How to access hidden features in your vehicle with FORScan

A few notes before you begin

I'm still fairly new to FORScan myself and like many of you, I'm learning as I go. I put together this guide to share what I've picked up along the way in the hopes of making some of the trickier parts of FORScan a little easier to understand. I found that a lot of the information out there can feel overwhelming or hard to follow, so this is my attempt at creating a more straightforward, beginner-friendly reference.

What is FORScan?

FORScan is a software tool that connects to your vehicle's internal computer systems, allowing you to access diagnostic information and, in many cases, make configuration changes. It's built specifically for Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, and Mercury vehicles that share Ford platforms, and it works with a compatible OBD-II adapter.

Unlike generic scan tools, FORScan can access nearly all modules in supported vehicles including the engine, transmission, body control, and more. You can view live sensor data, check and clear error codes, run system tests, reset warning lights, and unlock features that would normally be hidden.

What sets FORScan apart is its use of the same communication protocols as Ford's official service tools. This level of access gives you deeper control over your vehicle's systems and a clearer picture of what's happening under the hood.

Is my vehicle compatible with FORScan?

FORScan is built for use with Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, and Mercury vehicles that share Ford platforms. Most models made from 1996 onward include an OBD-II port and support at least basic diagnostic functions. However, not all vehicles allow access to configuration or programming features.

Newer vehicles, especially those from 2021 and later, may include a security gateway that restricts access to certain modules. These vehicles might still allow basic reading of data, but making changes could require additional bypass hardware.

Because compatibility varies by model year and trim level, it's best to consult community resources before purchasing any hardware. Sites like OHP Tools, F150Gen14, and Mustang7G maintain spreadsheets and modification guides organized by vehicle model and year. You can also find a detailed user-maintained compatibility and feature reference in this shared Google Doc by user Livnitup.

If your specific vehicle is not listed, searching FORScan forums by make, model, and year can often uncover feedback from other owners who have tested compatibility. Enthusiast forums dedicated to your vehicle can also be excellent sources of information and successful FORScan use cases.

What you'll need

To get started with FORScan, you'll need four things: a compatible vehicle, an OBD-II adapter, a Windows laptop or tablet, and an extended FORScan license. Altogether, you're looking at just over a hundred Canadian dollars. It's not pocket change, but the value is hard to ignore if you're even a little curious about customizing or troubleshooting your ride.

• A compatible vehicle: FORScan is built specifically for Ford vehicles and platforms. Most Ford cars and trucks made from 1996 onward have the standard OBD-II port needed for the software to connect. Many Lincoln and Mazda models based on shared Ford platforms are also supported. However, some newer models use secure gateways or different communication networks, which may limit access, so it's always a good idea to check compatibility with your specific year and model before buying any hardware.
• An OBD-II adapter: This is the device that connects your vehicle to your computer through the OBD-II port. Adapters come in different types: USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. FORScan requires support for both HS-CAN and MS-CAN networks, which not all adapters provide. The OBDLink EX is one of the most reliable choices and the one I use, but double-check its compatibility with your own vehicle.
• A Windows laptop: FORScan works best on Windows. While there are mobile apps available for Android and iOS, those versions are limited to reading data and do not support making changes or running advanced functions. If you want full access to diagnostics, coding, and configuration features, you'll need to use the Windows version of the software.
• An extended FORScan license: If you plan to make configuration changes, you'll need an extended license. FORScan offers a free two-month trial so you can test things out before committing. After that, a one-year license costs about twenty dollars; a small investment considering the level of access and control the software gives you.

Getting started

Assuming you've checked that your vehicle is compatible, you have your OBDLink adapter, a Windows laptop, and Forscan installed with an extended license, it's time to move to your vehicle. Bring your laptop and OBDLink adapter with you.

1. Plug the USB end of your OBDLink adapter into your laptop. If it's your first time using it, you may need to install the FTDI Virtual COM Port Driver for the adapter to appear in the Device Manager.
2. With the engine off, plug the other end of the adapter into your vehicle's OBD-II port. It's usually found under the dashboard, often to the left of the steering column.
3. With everything connected, start your vehicle.
4. Open FORScan, go to the Settings section, and confirm that your adapter is selected. This is technically optional, but I found that it's a lot more reliable if you tell FORScan what adapter to use.
5. Press the Connect button and wait while it scans and loads the list of available modules in your vehicle.

Once you're connected, you'll be able to explore the available options and view any trouble codes or module information. At this point, it's best to simply look around and get familiar with the layout before making any changes.

Finding the OBD-II port

The OBD-II port is typically found beneath the dashboard, near the driver's side footwell, usually under the steering wheel or near the pedals. You're looking for a large 16-pin connector.

Browsing modules and making changes

FORScan organizes its interface by module. Each module represents a part of your vehicle's system: the engine, transmission, brakes, HVAC, body control, and so on. These are listed separately, and you can browse each one to view detailed information, error codes, and available configuration options.

When viewing a module, you'll often find different modes: one for reading live data, another for running self-tests, and one for making configuration changes. Not all vehicles support every option, and not all modules are editable, so what you see depends on your specific make, model, and year. FORScan automatically scans your vehicle on connection and shows which modules are present and accessible.

Before making any changes, it's strongly recommended to back up your original settings. FORScan provides options to save the current configuration so you can restore it if something goes wrong. Some settings are purely cosmetic or convenience-based, while others affect important safety systems and should only be modified if you fully understand what you're changing. A bit of caution goes a long way.

