Introducing PandaScan, Our Remote FORScan Service!

[Quincybmx]

Was also wondering about warranty and also about Ford's own OTA updates might impact settings, i.e. could they be reset to "factory" settings in some instances? Not interested in big changes... just the "double honk".

Have same question but for speedometer.

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[jaboticaba]

When it comes to diagnosing a problem within a vehicle, the first thing most people will do is use an OBD2 scanner to scan for trouble codes. These codes are generated by the vehicles ECU and can provide valuable diagnostic information. This method of vehicle diagnostics has been the standard since the Mid-90s when it was mandated that all new cars manufactured in the the US come equipped with OBD2. For us car enthusiasts this not only gave us an easy way to diagnose our vehicles, but it also gave us a way into our Vehicles ECU.

With the adoption of OBD2, custom ECU tuning to bolster vehicle performance followed shortly after. Along with that came other non-performance modifications to tweak how your vehicle operates, and that's what we are here to talk about! Introducing PandaScan, our very own ECU Reconfiguration service! Using the power of FORScan and provided PandaScan device, we can remotely access your Ford vehicle's ECU to unlock hidden features and more for a set fee. For example, on a 2021+ Ford Bronco we can unlock all the G.O.A.T. Modes, Recalibrate your speedometer to account for bigger tires, and activate Bambi mode, which allows you to keep your fog lights on when high beams are activated for maximum light output. These are amongst the many features we can bring you with our PandaScan Service.

Possible Calibrations Include:

-Deactivating Autostart/stop

-Enabling Bambi Mode (Fog Lights Remain on when High Beams are switched on)

-Adding ALL G.O.A.T. Modes

-Eliminate Double Honk

-Tire size Recalibration

-Enable OEM Fog Light Switch

-TPMS Disabled

-& More!

Once you've decided to purchase the PandaScan service and a Panda Motorworks approved PandaScan device, you will need to schedule a session with our calibration team to complete the service. If you do not have an ELM327 Connector, you can purchase one here! You need to make sure you are able to receive a solid internet connection on your computer from your vehicle, as you will be need to be in or near your vehicle to complete the process. You will need to have the latest version of FORScan installed so we can access your vehicles ECU. You can find and download the FORScan program here. You will begin the process by opening TeamViewer at the scheduled time, if you need to download TeamViewer click here. The calibration specialist will then call you to give further instruction, so please have your phone ready. Once connected with a member of the calibration team you will then connect the OBD2 Scan device to your vehicles OBD2 port located in the drivers footwell. Once you have a connection, make sure the device's switch is in the "HS" position and then plug the other end into your computer. Once the connection is established, you are ready to begin the calibration process.

You will begin the process by putting your vehicle in the "Key On" or "accessory power" position. This will allow our calibration specialist to access your vehicles ECU and allow him to make the changes requested. You will need to remain on the phone with the calibration specialist as he will need you to occasionally flip the switch on the OBD2 module from the "HS" setting to the "MS" setting and vice versa. This process can vary in time depending on the services requested, but within minutes the calibrations will be safely applied to your vehicle! Upon completion, you can disconnect the OBD2 module and enjoy your new unlocked features.

We are proud to offer this service and help you get the most out of your new Ford Vehicle. This task can be daunting when done alone and can have some serious negative effects, so trust the experts at Panda Motorworks to take care of your vehicle and get it done right the first time!

Pricing for a PandaScan Service Session is as follows:

3 Calibrations for $55

Additional calibrations can be added for a small fee.

4 Total Calibrations for $65
5 Total Calibrations for $70
or
6 Total Calibrations for $75

Panda Motorworks Approved ELM327 Connectors can be purchased for $25 if needed.

After purchasing PandaScan, an appointment must be made with our calibrator to perform the service. Appointments are available at various times throughout the week during our business hours of 9am-5pm CST Monday - Friday!​

As far as making all GOAT modes available, does that also open the real capabilities accordingly? or just a gimmicky display on the dashboard?

