Forscan OBD to USB Cable Windows – With MS Can Switch

The OBD-AUS Forscan USB scan tool works by being plugged into your OBD2 port and reading data from a number of sensors on your Ford or Mazda. You will find this port within 50cm of your steering wheel and it is easy to access. Check our post here on how to find it. This data is then displayed on your computer using the
Forscan software that has been created specifically for Fords and Mazdas. This tool gives you a professional dealer type diagnostics setup at the faction of the price. Forscan is free for some and paid for other versions. You can check it out here.

You can check what fault codes are showing and what they mean when they happen on your car. With Forscan it allows you to access all the systems on your car so you can see ABS, Airbag, SRS, etc module faults and clear them. This is a fantastic piece of software and you can view all of its features here.

You can find out why the annoying check or warning light keeps coming on and fix this problem and clear the check engine light. Saving you from having to go to to the mechanic and paying $100 just to do a scan on your car. A must have for any Ford or Mazda owner.

Unsure about OBD2 and the benefits it has then check out our blog post here!

There are many OBD2 scanners, but does the FORScan somehow differ? Yes, because it is designed especially for Ford and Mazda vehicles. So supports specific features of the manufacturer protocols, making the FORScan more powerful  with these models than any regular OBD2 scanner. Basically if you work on your Ford yourself or drive alot you need this tool in your glovebox.

For example, FORScan can detect modules which are not visible for regular OBD2 scanners, can show you trouble codes which are never displayed by OBD2 scanners, can show you PIDs which are not supported by any OBD2 scanner, run specific tests and service procedures. In other words, FORScan can do things that
regular OBD2 scanners can not do.

Some Features:

• Detect vehicle on-board network configuration
• Read and reset Diagnostic Trouble Codes from all modules (see list of supported modules)
• Reading of modules’ sensors’ data
• Run test diagnostic procedures
• DPF Regen
• Adjust advance settings. Larger Tyres and Fuel Tank adjustments
• Run service procedures
• Program new keys

MS/HS Can Switch – What is the Switch for?

This allows our FORscan scan tool to access both the MS and HS system so this means you get full access to your car.

HS-CAN modules:
-PCM (Powertrain Control Module)
-ABS (Anti-lock Brake System, includes AdvanceTrac and Traction Control)
-RCM (Restraint Control Module, AKA airbags and seatbelts)
-AWD (All Wheel Drive module, if equipped)
-OCSM (Occupent Classification System Module, AKA Passenger Seat Sensors)
-PAM (Parking Aid Module)
-IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster)
-BdyCM (Body Control Module 2013+)
-ACM (Audio Control Module, 2013+)
-FCIM (Front Controls Interface Module, 2013+)
-PSCM (Power Steering Control Module, Hydraulic PS only)
-SECM (Steering Effort Control Module, Electric PS only)
-CCM (Cruise Control Module)
-SCCM (Steering Column Control Module, 2013+)
-APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module AKA SYNC)

MS-CAN modules:
-SJB (Smart Junction Box)
-HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning module)
-ACM (Audio Control Module, pre 2013)
-DSP (Audio Digital Signal Processing Module)
-DSM (Driver Seat Module)
-DDM (Driver Door Module)
-RFA (Remote Function Actuator Module)
-DCSM (Dual Climate Controlled Seat Module)
-SDARS (Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service)
-FCIM (Front Controls Interface Module, pre 2013)
-FDIM (Front Display Interface Module)
-ILCM (Interior Lighting Control Module)
-HCM-2 (High Beam Control Module)
-SOD-R/L (Side Obstacle Detection Control Module AKA BLIS, a module for each side of the vehicle)
-IPC-MS (Instrument Panel Cluster, MS-CAN)
-GPSM (Global Positioning System Module)
-APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module AKA SYNC)

FAQ’s:

Why the USB Forscan Tool and not the bluetooth one?

If you are doing programming new modules or changing a-lot of advance settings then the USB version provides you with a stable and solid connection that will not have interference as it is wired. But we suggest that you can buy both the USB and a bluetooth one as this will allow you to have a cable one for major changes and the bluetooth or wireless one you can use with your phone when you are on the road.

Will it work with my car?

If your Ford or Mazda is 1998 or newer then yes it is full OBD2 and it will work with your car*. If you car is older then please contact us. Please note that this will not work on Ford Transits 2010 and newer. This device is currently not compatible with Ford Ranger T6/PX (2012 and up) or any vehicle with the same motor.

How do I install it and get it to work?

All cars have a diagnostics port (OBD) and if your car is OBD2 it has to be within reaching distance of the steering wheel. Look under the steering wheel and above your pedals and you will find it. Then all you have to do is plug it in and download the app on your phone or to your computer. Note that as you are using third-party software on third-party devices, OBD2 Australia will only provide support for hardware issues limited to defects (such as repairing or replacing your FORSCAN device, provided it’s proven faulty). If you need software or connectivity support you can contact FORSCAN or your device manufacturer. This device requires a technique to set-up and use, and just because it fails to connect does not mean it’s faulty. There are a myriad of factors to consider why the connection fails.

What is the switch for?

The switch on allows the OBD-AUS Forscan to access all protocols including MS-CAN & HS-CAN which standard OBD2 scan tools cannot access. 

Will it clear my engine fault and tell me whats wrong?

Yes it will do both of these. In the app you just click on check engine faults. It will then come up with code like this P0171 – Oxygen Sensor. So you know the problem is with the oxygen sensor and then the best thing to do is google the code and your cars year and model.

Specifications:

• Model name: OBD-AUS Forscan USB
• Current: 50 – 90 mA
• Voltage: 9 – 16v
• Item size: 8.8cm x 4.3cm x 2.5cm

Drivers: As it runs the Genuine FTDI you can get the drivers HERE if you computer does not Auto install them. (Windows 10 should)

Software: https://forscan.org/download.html

Guides: https://forscan.org/documentation.html

Notice: This device is unable to do PATS2 (2012+) programming on FORSCAN as that requires a seamless, electronic HS/MS switch.

*This device is currently not compatible with Ford Ranger T6/PX (2012 and up) or any vehicle with the same motor. Note that due to the many ECU firmware versions installed on FORD/MAZDA ECUs, there are instances where this scanner may not work with your FORD/MAZDA vehicle. 

This device also works on all OBD2 compliant vehicles that are not FORD/MAZDA, using different software. These are mostly 2006 and newer for Petrol, 2007 and newer for Diesel. Some earlier vehicles may already
be OBD2 compliant prior to these dates.

Please note that Windows software/compatibility related issues and driver issues are beyond our scope and as such, is not supported by OBD2 Australia. Drivers and guides are adequately provided for your guidance on this product page. You may consult with other online resources for further assistance. A few settings or updates on your device may be required to render this hardware and software to work, and as such does not completely indicate a defective or faulty scanner.  This device is best used on devices running Windows 7 and newer. Drivers may not work on older operating systems, and as such does not indicate a ‘faulty’ or ‘not fit for purpose’ devices. 

You can use these guides to confirm:

https://obd2australia.com.au/obd2-pinout/
https://obd2australia.com.au/obd2-car-list/