FORScan - software to enable/disable features in your truck
05-06-2017, 10:29 AM
#8332
I've experienced this. They typically go off after ~5 minutes like you said; sometimes even a bit quicker.
I've also experienced it when I walk up to my truck and unlock it, they turn on and then remain on even after I start the truck. The inside dome light will turn off, however the puddle lights remain on. They typically turn off once I reach ~7-8 km/h speed.
Like you said, it doesn't happen every single time, but it has happened a hand full of times. I assumed it was some sort of compatibility glitch from FORScan mods (enabling things which weren't originally planned to be enabled for the truck) and since they typically turn off at that speed or after a few minutes, I don't put much more thought into it.
I've also experienced it when I walk up to my truck and unlock it, they turn on and then remain on even after I start the truck. The inside dome light will turn off, however the puddle lights remain on. They typically turn off once I reach ~7-8 km/h speed.
Like you said, it doesn't happen every single time, but it has happened a hand full of times. I assumed it was some sort of compatibility glitch from FORScan mods (enabling things which weren't originally planned to be enabled for the truck) and since they typically turn off at that speed or after a few minutes, I don't put much more thought into it.
05-06-2017, 10:54 AM
#8333
Senior Member
"How are the settings on the spreadsheet being determined? Is someone literally just changing values and writing to see what happens?"
Yes but sometimes with a little knowledge behind it from seeing what settings a different vehicle that has these functions are set to..
Yes but sometimes with a little knowledge behind it from seeing what settings a different vehicle that has these functions are set to..
05-06-2017, 02:33 PM
#8335
Senior Member
I've seen it mentioned that you can view them in Diagnostics, but I've been in this menu many times and went through all of the options and never seen anywhere to make the changes.
05-06-2017, 05:27 PM
#8336
This is why I'm still unsure if I'm going to use FORScan at all. I have everything ready, but am still hesitant. Who knows what's really going on behind the scenes.
How are the settings on the spreadsheet being determined? Is someone literally just changing values and writing to see what happens?
How are the settings on the spreadsheet being determined? Is someone literally just changing values and writing to see what happens?
For the most part, yes these items were originally determined by someone going in and writing different values in a logical method and then checking to see what changed (I believe this is what Livnitup originally started doing?). This method can be a little risky, however, there is a good chance that by varying something within the drivers door module (as a random example), you should not have to worry about causing any harm to the engine control module or the engine itself...there is simply no logical reason why programming for the engine would live within a door module or affect the engine control module. But know one knows this for sure, besides the programmers and engineers at Ford of course.
It also appears that at least DanMc85 (and Livnitup now as well) have access to another piece of software (develop in Russia from what I've gathered). This software seems to have mapped Ford's programming structure in much more detail, maybe through reverse engineering or similar. From what I've seen, it provides fairly specific details on what each bit "should" control, the specific value for each bit, and what the result will be for that value of bit. So using that software as a guidance they have been able to make a fairly accurate "guess" as to where to start trying to enable a function.
I think it is also fair to assume that when Ford designs and programs their modules, they make one which has the ability to do the maximum number of functions which they may need that specific module to do. It would not be very cost efficient to design a specific module for each vehicle they manufacture or have a specific/unique programming structure for each vehicle, or unique modules/programming for each individual geographic location where they sell their vehicles.
So with all this in mind, if one vehicle has power mirrors with an auto fold function, while another vehicle has power mirrors without the auto fold function, there is a high probability that the auto fold function is simply "disabled" or "turned off" in the vehicle without that function. This could be for a number of reasons, such as that function being reserved for a luxury brand.
So what DanMc85 and Livnitup have been doing, along with other members know, is making somewhat educated guesses on bit locations and values, modifying the values, and then testing to see what the outcome is. Some are a bit more complicated than others, such as the auto fold function with the trailer mirrors, or the DRL options. However, for the most part the programming is already there and just needs to be "discovered".
Obviously it would be much easier if someone had access to the actual Ford software used to program everything, but I doubt that will find its way outside of Ford anytime soon.
Sorry for the long winded/rambling response, but hopefully it makes you feel a bit better about making some simple changes within these modules.
P.S. Livnitup/DanMc85, correct me if I made any wrong assumptions.
The following 5 users liked this post by snoftall:
homepcmd (05-07-2017),
Livnitup (05-06-2017),
Livoniabob (05-06-2017),
seadragon (05-06-2017),
Texrep (05-07-2017)
05-06-2017, 05:32 PM
#8337
You're correct in saying that no one 100% knows what is going on behind the scenes...however, for the most part these settings have been determined based on a well educated "guess".
For the most part, yes these items were originally determined by someone going in and writing different values in a logical method and then checking to see what changed (I believe this is what Livnitup originally started doing?). This method can be a little risky, however, there is a good chance that by varying something within the drivers door module (as a random example), you should not have to worry about causing any harm to the engine control module or the engine itself...there is simply no logical reason why programming for the engine would live within a door module or affect the engine control module. But know one knows this for sure, besides the programmers and engineers at Ford of course.
