How to update/program the towing, after installing an OEM Trailer Hitch/Harness in my 24 HEL?

[Mirage]

Hello,

Ford installed the wiring before it left the plant, but the dealer forgot to install the hitch/computer and program my wife's 24 HEL. I've installed everything, but wanted to know how to program it myself using either FDRS or Forscan?

I found this on her Bronco this morning in Forscan, but unsure if that's what I need to change?

I downloaded FDRS, but haven't ordered the VCM II Programmer yet, but I will tonight.

Would it be best to do it with the FDRS instead?

Thanks for the help and sorry for the newbie question!

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[RagnarKon]

If your wife ordered the tow package when she placed her Bronco order, take it back to the dealer and they'll do it for you. The tow package is a dealer-installed option, which means you/her already paid for the dealer to install it.

But to answer your question... in order to complete the official setup steps for the tow module you need FDRS. Forscan is a third party tool and not supported by Ford in any way. It is possible to make the tow module functional with Forscan, but the official procedure requires FDRS. Also the VCM II is the old interface, so if you are spending money on an interface you should just buy the VCM3.

Either way, the VCM3 and a FDRS license is a good chunk of change and is completely unnecessary if you ordered the tow package with the Bronco. The selling dealer should install it.

 

[Blaylock1988]

I agree with RagnarKon that if you bought it as a dealer add-on then they need to make it right and complete the install themselves. If I were in your shoes, I'd only DIY it if you are very far from the dealership.

I retrofitted the tow package on my '21 Badlands, and it was very easy to program with Forscan. I followed RoverDude's guide here https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...scan-as-built-data-without-error-codes.49906/
He has a table with all of the programming in the As-Built modules. Just be sure to back up your factory As-Built for each module before you start coding things. A couple of my settings already matched the completed coding, don't recall which ones. Be sure to test it, and if it doesn't work like it supposed to I'd flash all those modules to your backup As-Built saves and make the dealer fix it.

 

[Mirage]

If your wife ordered the tow package when she placed her Bronco order, take it back to the dealer and they'll do it for you. The tow package is a dealer-installed option, which means you/her already paid for the dealer to install it.

But to answer your question... in order to complete the official setup steps for the tow module you need FDRS. Forscan is a third party tool and not supported by Ford in any way. It is possible to make the tow module functional with Forscan, but the official procedure requires FDRS. Also the VCM II is the old interface, so if you are spending money on an interface you should just buy the VCM3.

Either way, the VCM3 and a FDRS license is a good chunk of change and is completely unnecessary if you ordered the tow package with the Bronco. The selling dealer should install it.

I completely agree with you! We picked up hers almost 3 weeks ago and the saleslady said, can you just put it on, cause we're backed up for a while... That's the only reason I installed everything and today I discovered it had to be programmed... If they cannot install the damn hitch in a timely manner, how long do you think it'll take them to program it...?

I was going to install the same hitch kit on my Bronco and that's the only reason I was going to buy the VCM II, assuming I can use it, because it's a lot cheaper than a VCM3!!! I bought a harness from Curt and it was a PITA to run to the battery and ground. I also had to tie into each tail light and after doing all that, when I put it in reverse, it doesn't understand that there's a trailer hooked up and beeps the whole time I'm backing up....

 

[Mirage]

I agree with RagnarKon that if you bought it as a dealer add-on then they need to make it right and complete the install themselves. If I were in your shoes, I'd only DIY it if you are very far from the dealership.

I retrofitted the tow package on my '21 Badlands, and it was very easy to program with Forscan. I followed RoverDude's guide here https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...scan-as-built-data-without-error-codes.49906/
He has a table with all of the programming in the As-Built modules. Just be sure to back up your factory As-Built for each module before you start coding things. A couple of my settings already matched the completed coding, don't recall which ones. Be sure to test it, and if it doesn't work like it supposed to I'd flash all those modules to your backup As-Built saves and make the dealer fix it.

I agree as well with yall and that's a great write-up, thanks for showing it too me!

I was going to install the same hitch kit on my Bronco and that's the only reason I was going to buy the VCM II, assuming I can use it, because it's a lot cheaper than a VCM3!!! I bought a harness from Curt and it was a PITA to run to the battery and ground. I also had to tie into each tail light and after doing all that, when I put it in reverse, it doesn't understand that there's a trailer hooked up and beeps the whole time I'm backing up....

 

[RagnarKon]

I completely agree with you! We picked up hers almost 3 weeks ago and the saleslady said, can you just put it on, cause we're backed up for a while... That's the only reason I installed everything and today I discovered it had to be programmed... If they cannot install the damn hitch in a timely manner, how long do you think it'll take them to program it...?

