When you’re using FORScan, a powerful diagnostic tool for Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, and Mercury vehicles, one of the first decisions you’ll face is which model year (MY) to select. This seemingly simple choice can have a significant impact on your ability to perform accurate diagnostics and programming on your vehicle. If you’re wondering, “FORScan do I select 1999MY or 2002MY?” you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the importance of selecting the correct model year, how to make the right choice, and common mistakes to avoid.
What is FORScan?
FORScan is a highly specialized software tool designed primarily for diagnosing and troubleshooting issues in Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, and Mercury vehicles. The software can read and clear diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), interact with numerous vehicle control modules, and monitor live data from various vehicle systems. It supports advanced features such as module programming and adaptation, allowing users to reprogram or configure vehicle systems based on factory settings.
Whether you’re a professional mechanic, car enthusiast, or DIYer, FORScan is a valuable tool. However, selecting the correct model year when using the software is critical to ensuring that all of its features work correctly for your specific vehicle.
Understanding the Significance of Model Year (MY)
In the context of FORScan, “model year” refers to the specific year of manufacture for your vehicle. Why does this matter? Car manufacturers often release updates to vehicle systems and technologies each year. These changes can affect everything from the vehicle’s engine control system to its transmission and ABS modules. Selecting the wrong model year can result in incompatibility with certain diagnostic functions, leading to inaccurate readings or failed attempts to reprogram modules.
The model year you select ensures that FORScan communicates correctly with your car’s electronic systems. If you’re working on a 1999 Ford vehicle and select a 2002 model, the software might fail to detect certain vehicle modules or fail to apply the correct diagnostic protocols. Thus, selecting the right MY ensures that all of FORScan’s features work seamlessly and provide you with accurate, useful information.
1999MY vs 2002MY: Key Differences in Vehicle Systems
One of the primary reasons selecting the correct model year is so important is that the vehicle’s internal systems can change significantly from year to year. For example, a 1999 Ford vehicle will differ in several key systems compared to a 2002 model.
Between 1999 and 2002, Ford made several technological advancements, particularly in the area of electronics and control modules. For instance, a 1999MY may have older engine management systems or more basic transmission control technology, while a 2002MY may feature more advanced, electronically controlled systems that offer better performance and fuel efficiency. Additionally, the ABS systems, airbag modules, and other safety features may be updated in the 2002MY compared to the older 1999MY.
These differences affect how FORScan interacts with each vehicle. If you mistakenly select the wrong MY, you might not be able to access the full range of modules or retrieve accurate diagnostic information from the vehicle’s control systems.
How to Determine Your Vehicle’s Model Year
To select the right model year in FORScan, you need to first verify your vehicle’s actual model year. There are a few simple ways to do this.
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): The first and most accurate method is to check your vehicle’s VIN. The 10th character of the VIN represents the model year. For example, if your VIN has a “2” in the 10th position, it’s a 2002 model year vehicle. You can find the VIN on the dashboard near the windshield or inside the driver’s side door frame.
- Owner’s Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual typically provides model year information, which can be helpful if you’re unsure about your VIN or the year based on the vehicle’s registration.
- Manufacturer Information: If all else fails, contact your vehicle manufacturer’s customer support or use online databases that can decode your VIN for you, providing detailed vehicle information, including the exact model year.
Once you’ve identified your vehicle’s model year, you can easily select the correct MY in the FORScan software interface.
FORScan Do I Select 1999MY or 2002MY? How to Make the Right Choice
When you first open FORScan, one of the first prompts you’ll encounter is the selection of the model year. If you’re unsure whether to choose 1999MY or 2002MY, follow these steps:
- Check the Model Year in Your VIN or Owner’s Manual: This is the easiest and most reliable method.
- Confirm Vehicle Type and Features: If you’re working with a Ford or Lincoln, consider additional features and any previous upgrades your car might have undergone. For instance, if your 1999MY vehicle had a major electronic upgrade, it might behave more like a 2002MY car in terms of its diagnostic needs.
- Double-Check with a Dealer: If you’re still unsure, contact the manufacturer or a dealership for a detailed description of your car’s system configuration.
By confirming these details, you can ensure that you select the correct MY in FORScan, leading to accurate diagnostics and programming.
Common Errors When Selecting the Wrong MY in FORScan
Selecting the wrong model year when using FORScan can lead to several issues. Here are some common problems you might encounter:
- Incompatible Modules: Certain modules from the wrong model year may not be accessible, preventing you from diagnosing or programming specific vehicle systems.
- Faulty Data: Incorrect vehicle data may be retrieved, leading to diagnostic readings that are not accurate or helpful.
- Failed Programming or Reprogramming: Trying to program a module for the wrong MY may fail entirely, or the vehicle’s systems may not respond correctly.
If you suspect that you’ve selected the wrong MY, it’s best to double-check the vehicle’s information and restart the process to correct the mistake.
FORScan Features for 1999MY and 2002MY
FORScan offers a variety of features that can differ depending on the model year. For a 1999MY, some features may be limited due to the older technology in the vehicle. For instance, module programming might not be as advanced, and certain live data parameters may be missing.
In contrast, a 2002MY vehicle will likely have a broader range of supported systems in FORScan, especially with regard to newer engine management, transmission control, and safety systems. If you select the wrong model year, you could miss out on more advanced features available in newer models.
1999MY
- Limited module programming options
- Fewer supported data points for live monitoring
- Basic engine and transmission diagnostics
2002MY
- More extensive module programming and reprogramming options
- Advanced live data, including more sensors and control systems
- Enhanced compatibility with newer ABS and airbag systems
Choosing the correct MY ensures that you have access to the full range of features available in FORScan for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the same FORScan version for both 1999MY and 2002MY?
Yes, FORScan is compatible with both 1999MY and 2002MY vehicles, but you need to select the correct model year in the software to ensure proper communication with the vehicle’s systems.
What should I do if I’m unsure about my vehicle’s model year?
Always refer to your vehicle’s VIN or owner’s manual for accurate model year information. If you’re still unsure, reach out to your vehicle’s manufacturer or a dealership.
How does the difference in MY affect my FORScan experience?
The difference in MY can affect the range of diagnostic features and available programming options. Newer vehicles will have more advanced systems that require specific software support.
Conclusion
Selecting the correct model year in FORScan is crucial for ensuring accurate diagnostics, programming, and module communication. Whether you’re working with a 1999MY or a 2002MY, always verify your vehicle’s model year using the VIN or owner’s manual before proceeding. This simple step will save you time and prevent errors that can affect your diagnostic results. By following this guide, you’ll be able to use FORScan to its full potential, ensuring your vehicle’s systems function optimally.
