OBD reader Bristol/Portishead/Clevedon/WSM

[paulrichardson]

Hi,
After my battery/charger issues (relays buzzing all over the place) I have things stabilised but now have the Orange engine warning light on (yellow ! in a Cog).
I wondered if any kind soul in the Bristol/Portishead/Clevedon/WSM area would be able to help me out with an OBD loan/reading.
Depending how serious the Orange light usually is, I could come to you.
Regards,
Paul

[paulrichardson]

Hi again,

Would one of these be any help?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Autel-Autolink ... B016MNJ9ZU

I could look up the codes on here:-

https://www.fordwiki.co.uk/index.php/Fo ... Codes_List

Paul

[metalworker0]

All the cheap ones use the same software so ive heard

but then there is another level of them that doesn't give you just the fault codes it explains more detail of whats wrong.

Then the next level after that .. it does diagnostics and data in real time , drawing graphs etc you can see things opening and closing like egrs .. enabling you to look at in detail of each fault

The software that does that is free and its called forscan and you download it a laptop .. all you buy is the cable .. about £20. and is highly recommended by this forum and on some transits is the only diy kit that works.

all the best.. mark

[paulrichardson]

Then the next level after that .. it does diagnostics and data in real time , drawing graphs etc you can see things opening and closing like egrs .. enabling you to look at in detail of each fault

The software that does that is free and its called forscan and you download it a laptop .. all you buy is the cable .. about £20. and is highly recommended by this forum and on some transits is the only diy kit that works.

all the best.. mark

Great information Mark, much appreciated.

I've downloaded Forscan but I'd like to know which obdlink people use, I looked on Amazon but there are soooo many. Prices range from about a tenner to over £75.00.

Thanks again,
Paul

[metalworker0]

interface cable - something called "V-Linker" .. they mention here the most.

all the best.mark

[knobby1]

I've downloaded Forscan but I'd like to know which obdlink people use, I looked on Amazon but there are soooo many. Prices range from about a tenner to over £75.00.Thanks again,Paul

All the info you need is on the Forscan website.

https://forscan.org/download.html

Lord Knobrot (Smithy)

[Airthies]

As knobbly says, Forscan site has all the relevant info and links to the adapter cables which work.
I'd not recommend the cheap ones they're more hassle than they're worth.
The V-linker is the best for simplicity and function verses price but does have a known big/compatibility with I think it was the the newest usb3 protocols so if using a fairly new laptop get the £75 OBDLink EX

https://forscan.org/download.html
6th & 7th links down the page

Sent from my Pixel 8a using Tapatalk

[paulrichardson]

As knobbly says, Forscan site has all the relevant info and links to the adapter cables which work.
I'd not recommend the cheap ones they're more hassle than they're worth.
The V-linker is the best for simplicity and function verses price but does have a known big/compatibility with I think it was the the newest usb3 protocols so if using a fairly new laptop get the £75 OBDLink EX

https://forscan.org/download.html
6th & 7th links down the page

Sent from my Pixel 8a using Tapatalk

Thanks for the Info and link, My Laptop is so old I have to wind it up, so I don't think I'll be bothered by USB 3 protocols

One question about the purchase links, they don't seem to have a V-linker for the UK. Do I order from the US

Regards,
Paul

[metalworker0]

ebay ... search without the hyphen

so "vlinker"

lowest price first - uk only

160 results starting at £21.50


all the best.mark

[paulrichardson]

I'm guessing that I won't need the Extended Licence for Forscan?

[Airthies]

I'm guessing that I won't need the Extended Licence for Forscan?

If you follow the link it should give the option to select Amazon UK

You only need extended licence if your starting to reset or carry out programming etc.
Reading and clearing codes is free.

If you start with the free version it'll tell you when you try some options that needs the licence.

Sent from my Pixel 8a using Tapatalk

[metalworker0]

This is what google AI says

with the search line - "ford transit what functions does the extended licence give you on forscan"

AI Overview
FORScan's Extended License unlocks crucial features for your Ford Transit beyond basic diagnostics, enabling module programming, advanced configuration (like adding features not factory-installed), firmware updates, certain tuning options, security functions (PATS/key learning), and access to the full FORScan forum, unlike the limited 2-month trial. It's essential for deeper customization, such as changing tire sizes or adding features like remote start/cruise control.

Key Functions Enabled by Extended License:
Module Programming & Configuration: Modify vehicle settings (As-Built data) for features like tire size, gear ratio, adding cruise control, or enabling different lighting functions (e.g., Silent Mode).
Advanced Diagnostics: Access deeper system info and run specific tests on various modules (ABS, PCM, BCM, etc.).

Firmware Updates: Download and apply updates to your vehicle's control modules.
Security Features: Learn new PATS (Passive Anti-Theft System) keys or fobs.
Tuning Support: Prepare for or enable some performance adjustments, though major tuning usually needs dedicated tuning software.

What the Free Trial Offers (and doesn't):
Free Trial (2 Months): Good for reading/clearing codes and basic diagnostics but lacks programming/tuning power.
Paid License (1-Year+): Unlocks all the advanced functions listed above, plus forum access, support, and firmware downloads.

In Summary for Your Transit:
If you want to personalize your Transit, add features, or do real maintenance programming, the paid Extended License is necessary. It turns FORScan from a reader into a powerful configuration tool.


all the best.mark

[paulrichardson]

Thanks Mark,

I've downloaded the software, just got to get the V-link thingy ordered and I should be good to go.

One more quick question I thought of (slightly off subject) would the v-linker work on my Golf (with different software)?

Regards,

Paul

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY

[Airthies]

Thanks Mark,

I've downloaded the software, just got to get the V-link thingy ordered and I should be good to go.

One more quick question I thought of (slightly off subject) would the v-linker work on my Golf (with different software)?

Regards,

Paul

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY

Can't say for sure either way but I'd be pleasantly surprised if it did.
Only one sure way to find out

Sent from my Pixel 8a using Tapatalk

[paulrichardson]

Can't say for sure either way but I'd be pleasantly surprised if it did.
Only one sure way to find out

Sent from my Pixel 8a using Tapatalk

Just to make sure, I asked Vgate and they told me the vlinker would not work with my golf. They did say a different version they had would work with both, but it was much more expensive,