I was going to install the same hitch kit on my Bronco and that's the only reason I was going to buy the VCM II, assuming I can use it, because it's a lot cheaper than a VCM3!!! I bought a harness from Curt and it was a PITA to run to the battery and ground. I also had to tie into each tail light and after doing all that, when I put it in reverse, it doesn't understand that there's a trailer hooked up and beeps the whole time I'm backing up....

It'll take more time for the service tech to do all of the ancillary stuff around the work (pull the Bronco in the garage, getting the laptop fired up, writing up the paperwork, passing all of the info over to the service advisor, etc.). The actual configuration step takes 5-10 minutes, maybe 15 minutes at most.

Also be aware that the 2024 kit is different (and easier to install) than the kit intended for 2021-2023 Broncos.

---

And yeah the VCM II plummeted in price as auto techs started selling their own adapters off in favor of the VCM3. So I get it, and if you want to save money go for it.

VCM3 supports all of the latest protocols and will future proof you for future vehicles, but if you are just looking for a tool that works on your Bronco and you don't care about future proofing, then the VCM II is fine.

 

[Mirage]

It'll take more time for the service tech to do all of the ancillary stuff around the work (pull the Bronco in the garage, getting the laptop fired up, writing up the paperwork, passing all of the info over to the service advisor, etc.). The actual configuration step takes 5-10 minutes, maybe 15 minutes at most.

Also be aware that the 2024 kit is different (and easier to install) than the kit intended for 2021-2023 Broncos.

---

And yeah the VCM II plummeted in price as auto techs started selling their own adapters off in favor of the VCM3. So I get it, and if you want to save money go for it.

VCM3 supports all of the latest protocols and will future proof you for future vehicles, but if you are just looking for a tool that works on your Bronco and you don't care about future proofing, then the VCM II is fine.

I already know about the 24's being easier to hook up. All we had to do was put the actual hitch on and plug the computer up. I'm well aware if/when I install the same thing into my 23, that I have to wire everything in, which sucks, but can be done...

We know the saleslady at the dealership, but it's the service idiots that are working too slow... They said we'll have to leave it there all day, which is unacceptable!

 

[Mrchoochoo]

I already know about the 24's being easier to hook up. All we had to do was put the actual hitch on and plug the computer up. I'm well aware if/when I install the same thing into my 23, that I have to wire everything in, which sucks, but can be done...

We know the saleslady at the dealership, but it's the service idiots that are working too slow... They said we'll have to leave it there all day, which is unacceptable!

I have a 24 OBX and bought a hitch myself. I installed it and plugged it into the wiring harness that was already under the bumper and yet my trailer lights don't work. Not sure if I just need to take it to the dealer and have them do the programming or if there is anything else I need to do

 

[RagnarKon]

I have a 24 OBX and bought a hitch myself. I installed it and plugged it into the wiring harness that was already under the bumper and yet my trailer lights don't work. Not sure if I just need to take it to the dealer and have them do the programming or if there is anything else I need to do

Did you install the Trailer Tow Module behind the cargo area trim panel??

 

[Mrchoochoo]

Did you install the Trailer Tow Module behind the cargo area trim panel??

Yes I did...sorry I forgot to mention that...ps...love your videos. Helped tremendously with my speaker upgrade

 

[RimrockPaul]

Hello,

Ford installed the wiring before it left the plant, but the dealer forgot to install the hitch/computer and program my wife's 24 HEL. I've installed everything, but wanted to know how to program it myself using either FDRS or Forscan?

I found this on her Bronco this morning in Forscan, but unsure if that's what I need to change?

I downloaded FDRS, but haven't ordered the VCM II Programmer yet, but I will tonight.

Would it be best to do it with the FDRS instead?

Thanks for the help and sorry for the newbie question!

I installed hitch and harness myself. Works perfect. My Bronco doesn't know it's got a trailer connected. Am I missing something. Wtf does forscan have to do with it ?
Paul

 

[RoverDude]

If you have the module install, forscan should be able to see / detect it.

You may need to use a new profile so to detects it, as your profile you used before did not have it, so it's not looking for it.

If forscan still cannot find it, you have a wiring issue, or a power issue AKA blown fuse, a connector not pushed all the way in.

If it detects it, but things don't seem to be working right, settings /programming needs to be adjusted.

Again, if it cannot be detected in forscan, That's a wiring /power issue. The dealer will not even be able to program it.

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