Support of J2534 (Pass-Thru) adapters in FORScan v2.2.*

Discussion about adapters and connections - usage, problems, solutions
aup
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Re: Support of J2534 (Pass-Thru) adapters in FORScan v2.2.*

Post by aup »

Ecmbuster wrote: Fri Aug 18, 2023 2:09 am @ jony
@96GTSpeedDemon

If the VCM II is a clone, it may never connect to modern IDS applications.
If a new application for Device Manager is available, then the VCM II can be updated with the firmware.
The problems begin when IDS recognizes the VCM II firmware and an update will be required for IDS.
That will mean a subscription with Motorcraft.

If the VCM3 is used (Windows 10) then the new application with the Device Manager can access the VCM I.
That choice is built in because of the older protocols the VCM3 cannot perform.

If the VCM I is being used stand alone, then Windows 7 is required to operate the last version the VCM I can handle.
The VCM I is model year dependent. The VCM I can also connect to Mazda IDS and older Jag / Rover models that require IDS functionality.
The firmware will update itself into either application.

VCM I, VCM II and VCM 3 can be used as J2534 devices with FORScan - already proved it.

Search for these titles with Google:
IDS Trouble shooting
IDS User Manual
IDSInstructions_US_ENG
VCMHardwareManualFord_ENG

This I created:
viewtopic.php?t=13798

https://www.boschdiagnostics.com/softwa ... ord-vcm-ii

https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconne ... atsnew.pdf

https://www.cardiagtool.co.uk/info/how- ... 33354.html

Been there, done that.
thankyou
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Re: Support of J2534 (Pass-Thru) adapters in FORScan v2.2.*

Post by WYLEGT »

Has anyone tried the Dashbridge CX J2534 adapter? I used this adapter for Roush RDT and PCMtec with no issues. I get a communication interruption when I try to use it with Forscan when reading the IPC module on a 2021 Mustang GT. I also tried the OBDLINX Ex with the same results which makes me think it isnt the cables. It can connects to the car and thats about it.
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Re: Support of J2534 (Pass-Thru) adapters in FORScan v2.2.*

Post by apjmax »

hi. i´m working with SM2PRO j2534 interface.
it is Recognized for its capabilities, I have performed asbuilt operations on several modules.
Highly, highly recommended.
I previously used obdlink EX. Excellent interface as well, which automatic ms CAN.
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Re: Support of J2534 (Pass-Thru) adapters in FORScan v2.2.*

Post by 2007 MZR-CD »

I was given a J2534 but have no idea what type it is.

Is there a way to work this out, so I can get drivers to use with my 2024 Mazda Skyactive 2.5 litre petrol
Australian 2006 Mazda 6 Wagon MZR-CD Turbo Diesel
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Re: Support of J2534 (Pass-Thru) adapters in FORScan v2.2.*

Post by oldtinfords »

2007 MZR-CD wrote: Sat Jul 19, 2025 12:16 pm I was given a J2534 but have no idea what type it is.

Is there a way to work this out, so I can get drivers to use with my 2024 Mazda Skyactive 2.5 litre petrol
Looking at the images of the device in my crystal ball, I'm going to guess it's a J2534 device that you don't have drivers for.
You need to provide photos. If you are having troubles attaching them, come back later. At times, there might be an error saying upload limit has been reached. A google reverse image search might also work.

Loading photos to cloud storage & providing a link is also a good option when attaching files isn't working.

Adding every piece of detail on a label could help too if you are still struggling to add photos or a link, but less likely to help if it's a little known device.
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Re: Support of J2534 (Pass-Thru) adapters in FORScan v2.2.*

Post by 2007 MZR-CD »

I hope these pictures help!!
J2534 dscf2460.jpg
J2534 dscf2460.jpg (32.74 KiB) Viewed 5020 times
J2534 dscf2459.jpg
J2534 dscf2459.jpg (28.84 KiB) Viewed 5020 times
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Re: Support of J2534 (Pass-Thru) adapters in FORScan v2.2.*

Post by oldtinfords »

Looks a lot like a dodgy Tatrix clone. These have been known to fail & brick modules.
If it is, it will only find modules on HSCAN & is unsuitable for most FORScan programming, code checking etc.
You could test by downloading the drivers & J2534 DLL & see if it is recognised in device manager & FORScan. Keep in mind that even the original Tatrix are limited. https://www.tactrix.com/downloads/openp ... 024820.exe
To be honest, i'd buy a vLinker FS USB cable before I'd trust a Tatrix clone.
Dodgy Tatrix Clones.jpg
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Re: Support of J2534 (Pass-Thru) adapters in FORScan v2.2.*

Post by 2007 MZR-CD »

oldtinfords wrote: Sun Jul 20, 2025 1:37 am Looks a lot like a dodgy Tatrix clone. These have been known to fail & brick modules.
If it is, it will only find modules on HSCAN & is unsuitable for most FORScan programming, code checking etc.
You could test by downloading the drivers & J2534 DLL & see if it is recognised in device manager & FORScan. Keep in mind that even the original Tatrix are limited. https://www.tactrix.com/downloads/openp ... 024820.exe
To be honest, i'd buy a vLinker FS USB cable before I'd trust a Tatrix clone.

Dodgy Tatrix Clones.jpg
Thank you oldtinfords.
So if I get 'vLinker FS USB cable', will I need to also down load Drivers & Firmware Update and install them to my Windows 10 laptop before using my licenced Forscan?
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Re: Support of J2534 (Pass-Thru) adapters in FORScan v2.2.*

Post by oldtinfords »

2007 MZR-CD wrote: Sun Jul 20, 2025 2:16 am
oldtinfords wrote: Sun Jul 20, 2025 1:37 am Looks a lot like a dodgy Tatrix clone. These have been known to fail & brick modules.
If it is, it will only find modules on HSCAN & is unsuitable for most FORScan programming, code checking etc.
You could test by downloading the drivers & J2534 DLL & see if it is recognised in device manager & FORScan. Keep in mind that even the original Tatrix are limited. https://www.tactrix.com/downloads/openp ... 024820.exe
To be honest, i'd buy a vLinker FS USB cable before I'd trust a Tatrix clone.

Dodgy Tatrix Clones.jpg
Thank you oldtinfords.
So if I get 'vLinker FS USB cable', will I need to also down load Drivers & Firmware Update and install them to my Windows 10 laptop before using my licenced Forscan?
Yes, these can be downloaded from the VGATE website
https://www.vgatemall.com/api/web/downl ... 2.3.04.zip
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Re: Support of J2534 (Pass-Thru) adapters in FORScan v2.2.*

Post by oldtinfords »

If you plan on using Ford tuning software eg PCMtec or other Ford software where a J2534 cable is used, I'd look at the OBDX Pro FT. I use one of these, but they are a bit more expensive
https://obdxpro.com/product/obdx-pro-fx ... nd-tuning/
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