Using FORScan to 'tweak' the X

[Adam]

Being a long-time member of an F-150 forum, I know they have their finger on the pulse of using FORScan (forscan.org) on their vehicles to unlock/tweak features in their vehicles electronic modules.  I never really paid too much attention to the threads, but recently I started reading the information more thoroughly and wondered if I could do some of the same programming on my X.

 

I purchased an OBDLink MX Bluetooth adapter and downloaded the FORScan software (free) onto my Windows laptop.  You need an extended license (also free) to be able to change the parameters.

 

I decided I wanted to try and add the digital speedo (from the 2017), the ability to control seat and steering wheel heating/cooling from the Sync 3 home screen (a '17 feature) and disable to double horn honk upon exit while the engine is running.  I also wanted to enable reverse-tilt mirrors but I don't think we have proper codes in our vehicles to accomplish this.

 

I have had success with the Sync home screen mod, which is great for turning the steering wheel heat on without going into the climate menu.  I was able to enable the digital speedo using the code from a 2017 MKX, but instead of it appearing as a separate page in the central DIC (under audio, nav and phone) like the '17, it appears within the analog speedo.  This means you can't have LKA enabled and see the digital speedo.  I have some other codes from 2017 Lincolns that I will try, as I would prefer the speed to be front and center.  Double honk was also extremely easy to disable.

 

You can also read DTCs with FORScan from all the modules (mine had none at all) and I believe you can see detailed vehicle information while driving but I didn't bother to keep my laptop connected after the code mods.

 

There are probably lots of other things that can be done (like having the wheel on full heat instead of moderate) but I haven't looked too far into it yet.  Unless people have developed a comprehensive database of mods (like the F150 folks have) it's a lot of trial and error and messing about with code.

 

I know it's kind of long shot, but is anyone else into FORScan on the X or any other Ford vehicle?

[Adam]

 

[walkabout]

This is very cool Adam. Thanks for posting.

[rst08tierney]

With how crummy service departments have been for Lincoln owners this screams disaster and voided warranty.

 

This just gives dealers another reason not to perform warranty work regardless of state regulations.

[Adam]

Why don't you read up on how the system works before posting a silly comment?  There is very little risk involved if you approach it properly.

[rst08tierney]

Why don't you read up on how the system works before posting a silly comment? There is very little risk involved if you approach it properly.

Fully understand the risk and know how these systems work. Did you skip over the section where people actually brick their systems?

 

I have over 20 years experience on reprogramming on board computers and using lock pick devices.

 

Personally I wouldn't touch anything running on a sync system.

 

Edit...

 

I'm a very big fan of the sync 3 system. I just feel it's controls so much on theses rigs that it's much better to leave it alone. VMCs were much easier to fix 10 years ago by pulling a simple fuse and getting the bootloader to recover the software.

Edited December 9, 2016 by rst08tierney

[enigma-2]

Fully understand the risk and know how these systems work. Did you skip over the section where people actually brick their systems?

I must confess that I must have. Can you please provide a reference about people "bricking" their systems?

 

(I would certainly like to avoid any possibility of accidently doing this.)

[Cosmos36]

There are many references to 'bricking' on Google. Briefly, it means tampering with or misusing an electronic device and turning it into a useless brick.

Edited December 9, 2016 by Cosmos36

[akirby]

If I understand correctly, with Forscan you're essentially modifying the binary code in the computer.   As long as you modify the correct location with the correct value you're ok, but if you get the location wrong you can corrupt the code completely to the point that it can't even be reloaded.  And obviously that would not be covered under warranty.

Edited December 9, 2016 by akirby

[mfam16]

Adam this seems like a cool idea. However, I'm weary of developers located in Russia. Last thing I would want to do is allow remote access to my vehicle to someone other than myself.

 

By allowing access to OBD via a non reputable scan tool is risky.

 

I too have experience modifying tech. I've unlocked, rooted, flashed, and modified many Roms for Android. The plus side is you can customize it and unlock the phones to greater potential. The risk was you leave many security gaps and vulnerabilities.

 

See included links https://youtu.be/rGMdmA9gqzc

Or

Edited December 10, 2016 by mfam16

[Timmer]

 

Great post and props for having the skills to do that, Adam.

 

By any chance, does that software have the ability to make Apple CarPlay magically appear?

 

;-))

Edited December 10, 2016 by Timmer

[Adam]

Easy changes to get the seat/wheel options in the home screen.  

 

I was unable to get the Adaptive Steering menu in the Driver Assist settings.  Also no luck with enabling the speedometer as a separate tab in the central DIC.  The 2016 Explorer Platinum (same cluster) displays the speed within the analog speedo, so I think I would need the actual calibration for a 2017 MKX IPC module to be able to put it in the middle.  Now THAT would be some more in-depth 'hacking'.  I don't believe any 2016 that uses the cluster (Lincoln products, Explorer Platinum, Ford Mondeo) has the speed in the centre DIC.  No real worries, though, I just like having _a_ speed readout.

