Using Forscan and being intimidated by it

[Jaredc]

Hi! I purchased my 25' Ecoboost, base model, about 6 months ago. The first thing I did was to install a sub, which sounds great until I hit the accelerator. I found out that the crappy ANC is what's causing the issue and attempted to disconnect the microphones. I got the rear one but needed to get the front one, which proved to be very difficult, and so I threw in the towel.

Yesterday I purchased a new laptop and my OBD reader is on the way (purchased the one recommended from this forum).

I plan on changing a few minor things, which would be the ANC and the door bong noises.

I feel like this is super confusing and I'm honestly intimidated by the process.

I am afraid of bricking my car.

For a beginner, how difficult will this actually be? I'm vested and am going to try this out, but I am curious as to how not to brick. Any words of encouragement?

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[DarkkMatter]

I wrote a thread about it here:
https://www.mustang7g.com/forums/threads/disabling-anc-and-ese-via-forscan-25-full-steps.168802/

I'm not sure how to disable the gallop door noise, but I will note it doesn't come through my subs. Installer tapped into rear speakers. Apparantly only the front speakers have the gallop noise.

When backing up you'll hear the beeping through subs which translates to not much of anything...it's a low sounding beep(not low bass, but low sound) that is a nothing to worry about.

 

[Jaredc]

Hey thank you for the reply! I'm wondering if my sub installer tapped into the door speakers because when I have my sub turned up, the door bong is incredibly loud.

 

[Jaredc]

I wrote a thread about it here:
https://www.mustang7g.com/forums/threads/disabling-anc-and-ese-via-forscan-25-full-steps.168802/

I'm not sure how to disable the gallop door noise, but I will note it doesn't come through my subs. Installer tapped into rear speakers. Apparantly only the front speakers have the gallop noise.

When backing up you'll hear the beeping through subs which translates to not much of anything...it's a low sounding beep(not low bass, but low sound) that is a nothing to worry about.

I originally came across your post a few months ago, which originally sparked my interest in using Forscan.

How important is making that backup USB drive? Is that just in case I brick my ECU?

 

[DarkkMatter]

It's very important to have backups.
I keep my original AsBuilt file, the initial backup, and backups of any modules that I modify.
That way your're safe.

Disabling ANC and ESE makes radio sound better too b/c its extra frequencies that interfere with the music that plays. Imo, vehicle should have an option to simply turn them off.

 

[Jaredc]

It's very important to have backups.
I keep my original AsBuilt file, the initial backup, and backups of any modules that I modify.
That way your're safe.

Disabling ANC and ESE makes radio sound better too b/c its extra frequencies that interfere with the music that plays. Imo, vehicle should have an option to simply turn them off.

So the backups go onto a USB device?

 

[D/\rK•650]

So the backups go onto a USB device?

The backup can be saved to whatever you like. Goto the asbuilt site and download your file then save it as the original backup. If anything goes south you can use that to go back to full stock/default. Here's link. Put your VIN and download the file that will be your original backup. Keep a few copies. I have original and few ive named to help remember what its for.
https://www.motorcraftservice.com/AsBuilt/Details

 

[D/\rK•650]

I was scared to mess with it as well. But its not so bad. If you have any computer skill at all it'll be fine. If not have a buddy help that has computer knowledge. Watch YouTube tutorials Forscan too.

 

[Jaredc]

The backup can be saved to whatever you like. Goto the asbuilt site and download your file then save it as the original backup. If anything goes south you can use that to go back to full stock/default. Here's link. Put your VIN and download the file that will be your original backup. Keep a few copies. I have original and few ive named to help remember what its for.
https://www.motorcraftservice.com/AsBuilt/Details

Got it! I visited that site from your other post and found my car.So basically you just keep the build copy on a USB drive and if something goes wrong, you just plug it into the car ? I apologize for all the questions. This does help me out.

 

[D/\rK•650]

Got it! I visited that site from your other post and found my car.So basically you just keep the build copy on a USB drive and if something goes wrong, you just plug it into the car ? I apologize for all the questions. This does help me out.

Yes keep original as-built file. Also when you use Forscan it will ask you to back up or save file. From Forscan you can save backup and also backup individual modules. You'll see what I mean when you run Forscan. Also important to watch few YouTube tutorials it will help you understand it and in turn less anxiety.

 

[Jaredc]

Yes keep original as-built file. Also when you use Forscan it will ask you to back up or save file. From Forscan you can save backup and also backup individual modules. You'll see what I mean when you run Forscan. Also important to watch few YouTube tutorials it will help you understand it and in turn less anxiety.

This helps immensely! So thank you again for the advice!

 

[D/\rK•650]

This helps immensely! So thank you again for the advice!

Your most welcome! If I can do anything else dont hesitate. And good luck

 

[jbrnigan]

FWIW - been using Forscan since 2018 on my Ford trucks. Yes, make back up copies of everything! I print out a copy of the changes I want to make (copy and paste instructions from various sources) and the "as built" data with the data to be written. I make the changes on the as built printout, then make the same changes in Forscan. Then I file the hard copy away with the paperwork I keep on the car, as a hard copy record(s) of all Forscan changes.

 

[Paul's stable]

FWIW - been using Forscan since 2018 on my Ford trucks. Yes, make back up copies of everything! I print out a copy of the changes I want to make (copy and paste instructions from various sources) and the "as built" data with the data to be written. I make the changes on the as built printout, then make the same changes in Forscan. Then I file the hard copy away with the paperwork I keep on the car, as a hard copy record(s) of all Forscan changes.

You guy with computer knowledge amaze me. I'm 63 worked in a job that really didn't use a computer much. I also have learning disabilities and dyslexia. So when I try to do stuff like this I get lost and panic then give up. I don't even know if people around me who do this in my area so can't even hire them lol.

 

[Jaredc]

FWIW - been using Forscan since 2018 on my Ford trucks. Yes, make back up copies of everything! I print out a copy of the changes I want to make (copy and paste instructions from various sources) and the "as built" data with the data to be written. I make the changes on the as built printout, then make the same changes in Forscan. Then I file the hard copy away with the paperwork I keep on the car, as a hard copy record(s) of all Forscan changes.

Hi! Ok, that makes me feel a bit better. So I'm curious though, say if I change something that really REALLY fucks up the ECU, how do I use that build copy to reverse the damage? I'm guessing the base build gets stored on a USB flashdrive? And then how do you use it? Would that be flashed back to the car via Forscan?

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