Hey guys, sorry if this is a topic that was already covered, but I didn't see many mk4 threads.

I have Matrix adaptive headlights on my Focus MK4 ST-line and the LED strips have started flickering whenever I use turn signals or front fog lights. What I mean by LED strips is this part of the headlight that is turned on in the picture below.

The main adaptive lamps/lights work just fine, but the LED strips that should dim a bit whenever I use blinkers, just flicker instead.

FORScan doesn't detect any issues. The local "electricians" told me they would rather not open the headlight box to inspect as it may cause damage. Could this be an issue with the wiring or are the headlights just dying slowly?
 

9 minutes ago, Wunder said:

What I mean by LED strips is this part of the headlight that is turned on in the picture below.

They are the 'Day Running Lights' (DRL's)

If the fault is within the headlight assembly then it is a situation of needing to replace the whole headlight which if you have Matrix adaptive headlights you can expect to pay at least £1200 plus fitting.

To check to see if it the light or the control you could just unplug both headlights and swap them over and see if the fault remains with the same light unit.

6 hours ago, unofix said:

They are the 'Day Running Lights' (DRL's)

If the fault is within the headlight assembly then it is a situation of needing to replace the whole headlight which if you have Matrix adaptive headlights you can expect to pay at least £1200 plus fitting.

To check to see if it the light or the control you could just unplug both headlights and swap them over and see if the fault remains with the same light unit.

Hey@unofix, thanks for the reply and the explanation!

Understood, if the issue is within the assembly, replacement headlights will be needed.

That being said, I can't check if the issue lies in the control as both headlights have the same issue. I thought it could be an issue with the updates the car didn't receive in time, and the "dimming" command being "confusing" for the headlight assembly when I use my blinkers. But, with the flicker happening with fog lights being turned on, I leaned more towards an issue with the current or installations, as it seems like there is a lack of power. Any ideas how to check that?

I'm going to stick my neck out here and I'm ready to be corrected if I'm wrong but my understanding is that the DRLs are driven with a pulse signal and the brightness is controlled by changing the pulse duration. Normally both sides dim when the headlights are turned on in addition to being individually dimmed, or even turned off, when the indicators are operated. It may also be the case that they dim when the foglights are turned on which would make sense as they would otherwise create a white wall in fog.

The fact that both headlamps are affected suggests to me that the control of the pulse duration has been corrupted and maybe a software update or reload of asbuilt data would fix it. I assume this would be in the BCM.

Thanks for the above mjt! Happy to explore potential firmware updates or the asbuilt data reload.

To understand fully, both of these scenarios require Forscan? I currently don’t have access to the program, as I only checked for errors once with a local guy who has the program and the equipment.

If Forscan is needed, I am happy to invest in the obd2, but didn’t find any of the options Forscan guys suggest in Europe to buy. Any suggestions there?

Hey guys, I finally got my hands on a working OBD (ELM 327) and got my hands on the extended license for Forscan.

I unfortunately can't get the DRLs to dim properly, they continue flickering. I've tried restoring factory asbuilt data, but no luck.

I've managed to find an option that allows DRLs to turn off whenever the turn signal is used. The option was in the BCM module. It's not perfect, but at least it doesn't hurt my soul watching the DRLs flicker in the reflection of the car in front. I'll continue exploring and relay back if I find a solution.

12 minutes ago, Wunder said:

I finally got my hands on a working OBD (ELM 327) and got my hands on the extended license for Forscan.

The latest versions of FORScan don't support the old ELM327(modified) leads anymore. Some functions may still be available but mostly only on vehicles built before 2013

For a 2019 Focus you must use either the vLinker FS, or use the OBDLink EX. Trying to use an unsupported lead on a modern vehicle is unlikely to work.

On 4/7/2024 at 8:59 PM, unofix said:

FORScan (for use with Windows Laptop) : https://forscan.org/download.html

It's what many Ford owners use including some Ford technicians.

• vLinker FS, cable for laptop: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP

OR

• OBDLINK EX, cable for laptop: https://www.amazon.co.uk/OBDLINK-EX-FORScan-OBD-Adapter/dp/B081VQVD3F/ref=sr_1_5

For diagnostic use only:

• vLinker FD, for android phone: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-Bluetooth-vLinker-Scanner-Diagnostic/dp/B08H82WC8L
• vLinker FD+, for iPhone: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-Bluetooth-vLinker-Scanner-Diagnostic/dp/B08H8JHWP2

 

Search Tag:   FORScan123

 

18 minutes ago, unofix said:

The latest versions of FORScan don't support the old ELM327(modified) leads anymore. Some functions may still be available but mostly only on vehicles built before 2013

For a 2019 Focus you must use either the vLinker FS, or use the OBDLink EX. Trying to use an unsupported lead on a modern vehicle is unlikely to work.

 

Thanks for the heads-up. I've tested a dozen modifications within various modules (mostly BCM, some ), and they have taken effect. I've also unlocked some advanced menus for both Sync and the dashboard.

I am quite cautious with fiddling around core functions, as I'm aware the full OBD compatibility isn't met, but this is the best I could get my hands on. Most of the websites don't ship to Bosnia 😞