adapters are often a manual 'toggle' switch that you have to 'manually' toggle when switching between said onboard systems.


There may be some software configuration needed depending on your adapter and device OS, but on Windows it should work ok in Auto mode initially.

There are specific sequences you follow during the programming process. i.e. Writing or saving your changes back to the onboard system. Usually its made clear by Forscan, and consists of toggling or cycling your ignition source Off and back On.


I think if you search for and watch some videos on Forscan, they don't need to be Maverick specific (I learned in the Focus ST space), it'll get you pretty close to a point where you can go out and purchase an adapter and then attempt irl.


MAKE BACKUPS of your stock/OEM modules and configuration.
(I'm pretty sure you can technically download the stock config from Ford, or some source as well. That was the case for the Focus ST from my research.)
If you have backups, its just easier/quicker to get back to a base-line if you need to.


If your curious, and willing/want to learn something new, and can spare the ~$30?-50 for a good adapter, do it.
Ask questions here.
Learn.
Improve yourself.
Share the knowledge with others.



Good luck.

 

[Danhedonia]

I appreciate the responses.

I think I'm just too busy. I'm teaching special ed, and in two (!!!!) licensure programs that reqiure 15-20 hours/month, at least. It's the kind of thing I'll do over a summer, maybe.

Thanks for the good responses.

 

[SammyOne Two]

it was super easy. grab a windows laptop, buy the forscan license onlie, order the recommended dongle and follow the spreadsheet. I programmed the seatbelt and auto up/down for my windows in about 10 minutes. Easy peasy!

 

[Danhedonia]

Not being kvetchy - was it worth the time/dongle/license $?

 

[SammyOne Two]

Not being kvetchy - was it worth the time/dongle/license $?

This is hard to tell: your perception of value is different from mine, and different from everyone else. I suggest to go through every function in the spreadsheet, note all features you want done, and then look at chosen features as a whole and decide how much they're worth to you.

As a bonus, I am in the middle of buying a 2023 Mazda CX-5 for my kid(ha! kid! He's 22!) and will tweak it up using the same software.

P.S. You made my day with "kvetchy"!

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