FORScan Programming Guide
APIM Module Configuration for Ford Vehicles
Hardware
- Windows laptop
- ELS27 OBD-II adapter (included in package)
- Your Ford vehicle
Software
- FORScan for Windows
- Free Extended License (2-month trial)
- TeamViewer (optional, for remote help)
Download FORScan
Visit www.forscan.org on your Windows laptop and download the latest version of FORScan for Windows.
Register for a Free Extended License
FORScan requires an Extended License to perform APIM module programming. You can get a free 2-month trial license by registering with your email on the FORScan website.
Fill in the registration form with your name, email address, and Hardware ID (see Step 3 for how to find it):
Find Your Hardware ID
Open FORScan on your laptop. Your Hardware ID is displayed on the main screen. Click "Copy to Clipboard" and paste it into the license registration form.
Connect Your Laptop to the Vehicle
Use the ELS27 OBD-II adapter cable included in your package. Plug the USB end into your laptop and the OBD-II connector into your vehicle's diagnostic port.
The OBD-II port is located under the dashboard, to the left of the steering wheel:
Read & Edit the APIM Module
Now you're ready to program your APIM (Accessory Protocol Interface Module) using FORScan. Follow these sub-steps carefully:
5a. Connect to Vehicle in FORScan
Click the Connect button (wrench icon) at the bottom-left of the FORScan window. Wait until the status bar shows "Vehicle: Ready" in green.
5b. Open Configuration & Programming
Click the Configuration & Programming icon in the left sidebar. Then select "APIM Module configuration (AS BUILT format)" from the list.
5c. Confirm the Warning
A warning dialog will appear. Click "OK" to proceed.
5d. Edit and Write AS BUILT Data
The AS BUILT data editor shows all the configuration blocks for your APIM module. Follow the specific instructions provided with your product for which values to change.
Reset the APIM Module
After writing your new AS BUILT data, you must reset the APIM module for the changes to take effect.
6a. Open Service Procedures
Exit the module programming screen. Click the Service Procedures icon (wrench with circular arrow) in the left sidebar. Select "APIM Module Reboot" and click the Play button.
6b. Confirm Module Reboot
Click "OK" to confirm the module reboot.
6c. Follow the Ignition Cycle
FORScan will guide you through an ignition cycle:
- Turn the ignition OFF when prompted → Click OK
- Wait for the prompt
- Turn the ignition ON (do NOT start the engine) → Click OK
6d. Wait for Completion
Wait for the progress bar to reach 100%. The log will show "Service procedure completed successfully." Your APIM module has been reprogrammed!
Need Help? Request a Remote Programming Session
If you're not comfortable performing the programming yourself, we offer free remote programming sessions. Download and install TeamViewer on your laptop, then contact our support team to schedule a session.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| FORScan won't connect to vehicle | Check that the ELS27 cable is firmly plugged into both the laptop USB port and the OBD-II port. Make sure the ignition is ON. Try a different USB port. |
| Interface indicator light not on | Install the ELS27 driver from the manufacturer's website. Check Device Manager for unrecognized USB devices. |
| License not appearing after registration | Wait 15–30 minutes and refresh the page. Make sure you entered the correct Hardware ID. Try resubmitting the form. |
| Screen goes black after programming | Perform the APIM Module Reboot (Step 6). If the screen doesn't recover, restore your saved AS BUILT backup data. |
| Vehicle throws error codes | Reconnect with FORScan, restore your original AS BUILT data using "Restore All", then reboot the APIM module. |