Updated 5/13/22 - Livnitup

What is FORScan?
FORScan is software used in conjunction with a specific type of OBDII adapter that enables you
to make changes to your truck's default modules' settings. Some popular things that can be
changed are: adding heated and/or cooled seat icons & heated steering wheel to Sync 2 (pic1,
pic2) & Sync 3 (pic1, pic2) home screen & climate menu, disabling the Powerpoint 12V timeout
or setting it to whatever you want, adding engine/trans temps above the gauge (pic), disabling
the double honk, enabling autofold mirrors, enabling global window open/close , changing
heated steering wheel to full hot, enabling radio to be turned on with vehicle completely off
(2015's), adding the ability to view/reply to text messages and enter NAV destination while in
motion.
For a complete list of all the changes that can be made for 2015-20 F150s see my
spreadsheets here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...#gid=815852466

For 2021+ F150s use my spreadsheets here:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-
_e09lLPPeSHoO3SsNwyqu5v3dgpbluvJcezUItTSVI/edit#gid=1697316526

What You Need

1. The FORScan beta for Windows (not the Wine edition): http://forscan.org/download.html
(The iOS/Android Lite versions WILL NOT let you make any changes). Here’s an inexpensive
tablet that will run FORScan Here’s cheap refurbished laptops that will run FORScan
2. A FORScan extended license You’ll need to download a new license every few months once
the old one expires unless you purchase an extended license here. When generating a license
file from the link above, it will ask for Hardware ID; this can be found in FORScan under the
steering wheel icon. After you download the license file go back into FORScan to the steering
wheel icon and push button at the top to point FORScan to wherever you downloaded the license
file to on your computer. FORScan will restart after this and should then show you have an
extended license in the steering wheel icon page in FORScan and you’re ready to program. Click
here for a video on implementing the license.
3. A Compatible Adapter (the adapter needs to be able to access both HS-CAN & MS-CAN for
access to all of the vehicle’s modules). All of the adapters below are confirmed to work.
DO NOT purchase any adapters branded as “FORScan” and “FORScan Pro” adapters -
they are cheap counterfeits and have no endorsement by FORScan.
USB:
1. OBDLink EX USB Auto-Switch (recommended) U.S. Link Windows Driver Firmware
Update - ** if you have a 2021+ F150 use this adapter **
2. OHP Ford ELMconfig USB U.S. Link Canadian Link Drivers Installation Guides
tmcolegr’s OHP configuration doc
3. VINT ELM327 USB U.S. Link Win8/10 Driver
Bluetooth:
1. OBDLink MX Bluetooth U.S. Link1 U.S. Link2 Canadian Link
2. bbfly ELM327 Bluetooth V1.5 modified U.S. Link

Module Background
Your truck is composed of many computer modules that control how different hardware
components of your truck operate. For example: the APIM module controls the parameters of
your Sync 2/3 system whereas the IPC module will control your instrument panel cluster display.
You may not have all the same modules as someone else with a higher trim package and while
FORScan allows us to modify these module parameters, it cannot enable a feature that your
truck's current hardware cannot support. FORScan only allow us to enable/disable certain
functions that Ford already built into these modules; we cannot program them to do anything
we want.
Using FORScan
When you connect to your truck for the first time with FORScan, it is absolutely essential that
you perform a backup of your modules before making any changes so you have an easy
way to revert changes in the future. After you complete all the module backups I highly
recommend you copy the backed-up module files to a secondary location such as a usb drive
just in case your computer ever crashes. The default location where FORScan saves the files
you create below is in the \documents\Forscan\ folder.

