FORSCAN for the ignorant/Lazy....

[snowcatxx87]

I believe you meant no offense when you said it, so I'll respond in kind (with no offense meant). Aren't questions like his part of what forums are for?

You're correct, he could look up all of this info and maybe take 4 hours (a random guess) hunting for sites & researching, or spend 10 minutes reading the answers here. It makes more sense to save 3 hours & 50 minutes.

Is he wasting others' time by getting them to answer his question? A) Most people like being helpful and sharing knowledge they've acquired, and B) No one is forcing anyone to spend time answering.

Lastly, he may have searched for days and not found the helpful site someone linked in 30 seconds. Some people love searching for info...the thrill of the hunt. But some people like to get the answer without spending half a day looking for it. If no one else can answer, then they go on the informational hunt.

Hopefully this comes across as kindly as it's intended.

You have your thoughts, I have mine. A little more accountability and initiative goes a long way. There are guides, information, and forums to read. Asking for specific help, or troubleshooting is a different ballgame - but at least show you actually tried yourself without asking for everything to be delivered on a silver platter.

The first pinned post is literally titled "Forscan 101 Step by Step How to Start"

https://www.mavericktruckclub.com/forum/threads/forscan-101-step-by-step-how-to-start-guide.7406/

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[Tanker64]

So, based on feed back, I have renamed to thread to reflect my current status.
I do appreciate the constructive feedback about where to look... I dont use YouTube so never thought to look there..
Looks easy enough and the modules that I am interested in changing have been tried before.

 

[Mav Mav World]

I posed the same question to Google AI today and this is what it came back with. By the way, I found this group by asking AI if such a Maverick forum existed. I'm glad I did too!

FORScan Mods - What is it and how do you do it? What do I need to do it?

FORScan is a software tool specifically designed to modify certain settings and configurations in Ford vehicles through the OBD-II port (On-Board Diagnostics), which is typically located under the dashboard. It allows you to make adjustments beyond what's offered through the traditional car menus.

Here's a breakdown of FORScan mods:
What it is:

• FORScan provides access to various modules in your Ford's computer system.
• You can use it to:
  • Enable/disable certain features (like automatic door locks)
  • Change instrument cluster settings (display coolant temp, etc.)
  • Update configurations (adjust headlight behavior)

Things to Consider Before Using FORScan:

• Warranty: Using FORScan might void your warranty on certain components if the modifications cause problems. Check your warranty terms or consult your Ford dealer before proceeding.
• Technical Knowledge: While FORScan offers a user-friendly interface, some modifications require a certain understanding of car systems. Improper adjustments can lead to unexpected behavior.

What You'll Need:

• FORScan Software: Download the free version from the official FORScan website https://www.forscan.org/download.html. A paid version offers additional features.
• OBD-II Adapter: You'll need an OBD-II adapter compatible with FORScan to connect your laptop to the car's diagnostic port. These are readily available online or at auto parts stores.
• Windows PC: FORScan currently runs on Windows computers only.

How to Do FORScan Mods (General Steps):

1. Install FORScan: Download and install the software on your Windows PC.
2. Connect to your Vehicle: Use the OBD-II adapter to connect your laptop to your car's OBD-II port.
3. Vehicle Selection: Launch FORScan and select your specific Ford model year and configuration.
4. Module Access: FORScan will display various vehicle modules you can access.
5. Modification Selection: Browse through the available configurations and identify the setting you want to modify.
6. Change Implementation: FORScan will typically provide instructions on how to change the setting (e.g., selecting a new option from a dropdown menu).

Important Note:
It's crucial to research specific modifications before making them. Several online resources offer guides and tutorials for popular FORScan mods on various Ford models.

Remember, proceed with caution and only make changes you understand the impact of. If you're unsure about anything, consult a professional mechanic or a trusted source familiar with FORScan and your specific Ford model.

