As the title says, need an alternative to forscan to be able to update firmware in my 2017 Lincoln MKX to be able to provision a “new” TCU. I want to be able to use the app to start my vehicle. I would love to pay for Forscan and access the beta builds to be able to do the proper firmware flashing as outlined in @F150Chief 's guide on how to do this, but as thats not currently an option, Im looking for an alternative.
EDIT: This originally started as a thread looking for forscan alternatives and quickly turned into a teaching moment from @F150Chief
If your “new” TCU is a J or H series you can still get it provisioned using the free ForScan extended license.
It just a question of what works without a firmware update.
You should install the H series unit and follow the provisioning instructions. It will likely work but could just be missing features. You probably don’t need to change the firmware. You can see what it has once is installed and on the CANBUS.
This is the tcu i ended up picking up. Canbus can see it, as far as i can tell the system can see it, but still new enough as to feel im missing something. The tcu gets stuck on unprovisioned mode and refuses to budge. Im assuming that now that i found the actual full document from @F150Chief that may be due to the APIM not being updated though not sure
The TCU firmware programming will take about 1 hour with a wired adapter, preferably an OBDLink EX. DO NOT use a Bluetooth adapter for firmware programming.
Place your vehicle on a quality battery charger that is capable of at least 8 amps. Battery tenders don’t really work for this, as your vehicle must remain on but not running for the entire time.
Make sure you have the latest firmware for the adapter and recent FORScan software. You will also need the TC files. See your DM…