 

[71to21-2DR]

@Mitch Panda Motorworks

Found this on the Forum - real easy and it works! Thanks @B-Rad

Disable Seatbelt minder:

1) Sit in the seat you want to disable the chime for. (you will have to do it individually for all seatbelts you want to disable)​

​

2) Push the ignition button with the key in the truck and without pressing the brake pedal. (So the ignition is on without the truck running)​

​

3) Wait for the seatbelt light to go out.​

​

4) As soon as the seatbelt light goes out buckle and unbuckle the seatbelt 3 or 4 times until the seatbelt light comes back on.​

​

5) Buckle and unbuckle the seatbelt one last time, the seatbelt light will flash a few times letting you know you did it right.​

When it comes to diagnosing a problem within a vehicle, the first thing most people will do is use an OBD2 scanner to scan for trouble codes. These codes are generated by the vehicles ECU and can provide valuable diagnostic information. This method of vehicle diagnostics has been the standard since the Mid-90s when it was mandated that all new cars manufactured in the the US come equipped with OBD2. For us car enthusiasts this not only gave us an easy way to diagnose our vehicles, but it also gave us a way into our Vehicles ECU.

With the adoption of OBD2, custom ECU tuning to bolster vehicle performance followed shortly after. Along with that came other non-performance modifications to tweak how your vehicle operates, and that's what we are here to talk about! Introducing PandaScan, our very own ECU Reconfiguration service! Using the power of FORScan and provided PandaScan device, we can remotely access your Ford vehicle's ECU to unlock hidden features and more for a set fee. For example, on a 2021+ Ford Bronco we can unlock all the G.O.A.T. Modes, Recalibrate your speedometer to account for bigger tires, and activate Bambi mode, which allows you to keep your fog lights on when high beams are activated for maximum light output. These are amongst the many features we can bring you with our PandaScan Service.

Possible Calibrations Include:

-Deactivating Autostart/stop

-Enabling Bambi Mode (Fog Lights Remain on when High Beams are switched on)

-Adding ALL G.O.A.T. Modes

-Eliminate Double Honk

-Tire size Recalibration

-Enable OEM Fog Light Switch

-TPMS Disabled

-& More!

Once you've decided to purchase the PandaScan service and a Panda Motorworks approved PandaScan device, you will need to schedule a session with our calibration team to complete the service. If you do not have an ELM327 Connector, you can purchase one here! You need to make sure you are able to receive a solid internet connection on your computer from your vehicle, as you will be need to be in or near your vehicle to complete the process. You will need to have the latest version of FORScan installed so we can access your vehicles ECU. You can find and download the FORScan program here. You will begin the process by opening TeamViewer at the scheduled time, if you need to download TeamViewer click here. The calibration specialist will then call you to give further instruction, so please have your phone ready. Once connected with a member of the calibration team you will then connect the OBD2 Scan device to your vehicles OBD2 port located in the drivers footwell. Once you have a connection, make sure the device's switch is in the "HS" position and then plug the other end into your computer. Once the connection is established, you are ready to begin the calibration process.

You will begin the process by putting your vehicle in the "Key On" or "accessory power" position. This will allow our calibration specialist to access your vehicles ECU and allow him to make the changes requested. You will need to remain on the phone with the calibration specialist as he will need you to occasionally flip the switch on the OBD2 module from the "HS" setting to the "MS" setting and vice versa. This process can vary in time depending on the services requested, but within minutes the calibrations will be safely applied to your vehicle! Upon completion, you can disconnect the OBD2 module and enjoy your new unlocked features.

We are proud to offer this service and help you get the most out of your new Ford Vehicle. This task can be daunting when done alone and can have some serious negative effects, so trust the experts at Panda Motorworks to take care of your vehicle and get it done right the first time!

Pricing for a PandaScan Service Session is as follows:

3 Calibrations for $55

Additional calibrations can be added for a small fee.