 

[EONR24]

new question for all you forscan Pros out there.
I want to turn on the "trailer tow backup lamps" in the 7 pin harness when i hit the cargo light button for additional lighting while loading/unloading. I studied the wiring diagrams and it looks like the easiest thing to do is add a diode jumper from the BCM pin72? cargo light wire to the pin66? wire going to the BJB which has the trailer tow backup lamp relay.
However this is seems like a brute force mechanical solution to something that seems like there might be a way to solve this digitally with the computer...

Is there a way to change the computer using forscan so that when cargo light button is pushed, power is sent out pin72 AND 66 of the c1035A connector on the BCM?
Thanks! @EONR24

Hey @Telemachus and I discussed this A LOT in a random thread out there and his info helped me a TON with installing bed lights that come on with the cargo lights. I will give you a break down of what I went through with adding bed lights that come on with OEM cargo lights in my 2024 base XL.

So @Telemachus found power (PIN 6) and a switch pin (PIN 5) on connector C404 on his Maverick. Other owners and I are missing Pin 6 but still have Pin 5 for the switch. So the first thing I did was take apart the C404 connector (not difficult) and installed 1 wire onto Pin 5 (exactly like the OEM wires are installed) and ran it to a cheap used OEM Ford button switch so I can control the OEM cargo lights from the back of my tailgate. You MUST ground this switch for it to work. It works just like the OEM cargo switch by the headlight dial to the left of the steering wheel.

Next Power for the lights! You may have PIN 6 on C404 so if you do just run a wire from that and ground it's finished! But I didn't have PIN 6. So what I did was follow the LUMEN TOUCHLINK INSTALL instructions and even purchased their lights for the wiring harness and the extra lights. So there is this connector C2280F in the passenger side footwell. It's easy to get to. PIN 7 Green/White wire is the wire or pin you need to piggy back off of so all your lights work off your OEM cargo light switch and the ford cargo light switch you add to the back of the tailgate!

I can get part numbers for you and diagrams or link the thread where this was discussed too!

 

[EONR24]

new question for all you forscan Pros out there.
I want to turn on the "trailer tow backup lamps" in the 7 pin harness when i hit the cargo light button for additional lighting while loading/unloading. I studied the wiring diagrams and it looks like the easiest thing to do is add a diode jumper from the BCM pin72? cargo light wire to the pin66? wire going to the BJB which has the trailer tow backup lamp relay.
However this is seems like a brute force mechanical solution to something that seems like there might be a way to solve this digitally with the computer...

Is there a way to change the computer using forscan so that when cargo light button is pushed, power is sent out pin72 AND 66 of the c1035A connector on the BCM?
Thanks! @EONR24

But to answer your original question. I could definitely find where that c1035a connector is getting power from in FORSCAN but I don't think a coding would change its behavior besides turning it off or on or enable a different setting for it.

 

[Defconxzero]

But to answer your original question. I could definitely find where that c1035a connector is getting power from in FORSCAN but I don't think a coding would change its behavior besides turning it off or on or enable a different setting for it.

Hey! Thanks for the reply this is great information! I did a lot of wire tracing in the wiring diagrams last night, after that and reading your reply I actually was way more confused but eventually sorted it out.
So I mistyped C1035A, I meant to type C2280F in my first post. And I think what I’m doing is a bit different than what you suggested; I’m trying to use that high mounted cargo light that’s in the 3rd brake light as a signal wire to activate the reverse wire in the trailer tow harness 7pin connector. That way when I push the cargo switch left of steering wheel I get more light via the trailer reverse lights for loading/unloading the trailer.
The fuse box in the engine compartment has a relay built into it on fuse58, which is activated by a wire from pin66 of C2280F on the BCM, and feeding pin9 of C1035B on the batt junction fuse box.
It looks like the schematic references that high mount cargo light in the “puddle light” circuit you also confirmed tapping into from pin7 of C2280F on BCM. So I think I just need a diode jumper from pin7 to pin66(both on C2280F) Hit the cargo light, 7 jumps to 66 to trip the fuse58 relay.
Easy solution, but crude if it can be done with the computer with a parameter tweak…. Thanks!!!