Module Backup
Click here for a video demonstrating this backup procedure. When connecting to FORScan,
the safest method is with the key on, engine off. Connect to FORscan and click the
Programming icon noted by the red arrow and you should see all the modules FORScan found
in your truck. All of the modules with "AS-BUILT format" after them (the black arrows show
three of them) are what you're going to enter 1 by 1 and save. Start at the top (but don’t do the
one called PCM Relearn) with APIM (AS-BUILT format) by clicking it to highlight it and then click
the button at the bottom of the screen noted by the green arrow. You should now be inside the
APIM module and see addresses & values. Click the "save all" button at the bottom and name
this file something like APIM-original. Now click the square button at the bottom left of this
module that will stop this module. Go back to the list of modules and save the rest of the "AS-
BUILT format" modules using the same procedure.
Programming
There are two different ways to program your truck with FORScan. One is a basic way where the
user is presented with plain English wording about the modification and choice(s) to be
performed. The second way is a more advanced one where the user is given access to the
individual addresses and values inside each module. When programming in FORScan, the
safest method is with the key on, engine off. Also, during the write process don’t introduce any
additional current draw such as turning on the fan, having running boards deploy, or any other
accessory that might draw current away from the OBDII port. If you've done the module
backup procedure, you've already seen the screens used for the advanced way. I recommend
that you use the advanced way exclusively for a few reasons. First, there are many mods listed
in my spreadsheets that cannot be performed via the plain English screens in FORScan because
they require changes to multiple modules. Second, there are some mods listed in the plain
English screens in FORScan that simply don’t work or will only work for a certain truck trim level.
For these reasons we only discuss the advanced method in the FORScan thread for the most
part. I will briefly discuss the plain English method of programming and will show one video
below using it but this is just to demonstrate that area. If you get used to the advanced method
right away, you’ll be better off.

** If you plan on testing values in IPMB, write down your original values first because FORScan
cannot backup/restore this module correctly for some reason.

Programming - easy method

Click here for a video showing programming with the plain English area. All of the screens with
plain English are worded like the blue arrows in the picture above on the previous page. In the
programming screen (red arrow in pic above) click the "BdyCM Module Configuration" (2nd blue
arrow in pic above) and click the Play button (green arrow.) Now you should see all the plain
English options for the BdyCM module that you can enable/disable. Simply highlight your choice,
click the "Edit selected" button and make your choice from the option(s) and then click the
"write" button. You will be prompted to cycle truck off and on and after doing that, click the
square blue stop button at the bottom. If you're not going to make any more changes, you can
disconnect FORScan by clicking the picture of the automobile on the left border of FORScan and
then click the disconnect button at the bottom of the screen.

Programming - Advanced Method

All of the known modifications for this method are listed in my spreadsheets located here. The
following explanations are not critical to know but will help your overall understanding while
reading through the FORScan thread. There are 3 basic components to any modification:
module(s), address(es), value(s)
1. Module - BdyCM, APIM, IPC, DDM, PDM, etc.
2. Address - Examples: 726-41-02, 720-01-01, 7D0-04-02 - the first 3 digits of an address
denotes the module and in this example they are BdyCM, IPC, APIM respectively. Every
address in BdyCM will begin with 726, every address in IPC will begin with 720, and
every address in APIM will begin with 7D0. You don’t have to memorize this but it will
start make sense later on.
 3. Values - Examples: 726-16-02 0101 0101 0049 & 740-13-01 005B - the numbers shaded
blue are considered the values and the numbers shaded red are the checksum (a
mathematical sum of all the prior hex digits). You do not need to know how to calculate
the checksum; FORScan will do it automatically for us. I chose the two examples above
to illustrate how some addresses may contain up to 10 values and others only 2 values.

Below I show two programming examples using the advanced method. These are done in the
same programming area where you made your module backups (the modules with the “AS
BUILT format” listed after them. ** For a complete list of module acronym descriptions
see F150-LT’s list here **

Example 1 - Double Horn Honk disable

Taking a look at my common spreadsheet, it shows the following for this mod:
BCM 726-41-02 xxx0 xxxx xxxx
The x’s above mean to ignore whatever you currently have in the positions denoted by the x’s at
that address and to only change the non-x value which in this example is a “0” in the fourth
position of the values area. You probably have a “1” currently in that fourth position so all you
need to do is change your “1” to a “0” there and click the write button and ignore any message
about incorrect checksum and continue with the write. Click here to watch a video of this mod
being programmed.