 

Upon further inspection of the modules, we do have the code for the reverse tilt mirrors which I will fiddle with one of these days.  I used to like that feature in past vehicles.  Even though I have the 360 cam there are times I would like to see what the rear wheels are doing.  In the past I've set seat pre-set 3 to have the mirrors tilt down, but over time the various settings get out of sync (because I fiddle with the seat/steering wheel controls occasionally)

 

Edited December 11, 2016 by Adam

[Adam]

 

 

Great post and props for having the skills to do that, Adam.

 

By any chance, does that software have the ability to make Apple CarPlay magically appear?

 

;-))

 

 

 

Sadly, no!  The Ford F150 guys have figured out which USB hub to order, though.  I guess we might just have to order one out of a 2017 MKX if we already have Sync 3 2.0.  To be honest, I'm not too interested in ACP.  I probably wouldn't use it much.

[Adam]

By allowing access to OBD via a non reputable scan tool is risky

 

I suppose it is.

 

Given what the developers (nationality aside - are all Russians bad people?) know about the Ford computer systems now, I'm sure they could wreak all kinds of terror worldwide if they wanted to.  Or they are simply trying to build a product that they can eventually charge money for (they already charge for their mobile app) like all the other non-OEM OBD scan software on the market today.

[mfam16]

are all Russians bad people?

No they are not all bad. However, it is well know that they do have large hand in cyber attacks and security breaches. Remember the winter Olympics several years back? http://www.cnbc.com/2014/02/07/sochi-security-warning-of-cyber-attacks-as-hackers-target-olympics.html

 

I do agree that if anyone really wants control it would not be that difficult to obtain control.

 

I just don't want to make it easier for anyone with malice intent.

 

I do commend you on your goals and mods. People like you help make owning a vehicle a more enjoyable with semi custom designs via infotainment system.

[fredluke]

Cool post,

 

My MKX build date missed Sync 3 by 6 days.

 

I have had the older version in my vehicles for years so I have no issues with its functions.

 

It already has seats heat cool, steering wheel, etc avail on screen.

 

Where does the lane departure icon appear? It's now in the digital speedo location.

[VisionPilot]

 

I have had success with the Sync home screen mod, which is great for turning the steering wheel heat on without going into the climate menu.

 

Can you show what this looks like?

 

Thanks

[walkabout]

Adam, even the idea of using a preset to enable a tilt down is useful as hell. I can't believe I never thought of that one! I played with the mirrors until I got then in a place where they were useful for passing but I could still see the curb (big mirrors!). Your solution is better.

 

Thanks for the idea.

Edited December 12, 2016 by walkabout

[akirby]

Our 2003 Aviator had the auto tilt down.  It's a mystery why this isn't a standard feature on all vehicles.

[walkabout]

Totally agree with you akirby. I guess they thought the 360 camera would solve that problem but the level of detail near the tires is really quite poor.

[mfam16]

Tilt down mirrors limit field of view. Also on we had a BMW with tilt option. Passenger side mirror already became "stuck" by not properly managing accurate tile.

I'll stick with the 360 as it is more than sufficient for me, however, customizations is what makes options feasible for some who prefer it.

[akirby]

No I don't think it had anything to do with the 360 camera.  They did the same thing with selectshift that first appeared on the 99 Lincoln LS then disappeared for a few years.  I think it just wasn't a priority with the development team.   This is where I wish Ford/Lincoln would standardize more of these types of features so it's not left up to the individual teams.  I think they're doing better now but not quite where they should be.

[walkabout]

Tilt down mirrors limit field of view. Also on we had a BMW with tilt option. Passenger side mirror already became "stuck" by not properly managing accurate tile.

I'll stick with the 360 as it is more than sufficient for me, however, customizations is what makes options feasible for some who prefer it.

I had the tilt down mirror on the my 328i.  Never had a problem with it and found it insanely useful.

 

The 360 camera is pretty useless for parking.  Its got that weird rectangular frame around the entire car, and you can't make out curbs when parking. 

[akirby]

The 360 camera is pretty useless for parking.  Its got that weird rectangular frame around the entire car, and you can't make out curbs when parking. 

 

Really?  I'll have to double check but I thought the curbs were plainly visible.

[mosh00]

I had the tilt down mirror on the my 328i.  Never had a problem with it and found it insanely useful.

 

The 360 camera is pretty useless for parking.  Its got that weird rectangular frame around the entire car, and you can't make out curbs when parking. 

 

Totally agree with your comment about the frame and not seeing the curb.  I have totally given up on using the 360 camera.  I'd like there to be enough detail so that I could see my wheels and how close I am so that I don't scuff them against the curb.  At least with my MKX, I can't do that.