It also appears that at least DanMc85 (and Livnitup now as well) have access to another piece of software (develop in Russia from what I've gathered). This software seems to have mapped Ford's programming structure in much more detail, maybe through reverse engineering or similar. From what I've seen, it provides fairly specific details on what each bit "should" control, the specific value for each bit, and what the result will be for that value of bit. So using that software as a guidance they have been able to make a fairly accurate "guess" as to where to start trying to enable a function.
I think it is also fair to assume that when Ford designs and programs their modules, they make one which has the ability to do the maximum number of functions which they may need that specific module to do. It would not be very cost efficient to design a specific module for each vehicle they manufacture or have a specific/unique programming structure for each vehicle, or unique modules/programming for each individual geographic location where they sell their vehicles.
So with all this in mind, if one vehicle has power mirrors with an auto fold function, while another vehicle has power mirrors without the auto fold function, there is a high probability that the auto fold function is simply "disabled" or "turned off" in the vehicle without that function. This could be for a number of reasons, such as that function being reserved for a luxury brand.
So what DanMc85 and Livnitup have been doing, along with other members know, is making somewhat educated guesses on bit locations and values, modifying the values, and then testing to see what the outcome is. Some are a bit more complicated than others, such as the auto fold function with the trailer mirrors, or the DRL options. However, for the most part the programming is already there and just needs to be "discovered".
Obviously it would be much easier if someone had access to the actual Ford software used to program everything, but I doubt that will find its way outside of Ford anytime soon.
Sorry for the long winded/rambling response, but hopefully it makes you feel a bit better about making some simple changes within these modules.
P.S. Livnitup/DanMc85, correct me if I made any wrong assumptions.
For the most part, yes these items were originally determined by someone going in and writing different values in a logical method and then checking to see what changed (I believe this is what Livnitup originally started doing?). This method can be a little risky, however, there is a good chance that by varying something within the drivers door module (as a random example), you should not have to worry about causing any harm to the engine control module or the engine itself...there is simply no logical reason why programming for the engine would live within a door module or affect the engine control module. But know one knows this for sure, besides the programmers and engineers at Ford of course.
It also appears that at least DanMc85 (and Livnitup now as well) have access to another piece of software (develop in Russia from what I've gathered). This software seems to have mapped Ford's programming structure in much more detail, maybe through reverse engineering or similar. From what I've seen, it provides fairly specific details on what each bit "should" control, the specific value for each bit, and what the result will be for that value of bit. So using that software as a guidance they have been able to make a fairly accurate "guess" as to where to start trying to enable a function.
I think it is also fair to assume that when Ford designs and programs their modules, they make one which has the ability to do the maximum number of functions which they may need that specific module to do. It would not be very cost efficient to design a specific module for each vehicle they manufacture or have a specific/unique programming structure for each vehicle, or unique modules/programming for each individual geographic location where they sell their vehicles.
So with all this in mind, if one vehicle has power mirrors with an auto fold function, while another vehicle has power mirrors without the auto fold function, there is a high probability that the auto fold function is simply "disabled" or "turned off" in the vehicle without that function. This could be for a number of reasons, such as that function being reserved for a luxury brand.
So what DanMc85 and Livnitup have been doing, along with other members know, is making somewhat educated guesses on bit locations and values, modifying the values, and then testing to see what the outcome is. Some are a bit more complicated than others, such as the auto fold function with the trailer mirrors, or the DRL options. However, for the most part the programming is already there and just needs to be "discovered".
Obviously it would be much easier if someone had access to the actual Ford software used to program everything, but I doubt that will find its way outside of Ford anytime soon.
Sorry for the long winded/rambling response, but hopefully it makes you feel a bit better about making some simple changes within these modules.
P.S. Livnitup/DanMc85, correct me if I made any wrong assumptions.
Kudos to those doing the initial testing. Sounds kinda like mine sweeping!
05-06-2017, 06:14 PM
#8338
The FORScan Guy
Thread Starter
Wow, thank you for taking the time to post this reply. Really appreciate it! I would like to make some tweaks to my truck but hesitate when I read about strange effects that could by caused by making changes. The last thing I want to do is wreck my BCM. But the ability to make changes in FORScan is very tempting.
Kudos to those doing the initial testing. Sounds kinda like mine sweeping!
Kudos to those doing the initial testing. Sounds kinda like mine sweeping!
05-06-2017, 06:47 PM
#8339
Gone Golfin
iTrader: (3)
All I know is I'm extremely happy with the changes I've made with FORScan and wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
Thanks (again) guys
Thanks (again) guys
The following 2 users liked this post by idrive:
Livoniabob (05-06-2017),
Max91 (05-06-2017)
05-06-2017, 06:57 PM
#8340
LONG TIME FORD GUY
Thanks for your service L-UP and Dan85. I've changed things with Forscan and sometimes it caused DTCs to pop but they all could be reset. What is this software that has mapping down? IDS? OK the real question is where are the backup camera guide lines at? I ask because apparently the Ford tech are unable to resolve the problem of them missing after they replaced the camera. They say the only option they have is 360 degree camera system which I do not have.