Bi-Directional Scanner Tool

[DetroitST]

Hey all, I've bought a few scanners and none of them have supported the Explorer ST. Mine is a 2021. Does anyone have a scan tool they would recommend? I am looking for one that can do virtually anything I may need. ABS, Trans, ECU, Keys, TPMS, etc. Trying not to spend more than a grand if possible. The Snap-on scanners do work as I've seen them used to do things like fuel pump and such but they are way outside my price range for what I will be using it for. Thanks in advance.

I've tried:
HPTuners - can only read/clear ECU codes.
BAFX 34t5 bluetooth - ECU only.
OBDLink MX+ - No special functions only did ECU as well.
Autel MaxiCOM MK808S-TS - Didn't support the ST, could do a few things like window actuator and mirrors if selecting base explorer model but that's it.

 

[Cdubya]

Did you use the OBDlink MX+ with Forscan? Forscan has some service procedures in addition to diagnostics. Forscan Lite is great also for diagnostics and a limited number of service procedures while on the go. I keep my MX+ in the car for when a dash warning pops up or when I have some down time and just want to see what codes are stored. Forscan is not a replacement for FDRS, Ford's own software that you lease, so don't think you can do everything.

 

[DetroitST]

I've never used Forscan. Mainly I want something I can for sure turn my fuel pump on to empty my tank as I've had to do that twice from bad e85. Secondly I want something capable of relearning modules if I want to swap out for instance, my ABS module is bad, and I don't want the dealer to touch it. My understanding was Forscan was more for smaller cosmetic changes like blinkers and dashboard stuff, correct me if I'm wrong and maybe link a features list that Forscan is capable of. I never used it for my 2.7L Fusion Sport either, would be curious if I've been missing out.

 

[Cruising68]

I have a Bosch Mastertech II and a subscription to Ford. I can do pretty much anything a dealer can do. Not cheap.


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[BrooseDaMoose]

I have a MongoosePro J2534 interface that works with Ford's software. I would just buy a 2-day license whenever I needed to work on a Ford vehicle and had to do something FORScan was not capable of. I mainly purchased it to tune my Mustang but it worked great if I had to run the ABS pump or reprogram something. If it's something you might be interested in shoot me a PM.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

Here is a link to the FORScan forums page Here. You can reprogram some thing, make keys, etc. It does quite a bit. You just need an interface and a laptop.

 

[DetroitST]

Thank you I didn't even know FDRS was a thing. I will try to find a compare/contrast of features between Forscan and FDRS, if anyone else has any other scan tools they want to recommend that works for these purposes, feel free to add. I do believe there is a level of complexity and knowledge for computers to use Forscan/FDRS and some may find a scan tool to be more user friendly.

 

[cheetoduster]

@ 10:08 he talks about the Topdon Topscan which is apparently a bi-directional BT module.

 

[DetroitST]

Topscan sounds great, has anyone used it on their ST? Only $60 bucks I'd say it's worth the gamble anyway. Good find. Thank you.

 

[Cdubya]

Just as an aside, the Mongoose can also be used with Forscan, in addition to FDRS.

 

[DetroitST]

That definitely seems like the cheapest route to nearly all functionality. Unless there's a scan tool for under 1k that can do everything, which would be amazing, that will likely be the route I take. When I get home tonight I am going to try the MX+ with Forscan and see if that enables me to do what I have to currently.

 

[BrooseDaMoose]

Just as an aside, the Mongoose can also be used with Forscan, in addition to FDRS.

Absolutely right! I used it all the time with FORScan. I just don't work on vehicle anymore like I used and that's why I'm selling the Mongoose interface. I rarely used Ford's software because FORScan can do just about everything. But for those few things that FORScan cannot do, it's nice to have the tool you need to use Ford's software.