I have been getting the orange engine management light coming up a couple of times over the past few months, usually a few hours into a long drive. No change in the way the car drives and it has gone off within a couple of days after a few restarts. I think I should check out what this might mean so need to get myself set up with Forscan.

I see this cable as the one recommended - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP?tag=autoclubinte-21 - is this still the right one and the old ELM ones are no longer used? Is it a Ford specific one or can it be used with other manufacturers including older cars (linked with the right software ofcourse), like my wife's 20 year old VW for example?

Then I will download Forscan to the laptop. How much time will I need to learn to use it from a standing start till I can at least diagnose fault codes? Its not that I am computer illiterate but what to understand it enough not to mess anything up - there looks to be a lot of support on the Forscan website and forums as long as it doesn't assume too much starting knowledge. Then I can look at other improvements like the 95% battery charge.

Any advice welcome.

That is the same cable I purchased from Amazon and used on my 73 plate Focus, with Forscan, to adjust the battery target state of charge. Can’t really advise much beyond that as I have not used Forscan for anything else, I’m far too (chicken) cautious! But there are plenty others with more experience who will likely advise, and lots of helpful posts on this forum to check before you jump. Good luck.

It won't work for non-Ford based models. Except for maybe the most basic generic OBD2 codes that trigger the Engine Management Light. For VW specific codes, or things like adaptions or battery coding, you'd need a different type of adapter and software.

Forscan is very user friendly. I would be surprised if you can't complete a fault code scan within 10 minutes of downloading it. The place where most people seem to get stuck is on the cable drivers, rather than the Forscan software.

Thanks both, looks like I will just have to get on with it.

@TomsFocus what do you mean by getting stuck on the cable drivers - is that something else I need to download and install to get the cables to talk to the software?

9 minutes ago, south_bound said:

Thanks both, looks like I will just have to get on with it.

@TomsFocus what do you mean by getting stuck on the cable drivers - is that something else I need to download and install to get the cables to talk to the software?

Yes, the cable is a separate thing to the Forscan program. That needs drivers to communicate with the laptop before you can do anything with it.

If you've got a modern laptop, it might suggest the correct drivers automatically when you plug it in. If not, there should be a link to download them somewhere on the V-Linker website.

You’re definitely on the right track!

The OBD adapter you've selected is perfect. I’ve been using FORScan for years, and honestly, you’ll pick it up really fast—it’s not hard to use at all once you get the hang of the interface.

If you need any help or get stuck on a specific module, please feel free to get in touch. I’ll also have a full, comprehensive FORScan guide going live on my website very soon, so keep an eye on mk8stmods.co.uk.

Good luck with the coding!

On 5/25/2026 at 11:27 AM, TomsFocus said:

Yes, the cable is a separate thing to the Forscan program. That needs drivers to communicate with the laptop before you can do anything with it.

If you've got a modern laptop, it might suggest the correct drivers automatically when you plug it in. If not, there should be a link to download them somewhere on the V-Linker website.

So does that mean I need to connect the laptop to wifi at the same time as connecting the cable to the car so it can pick up the driver off the internet? Sounds like a bit of a faf if the car is out of wifi range?

17 hours ago, Ricky001 said:

You’re definitely on the right track!

The OBD adapter you've selected is perfect. I’ve been using FORScan for years, and honestly, you’ll pick it up really fast—it’s not hard to use at all once you get the hang of the interface.

If you need any help or get stuck on a specific module, please feel free to get in touch. I’ll also have a full, comprehensive FORScan guide going live on my website very soon, so keep an eye on mk8stmods.co.uk.

Good luck with the coding!

Thanks for that, but your website raises a security alert when I link through on my work computer☹️. I'll try on my personal laptop later on if you promise me it will not hack my bank cards when I connect😁

6 minutes ago, south_bound said:

So does that mean I need to connect the laptop to wifi at the same time as connecting the cable to the car so it can pick up the driver off the internet? Sounds like a bit of a faf if the car is out of wifi range?

No. Connect the cable and download the drivers while indoors. Then take laptop & cable out to the car.

In the olden days drivers used to come on mini-discs, but I suspect that isn't the case now! 😄

Also worth noting that some Forscan functions require internet access. But not a fault scan or basic adaptions, which you intend to use it for.

LOL your be fine, its very new im working on new guides as I get round to it so not much help regarding forscan at the momment but ill have full user guide up and running soon.

Will Forscan work with windows 11?

34 minutes ago, Bonny Munster said:

Will Forscan work with windows 11?

Yes it does.

Thanks Tizer I thought you would be called Iron Bru

2 hours ago, Bonny Munster said:

Thanks Tizer I thought you would be called Iron Bru

Could have been but I always preferred Tizer or Vimto😁

21 minutes ago, Tizer said:

Could have been but I always preferred Tizer or Vimto😁

Good man Vimto a proper Manchester drink Now I have to buy my cable for Forscan