Example 2 - Autofold Mirrors

Taking a look at my common spreadsheet, it shows the following for this mod:
DDM 740-03-01 x8xx xx
DDM 740-12-01 Fxxx
PDM 741-03-01 x8xx xx
PDM 741-12-01 Fxxx
Again, we’re going to ignore whatever we currently have in the positions represented by the x’s
above and simply change the non-x value above in the position indicated. Since this mod
requires two changes in the DDM module and two changes in PDM module, we’re going to make
both changes in each module before pressing the “write all” button at the bottom of the
programming screen. This particular mod demonstrates how multiple changes can be done at
the same time rather than pressing the write button at the end of each address line twice.
Click here to watch a video of this mod being programmed.

Restoring a module to original as-built values

Sometimes we may want/need to restore a module to the factory original values. If for example
you think you’ve made a mistake programming or you are bringing in your truck for service at
the dealership and don’t want them seeing any mods you’ve done, the following procedure will
restore your original module(s) backup(s). If you’re restoring for the sake of a dealership visit, I
suggest you backup the modules you made changes to before restoring the factory module
backups. I would name these new backups something like BCM-modded, IPC-modded, etc. so
when you get your truck back from the dealership you can easily restore all the mods you
already had previously. The following video will demonstrate restoring the factory as-built
values from the module backups you performed originally. The video just shows restoring the
BCM module but you should repeat this for every module you made changes to that you wish to
restore. Click here to see the video.

Clearing DTCs
In the course of normal driving and/or programming your modules you will inevitably get some
DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) set in your truck. If the DTC is serious requiring a trip to the
service department of your dealer it will also keep the check engine light (CEL) on persistently
on the instrument panel cluster. Don’t panic if you see a DTC because they can happen for the
littlest of things and even your dealership service department will clear all these codes as the
final step of their process. FORScan can clear these DTCs also and the image below shows the
screen to enter (red arrow), the button to read the DTCs (blue arrow) and the button to clear
DTCs (green arrow). I always make clearing DTCs my last step when done with programming
if any exist.
Note: some changes to the APIM require resetting APIM to see results immediately -
do this by hold power + seek forward for 10 seconds or resetting APIM in FORScan
under wrench icon

Helpful Links
My Gen14 F150 asbuilt decoding spreadsheets
My 2015-2019 F150 as-built decoding spreadsheet
jdunk54nl's 2014 F150 as-built decoding spreadsheet
DanMc85’s 2013-2017 Fusion as-built decoding spreadsheet
Explorer 2011-2021 as-built decodings
Zoodad's 2011-2016 SuperDuty FORScan spreadsheets
Zoodad’s 2020 Super Duty FORScan spreadsheet
EpicCowlick’s 2017 SuperDuty as-built decoding spreadsheet
Tonesto7’s FordPass iOS Widget