4 Total Calibrations for $65
5 Total Calibrations for $70
or
6 Total Calibrations for $75

Panda Motorworks Approved ELM327 Connectors can be purchased for $25 if needed.

After purchasing PandaScan, an appointment must be made with our calibrator to perform the service. Appointments are available at various times throughout the week during our business hours of 9am-5pm CST Monday - Friday!​

I hope they have a calibration “bundle” like an Internet provider …because I have about 25 or 30 things I’d like to change!
lol!!!

 

[straycat]

I have two in my wishlist, can they be done?

1. Bronco starts in the mode that it was in when I last shut it off
2. The windows index when I touch the door handles (at the same time the doors unlock).

I have a few others available I want already, and I'm like 2 miles from you guys...so thank you for providing this service.

 

[RagnarKon]

I wonder how a super picky or annoying dealer would react to the double honk disable or stop/start default to off. The stop/start off would be super apparent as soon as a service person gets in the car.

I haven't used Forscan, but work in software. I wonder if there's a hash/checksum stored that would indicate that it was modified from factory quickly. Whether it's setting specific or a summation of all settings as a whole.

It largely depends on the dealer. Generally speaking Ford slightly underpays for warranty work. For example, a transfer case clutch replacement may take a technician 11 hours to complete, but Ford will only let you bill back 9.5 hours for it when you submit the warranty claim, because the writers of that particular service procedure determined it should only take 9.5 hours to complete. Whether Ford does that intentionally or not, I don't know. But there is a small inherent incentive to gently push dealers away from going with the warranty process, because in doing so they can charge the customer the actual amount of time it takes to do the work.

There is something called the "As-Built" configuration, and it is uploaded to a Ford database and tied to your VIN. It basically has all the modules and their settings as they were set at the factory. The purpose of that database is so that if the dealer needs to replace a bad module, they already have the settings/firmware the module should be flashed with. So if your vehicle strays from that configuration, then they obviously know it was changed.

Granted most of these tweaks that we're talking about is settings already available on these modules. These settings were placed there by the engineers for whatever reason... whether that be handling different laws in different regions in the world, different build configurations or vehicles, or just because it was helpful to have those tweaks during the development process. It isn't like we're writing custom firmware for these modules or anything.

BUT... still... technically warranty only covers the factory config, so if you are straying from the factory configuration you may run into warranty issues here and there (depending on what broke and the mood of the dealer). I'm not sure if @[email protected] or @Mitch Panda Motorworks have really thought about it, but I do think their service should include some means to back up the customer's factory config, and help the customer return to the factory config if needed. Not only for potential warranty work, but also in case the customer needs to sell the Bronco. (Or if they decide not to back up the customer's configuration and leave that up to the customer—because honestly creating a backup service sounds a potential nightmare—that needs to be expressly stated before someone buys the service.)

 

[[email protected]]

It largely depends on the dealer. Generally speaking Ford slightly underpays for warranty work. For example, a transfer case clutch replacement may take a technician 11 hours to complete, but Ford will only let you bill back 9.5 hours for it when you submit the warranty claim, because the writers of that particular service procedure determined it should only take 9.5 hours to complete. Whether Ford does that intentionally or not, I don't know. But there is a small inherent incentive to gently push dealers away from going with the warranty process, because in doing so they can charge the customer the actual amount of time it takes to do the work.

There is something called the "As-Built" configuration, and it is uploaded to a Ford database and tied to your VIN. It basically has all the modules and their settings as they were set at the factory. The purpose of that database is so that if the dealer needs to replace a bad module, they already have the settings/firmware the module should be flashed with. So if your vehicle strays from that configuration, then they obviously know it was changed.

Granted most of these tweaks that we're talking about is settings already available on these modules. These settings were placed there by the engineers for whatever reason... whether that be handling different laws in different regions in the world, different build configurations or vehicles, or just because it was helpful to have those tweaks during the development process. It isn't like we're writing custom firmware for these modules or anything.

