ForScan

[ORRadtech]

I worked around Jets for forty years Marine Corps and commercial so the stereo isn't on my list. Lol. I'm used to working out of maintenance manuals and don't understand how one unit acting up generates four warning lights? Isn't that kind of like wiring your house in series? And why have to drive 50 miles for the system to reset itself. I guess I'll be riding the lead float in next year's "Dumb Shit Parade".

It's quite intentional. For one thing, several systems often use the same input signals. For example, the abs, traction control and speedometer all use wheel speed sensors. I would expect that the steering does as well.
And then there are companies who intentionally turn on the MIL and other lights like traction control for completely unrelated problems. As an example, on some Toyotas, an evap code can turn on abs, traction control and disable the ac system. The reasoning, as I understand it, is to basically force the owner to have the repair made rather than ignore certain diagnostic trouble codes by making the car basically undriveable.
Another example from Ford. My daughter neglected her front tires to the point that they damaged the electric steering. Ford's electric steering is very sensitive to tire size and wear. Anyway, her car did not throw a steering code, instead it set a transmission code and forced the car into limp mode.
In short the modern car has sensors and modules interlinked through the CANBUS system in ways it's hard to imagine.

Sponsored

 

[FUN2RIDEFAST]

It's quite intentional. For one thing, several systems often use the same input signals. For example, the abs, traction control and speedometer all use wheel speed sensors. I would expect that the steering does as well.
And then there are companies who intentionally turn on the MIL and other lights like traction control for completely unrelated problems. As an example, on some Toyotas, an evap code can turn on abs, traction control and disable the ac system. The reasoning, as I understand it, is to basically force the owner to have the repair made rather than ignore certain diagnostic trouble codes by making the car basically undriveable.
Another example from Ford. My daughter neglected her front tires to the point that they damaged the electric steering. Ford's electric steering is very sensitive to tire size and wear. Anyway, her car did not throw a steering code, instead it set a transmission code and forced the car into limp mode.
In short the modern car has sensors and modules interlinked through the CANBUS system in ways it's hard to imagine.

Thanks for the reply

 

[Johnny Rockit]

I'm needing something to read fault codes. Just ordered a unit from Amazon. It'll be here tomorrow.

 

[FUN2RIDEFAST]

Great minds think alike. Ordered one today via Amazon and already have received it. Will use it tomorrow. Thanks much.

 

[Johnny Rockit]

Great minds think alike. Ordered one today via Amazon and already have received it. Will use it tomorrow. Thanks much.

You give me too much credit. I'm an idiot at heart.

 

[K4fxd]

Unless they changed things the MX+ cannot write changes to the car.

It's nice to be able to reset modules. Ford once told me I needed a new steering rack. I used forscan to reset the steering module and all is working fine. 3 years ago.

 

[FUN2RIDEFAST]

You give me too much credit. I'm an idiot at heart.

 

[Garfy]

For me, a good scan tool is much more useful. And versatile.
I'm not much interested in changing or disabling lights, honks or whatever although if you become proficient with Forscan you can do many things the dealer can helping you avoid them for some programing stuff.
For just reading coded there are lots of options. You can even access codes on our cars without any tools at all. Again, this site has the info on doing that.

I prefer using a professional aftermarket scan tool that works on most cars and trucks (except exotics like Ferrari, Lambo, etc.) as they do have bi-directional controls, etc. If they don't support a function, I'd rather not dink with it; if they support it, they've tested it to be sure it works, like programming new keys, TPMS sensors, door modules, etc.

 

[ORRadtech]

I prefer using a professional aftermarket scan tool that works on most cars and trucks (except exotics like Ferrari, Lambo, etc.) as they do have bi-directional controls, etc. If they don't support a function, I'd rather not dink with it; if they support it, they've tested it to be sure it works, like programming new keys, TPMS sensors, door modules, etc.

I agree, they are much more versatile.
Mine doesn't do keys, it might do tpms, I don't remember. At the time I got it I couldn't really afford one of the higher end ones but mine does 90% of what I need. I've got a small O scope that helps too.

Sponsored