Newest FORScan beta: FORScan 2.3.47.beta

Platinum99’s writeup on adding color ambient lighting to 2021 F150
Livnitup’s post on adding Hill Descent Control to 2021 F150
Livnitup’s post on changing tire size on a 2017-18 in FORScan
tmcolegr’s "How To" Add BLIS w/CTA to 2015 XLT 302A
tmcolegr’s Powerfold Mirror Retrofit
tmcolegr’s “How To” add ACC to 2015 XLT
Ryan B’s Halogen to OEM LED Headlights the Forscan Way
i8iridium’s hardware mod to run the mirror spotlights whenever you want
i8iridium’s write-up on adding Raptor steering wheel w/paddle shift to F150
Firerunner’s 2015+ Overhead Console Intrusion Sensor Retofit
Firerunner’s 2015+ Column to Console shift Conversion Guide
P51SVO’s write-up on adding ACC Stop & Go to 2018 F150
Livoniabob’s hardware mod to run 12V outlet 24/7
robbieg’s hardware mod to have Sport mode defaulted on
Flsdiver’s OEM Ambient Lighting Installed in 2015 XLT, MFT Controlled, Success
Flyforfood’s OEM Power Fold Running Boards installed on a XLT
Jeff Hein’s upgrade to Heated Steering Wheel write-up
Breakers28’s list of known solutions to disable Auto Start/Stop
Kingofwylietx’s MPG calibration via the cluster
F150-LT’s comprehensive list of module acronyms & abbreviations
Airborne_Ape’s list of acronyms & abbreviations
Fast351’s Utility for comparing & converting .ab files to .abt files
https://www.motorcraftservice.com/AsBuilt - Retrieve the as-built info for any VIN (first time
you visit this link you'll need to choose country/language until a cookie is set, then the link will
work)
http://compulsivecode.com/Project_AsBuiltCompare.aspx - Program to compare two as-built .abt
files & checksum calculator
VIN Specific Towing Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will using FORScan void my warranty? No, according to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty
Act the dealership would need to prove that any change you made with FORScan directly caused
the warrantied part to fail.
2. Can I run FORScan on a Mac? Yes, you’ll need to run the Windows version of FORScan under
some emulation software such as Parallels, Bootcamp, VirtualBox or VMWare Fusion running
Windows works.
3. When programming in FORScan I get a message about “Incorrect Checksum”, is this
normal? Yes, when prompted with that message just continue with the write (FORScan will
automatically write the correct checksum anyways).
4. Will using FORScan interfere with my custom tune or speedometer calibrator? No, custom
tunes and speedometer calibrators write to the PCM module and FORScan cannot so you can
make any mod listed on the spreadsheets without worry.
5. I have an OBDLink MX Bluetooth adapter and when I try to connect it says “No ELM
Found” Stop running the OBDWiz software that came with the adapter and try again. If the
message persists, re-pair the adapter according to the directions that came with the adapter.
6. After I programmed some features in IPC module my TPMS values went blank, is this
normal? Yes, drive around the block and the values will return.
7. Should I restore my as-built values before taking the truck in for service at the dealership?
If you don’t want the dealership knowing any mods you’ve done, then yes. Before restoring your
as-built values, save any modules you’ve made changes to with a name like BCM-modded, IPC-
modded, etc. so you’ll have an easy way to restore all your mods once you get the truck back
from dealership.
8. I have an aftermarket accessory that piggybacks off the OBDII port. Should I remove it
prior to programming with FORScan? While I haven’t seen anyone in the FORScan thread
report any issues with this, it may be better to err on the side of caution and remove the device
prior to programming.
9. Is there a list describing the abbreviations for the modules? Click here This is a list that
covers many different model Ford vehicles and you may not have a lot of those in your truck.
10. When installing a new version of FORScan, do I need to uninstall the original? No, you can
download and install the new version and it will replace the existing version.
11. Can multiple modules be programmed during the same session without cycling the key
off/on? Yes, but it’s probably not the best practice. BCM should definitely be cycled off/on after
making a change.
12. Can I use my same FORScan installation on multiple vehicles or just one? You can use on
as many vehicles as you want.
13. Can I add NAV to my 2016/2017 with Sync 3? No, this is only possible with 2015’s with Sync 2,
14. What is the difference between the OBDLink LX Bluetooth and the OBDLink MX Bluetooth? The
LX doesn’t have MS-CAN capability and won’t work for connecting to our trucks whereas the MX can.
15. I bought a USB adapter with a toggle switch but FORScan only finds a few modules. How can I
fix this?
a. go into FORScan settings, connection tab and change "MS-CAN Support" to
"HS/MS Switch"
b. connect to your truck again in FORScan but click no when it brings up your VIN
profile (the toggle switch needs to be in the HS-CAN position when you connect)
c. it should then find a few modules and then prompt you to flip the toggle switch on
your adapter and find the rest of the modules
d. if it finds all modules then you can save this new VIN profile and use it on all
subsequent connection attempts.