BUT... still... technically warranty only covers the factory config, so if you are straying from the factory configuration you may run into warranty issues here and there (depending on what broke and the mood of the dealer). I'm not sure if @[email protected] or @Mitch Panda Motorworks have really thought about it, but I do think their service should include some means to back up the customer's factory config, and help the customer return to the factory config if needed. Not only for potential warranty work, but also in case the customer needs to sell the Bronco. (Or if they decide not to back up the customer's configuration and leave that up to the customer—because honestly creating a backup service sounds a potential nightmare—that needs to be expressly stated before someone buys the service.)

There is something called the "As-Built" configuration, and it is uploaded to a Ford database and tied to your VIN. It basically has all the modules and their settings as they were set at the factory. The purpose of that database is so that if the dealer needs to replace a bad module, they already have the settings/firmware the module should be flashed with. So if your vehicle strays from that configuration, then they obviously know it was changed.

A tech will not notice a difference in the As built data by module. He is paid flat rate he is going to go the database get the info and input it with the new blank module already installed.

Warranty is a hard one to prove in this instance with the things we are changing minus a few but to have a tech know you did something would be very very rare in my opinion. Sure there is always a chance but this is nothing like flashing over the factory ECU file for example.

I'm not sure if @[email protected] or @Mitch Panda Motorworks have really thought about it, but I do think their service should include some means to back up the customer's factory config, and help the customer return to the factory config if needed. Not only for potential warranty work, but also in case the customer needs to sell the Bronco. (Or if they decide not to back up the customer's configuration and leave that up to the customer—because honestly creating a backup service sounds a potential nightmare—that needs to be expressly stated before someone buys the service.)

IF asked we can backup what we can but not everything is able to be backed up. we can take screenshots of those items but there really is no need to revert back to stock for selling it as to me its a bonus with these things already done.

We have been doing this locally for years and been asked a bunch to help over the web so we came up with a solution for those that would rather have someone do it for safety and time constraints.

 

[[email protected]]

What’s the timeline on “additional services”? ie. I get 4 configurations in February, and get 35’s put on in December, is it a whole new fee or still an additional service to recalibrate for 35’s?

Calibrations are the changes made in one appointment window. We sadly can not offer multiple remote ins until you use all 4. we did our best to be fair on pricing and the time invested for our calibration team to assist our customers remotely for this service!

 

[RagnarKon]

There is something called the "As-Built" configuration, and it is uploaded to a Ford database and tied to your VIN. It basically has all the modules and their settings as they were set at the factory. The purpose of that database is so that if the dealer needs to replace a bad module, they already have the settings/firmware the module should be flashed with. So if your vehicle strays from that configuration, then they obviously know it was changed.

A tech will not notice a difference in the As built data by module. He is paid flat rate he is going to go the database get the info and input it with the new blank module already installed.

Warranty is a hard one to prove in this instance with the things we are changing minus a few but to have a tech know you did something would be very very rare in my opinion. Sure there is always a chance but this is nothing like flashing over the factory ECU file for example.

I'm not sure if @[email protected] or @Mitch Panda Motorworks have really thought about it, but I do think their service should include some means to back up the customer's factory config, and help the customer return to the factory config if needed. Not only for potential warranty work, but also in case the customer needs to sell the Bronco. (Or if they decide not to back up the customer's configuration and leave that up to the customer—because honestly creating a backup service sounds a potential nightmare—that needs to be expressly stated before someone buys the service.)

IF asked we can backup what we can but not everything is able to be backed up. we can take screenshots of those items but there really is no need to revert back to stock for selling it as to me its a bonus with these things already done.

We have been doing this locally for years and been asked a bunch to help over the web so we came up with a solution for those that would rather have someone do it for safety and time constraints.