Backing up your factory settings

Before making any changes to a module, it's essential to back up the factory settings. This gives you a way to undo any mistakes and return the system to its original state if something goes wrong.

To create a backup, open a module in FORScan and select the Save All or Save button near the bottom of the screen. This will generate a file containing the current configuration. Save it with a clear name that includes the module's name, like IPMB - Factory Backup.abt. Do this for every module you plan to modify, either all at once or as you go.

Do not skip this step. Making the wrong change to a control module can cause errors, break features, or even leave your vehicle inoperable. Restoring a backup is often the only way to recover from a bad edit. Taking a few moments to save your current settings could save you hours of frustration later.

FORScan also includes an As-Built section, which stores your vehicle's factory configuration in its original format. This is useful for full module resets or replacements, but it's more technical and intended for experienced users. Having a backup file is the simpler, most reliable option.

Restoring a backup

If something goes wrong after making a change, restoring your saved configuration is usually the quickest way to get things working again.

To restore a module from a backup, return to the Configuration and Programming section in FORScan and select the same module you modified. Instead of making changes, click the Load All or Load button and choose the backup file you saved earlier. Once it's loaded, FORScan will overwrite the current settings with the ones from your backup. Follow the prompts to apply the changes and restart the vehicle if needed.

Restoring from a backup is not a guarantee that everything will be fixed instantly (especially if multiple modules are involved) but in most cases it should get you back to a stable, factory-like state without needing dealer intervention.

Easy modifications

FORScan features "EZ Configuration" settings in some vehicles. These are pre-defined settings that the FORScan team has already identified, tested, and simplified for users. Instead of navigating deep into a module or working with raw hexadecimal values, you can change these options with a simple dropdown or checkbox.

While these settings are more accessible, it does'nt mean they are automatically safe. Changing the wrong option can still affect critical systems and cause unpredictable issues. Again, always make a backup before touching anything, and take time to research what each option does. Detailed explanations and safe use cases can often be found in either the FORScan or vehicle-specific forums.

Advanced modifications

Advanced changes can require editing the vehicle's As Built data directly. This data represents the original factory configuration of your vehicle's modules and is stored in hexadecimal format. Instead of descriptive labels, you'll see lines of values like 726-12-01 1234 5678 90AB, with each part or number corresponding to a setting or function within a specific control module.

For example, in some vehicles, the Body Control Module (BCM) at address 726-12-01 controls lighting, including the daytime running lights. Changing the value from 0102 to 0100 can disable the DRLs or changes their behavior so they only activate under specific conditions. Because multiple settings often share the same string, it's important to modify only the necessary bits while ensuring the rest of the string remains unchanged to avoid unintentionally borking other functions.

To make changes safely, you'll need a decoding reference or spreadsheet tailored to your vehicle and model year. These help you identify what each hex string controls. Once you know the correct bit or byte to adjust, you can edit it in FORScan's As Built section and write the new value back to the module.

Not all modules support changes, and some edits can conflict with hardware your vehicle does or does not have. There's also the possibility of causing serious problems by writing incorrect values, which can lead to system errors or non-functioning components. This is why it's critical to save a backup of the original values before making any changes. If something goes wrong, restoring your backup is often the only way to recover without having to involve a dealership.

These types of edits are powerful but should be approached with extreme care. Changes are not always reversible without a full reflash. Community spreadsheets and verified references are essential for interpreting the hex values correctly and understanding which changes are safe for your vehicle.

Common errors

While using FORScan, you may come across error messages that can stop you in your tracks. Most are related to connection issues, adapter setup, or unsupported configurations.

You need an extended license to run this function

Beyond reading basic error codes, you will need an extended FORScan license to view modules and make changes.

• Check that you've purchased or requested a trial extended license.
• Check that the license has been activated in FORScan.
• Restart FORScan if you haven't done so since activating.

Unable to connect to vehicle

This typically means that the adapter is working but it, for some reason, can't communicate with the vehicle.

• Check that the ignition is on, or that the engine is running.
• Check that the adapter is fully seated in the OBD-II port.
• Confirm that the adapter you're using is compatible with your vehicle. Some vehicles require specific modes.
• If it has a physical switch, check that your adapter is in the correct mode.

No adapter found, please check connection and try again

FORScan is not detecting your OBD-II adapter.

• Check that the adapter is firmly plugged into the OBD-II port.
• Check that you've installed the FTDI Virtual COM Port Driver if using a USB adapter.
• Check that the adapter is still connected if using a Bluetooth or Wi-fi version.
• Check that FORScan is configured to use the correct adapter type and connection method in the Settings menu.

Incorrect configuration format

You'll see this when entering hex values in the As-Built editor if your input is malformed.

• Check for missing characters, extra digits, or incorrect spacing. Even one extra digit or missing character can cause this message.

Module not responding

A module has failed to respond. This typically means there's a communication issue and is usually a problem with either your adapter, the vehicle's wiring, or with the module itself.

• Check that the ignition is on, or that the engine is running.
• Shut off the engine, disconnect, and restart connection process.
• Restart your laptop.
• Reseat the adapter into the OBD-II port.
• Check that the adapter's USB port is working correctly.
• As a last resort, try on another laptop or try the mobile version to see if you can read the module from there.