 

[Telemachus]

Another hairbrained idea I had while we were discussing this that would still be worth exploring.

You could use pin 7 of C2280F to trigger a wireless relay that would power lights wherever you want it.

3.7-12V Wireless Remote Control Switch Mini Small PCB 433mhz RF Transmitter,3V -12V Battery Power Circuit Micro Controller for DIY https://a.co/d/8yJ7PhT

That shows 9V input for the remote, but it would probably take 12V just fine. Or you might need to throw a few diodes in line to drop the voltage.

 

[EONR24]

Hey! Thanks for the reply this is great information! I did a lot of wire tracing in the wiring diagrams last night, after that and reading your reply I actually was way more confused but eventually sorted it out.
So I mistyped C1035A, I meant to type C2280F in my first post. And I think what I’m doing is a bit different than what you suggested; I’m trying to use that high mounted cargo light that’s in the 3rd brake light as a signal wire to activate the reverse wire in the trailer tow harness 7pin connector. That way when I push the cargo switch left of steering wheel I get more light via the trailer reverse lights for loading/unloading the trailer.
The fuse box in the engine compartment has a relay built into it on fuse58, which is activated by a wire from pin66 of C2280F on the BCM, and feeding pin9 of C1035B on the batt junction fuse box.
It looks like the schematic references that high mount cargo light in the “puddle light” circuit you also confirmed tapping into from pin7 of C2280F on BCM. So I think I just need a diode jumper from pin7 to pin66(both on C2280F) Hit the cargo light, 7 jumps to 66 to trip the fuse58 relay.
Easy solution, but crude if it can be done with the computer with a parameter tweak…. Thanks!!!

Let me know how it goes because honestly that sounds like a useful Modification! It could help others do the same thing you're trying to accomplish (more light for loading/unloading a trailer).

Just like @Telemachus mentioned a wireless relay would make for a clean and easy install for bed lights because the way I did it with running the wire back from the passenger footwell was a bit of a pain and I was careful not to break clips taking out interior pieces.

Also I forgot to mention in my reply that PIN 69 on C2280F has no wire running to it on my XL (an empty pin) and it has 12v to it that turns on and off via key and timer. So PIN 69 might be useful to run a wire from for a front light bar with its own inline switch or something like that! No splicing needed because there was no wire there in the first place!

 

[Defconxzero]

Thanks for the info! It seems the Forscan option is out. So I’m trying to go this route because the trailer wiring harness is already installed and with a relay from the factory. This would make the whole thing super OEM, clean and easy if I can pull it off with one 3” jumper. Maybe a Roadmaster diode would be good here…

 

[EONR24]

Hey! Thanks for the reply this is great information! I did a lot of wire tracing in the wiring diagrams last night, after that and reading your reply I actually was way more confused but eventually sorted it out.
So I mistyped C1035A, I meant to type C2280F in my first post. And I think what I’m doing is a bit different than what you suggested; I’m trying to use that high mounted cargo light that’s in the 3rd brake light as a signal wire to activate the reverse wire in the trailer tow harness 7pin connector. That way when I push the cargo switch left of steering wheel I get more light via the trailer reverse lights for loading/unloading the trailer.
The fuse box in the engine compartment has a relay built into it on fuse58, which is activated by a wire from pin66 of C2280F on the BCM, and feeding pin9 of C1035B on the batt junction fuse box.
It looks like the schematic references that high mount cargo light in the “puddle light” circuit you also confirmed tapping into from pin7 of C2280F on BCM. So I think I just need a diode jumper from pin7 to pin66(both on C2280F) Hit the cargo light, 7 jumps to 66 to trip the fuse58 relay.
Easy solution, but crude if it can be done with the computer with a parameter tweak…. Thanks!!!

Below is the thread where I posted a bunch of wiring diagrams and instructions.. hope this helps
Anyone tapped factory bed light to power aftermarket under-rail LEDs?

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