Oh yeah, don't get me wrong. I think the chances of having a warranty claim denied due to Forscan tweaks is slim. But the chance is there, and I personally didn't want the responsibility of getting between a customer and their Ford warranty. I also didn't want the responsibility having to help customers return their vehicles to factory configurations if they wanted, which is why I never charged for any of my Forscan work. Just a can of worms I don't want to open.

BUT obviously the market for this type of service is there, people want it, this post has proved that. And you guys already have the "business infrastructure" in place to handle any potential issues that pop up. So as long as you are clear about any potential downsides... I personally think it's a brilliant idea. And I suspect this service will do really well.

Are you guys providing Forscan licenses or having the customer purchase them?

 

[choppersean]

Yup

I presumed that was the case........but wanted to make sure everyone that is reading this thread understood this as well. A risk management decision for me.

 

[[email protected]]

I presumed that was the case........but wanted to make sure everyone that is reading this thread understood this as well. A risk management decision for me.

The chances of a FORScan change causing a warranty issue is very slim. I will not say impossible but this is very different than adding aftermarket parts or tunes to your bronco.

 

[Bradley Thornton]

Getting it to start in Sport Mode would be huge for me.

 

[choppersean]

The chances of a FORScan change causing a warranty issue is very slim. I will not say impossible but this is very different than adding aftermarket parts or tunes to your bronco.

Speculate all we want, but in my opinion if something does go wrong and the "factory" sees that a configuration change has been made through this hack and not through a dealer/factory authorized change that there will be a ton of finger pointing. Ford has much deeper pockets that 99.99999% of people on this forum and will likely win any denial of warranty claim. I'm not willing to risk that and will just put up with the annoyances of some of these features for now.

My son works at an independent diesel shop that does factory warranty work and is Ford authorized. We went into my Bronco with Ford's software/system and it wouldn't let us change anything but a couple of available settings, so it seems to me they are intentionally locking out ability to make changes. A strong sign, in my opinion, they don't want anyone fucking around.

 

[shieldsy]

I fully expect a C&D coming from Ford legal in 3, 2, 1.

 

[[email protected]]

Speculate all we want, but in my opinion if something does go wrong and the "factory" sees that a configuration change has been made through this hack and not through a dealer/factory authorized change that there will be a ton of finger pointing. Ford has much deeper pockets that 99.99999% of people on this forum and will likely win any denial of warranty claim. I'm not willing to risk that and will just put up with the annoyances of some of these features for now.

My son works at an independent diesel shop that does factory warranty work and is Ford authorized. We went into my Bronco with Ford's software/system and it wouldn't let us change anything but a couple of available settings, so it seems to me they are intentionally locking out ability to make changes. A strong sign, in my opinion, they don't want anyone fucking around.

There is always a chance of a warranty issue with anything you do from changing your own oil to using FORScan.


The likely hood of this happening to both is very slim its not speculation but our experience in the automotive world, which can be used to give you the honest answer I did above.

Ford didnt lock these things down as a sign to screw people over. They wanted money by providing these services and enticing people to spend more on their bronco to get the package that fit them correctly.

A standard Ford Tech will not notice a change of as built data in a specific module and I highly doubt they are flying a Ford engineer our to check but like I said earlier anything is possible.

This service is not for everyone but it is for a lot of people that were on the fence of doing it themselves but scared of messing something up. We are not looking to get rich off this but help the community for a fair price get the options they wanted.

 

[RagnarKon]

I fully expect a C&D coming from Ford legal in 3, 2, 1.

Nah, nothing wrong with what they're doing. It's the customer's vehicle, they customer can do what they want with it.

As long as there is an understanding between the folks at Panda and the customer that Ford may deny a warranty claim due to Forscan modifications, there is nothing wrong with it. The chances of Ford denying a claim due to Forscan changes is slim, but at the same time Panda can't say for certain that their changes won't void warranty. So as long as that is stated when the person signs up for this service, there is nothing wrong with it in my mind.

It's a really good idea for folks who don't want to have to go through dozens of online tutorials to learn Forscan. If you aren't tech savvy it can be daunting to learn it.

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