FORScan and Ford Kuga

[Piford]

I would like to put all options regarding Ford Kuga, which I tried to enable/disable via Forscan, in one post so I don't hijack anyone else's post. It would be nice if more Kuga owners contributed here. My Kuga is PHEV ST Line X 2.5 242kW from 2025. So let's start

Alarm System
BdyCM - Perimeter Alarm - Enabled
BdyCM - Perimeter Alarm Chime - Enable Driver
BdyCM - Alarm Horn Sound - Enabled - it was factory default
BdyCM - Alarm Sound Type - Vehicle Horn - it was factory default
APIM - Perimeter Alarm w/Reduced Guard Control Function - Enabled - adds Alarm option in Sync4 but greyed out
IPC - Perimeter Alarm Guard Control - Enabled - enables Alarm options in Sync4

With this setup, I have an option on my Sync4 to enable or disable alarm and motion sensors. My motion sensors don't work, and the option shows they are "ON". I think APIM setting has something to do with it (Reduced Guard Control Function), but if I set it to disable, then the perimeter alarm doesn't work at all. I took a picture of something in my roof panel that could be a motion sensor


Auto Lock
BdyCM - Auto Lock - Vehicle - Enabled - automaticaly locks door over 20kmph
APIM - Auto Lock Control Function - Enabled - adds an option in Sync4
DDM - Dimming Lock Status LED - Enabled - dimms LED on door button according to interior lighting (didn't test this one yet)

360 Camera
APIM - 50/50 View at Speed - Enabled - enables additional camera view from both cameras on doors

This option doesn't work for me. Nothing has changed on my camera button; I still have the same views as I did before, so I set it to Disabled.

Approach Detection
APIM - Approach Detection Control Function - Enabled - adds an option on Sync4 to enable or disable Approach detection
BdyCM - Approach Detection - Initial Value - Enabled
BdyCM - Approach Detection - Personal 1 - Enabled
BdyCM - Approach Detection - Personal 2 - Enabled
BdyCM - Approach Detection - Personal 3 - Enabled
BdyCM - Approach Detection - Personal 4 - Enabled
BdyCM - Approach Detection - Vehicle - Enabled
BdyCM - Approach Light - Enabled
BdyCM - Approach Light Timeout, s - 20
IPC - Approach Detection Control Function - Enabled

This also doesn't work for me. Nothing happens once I approach my car. I can open my car by just grabbing the door handle; I don't need to press the key fob to unlock it, so I presume the key does transmit something.

And the last one I didn't mess with, YET, is Active Park Assist. As far as I know, Ford discontinued this option, but my dealer's offer lists it as part of the equipment. I've read somewhere that new Kuga versions don't have side sensors, they are using some other sensor like BLIS and brake assist ones. I have 4 front and 4 rear sensors, a 360 camera, BLISS, and rear and front brake assist. I would appreciate any input on this.

[Rob V.N.]

Hi, are you sure you have a 2025 Kuga model?
I noticed that your Kuga has 242hp. The 2025 model change got 243hp. to my knowlegde there were also some modifications such as the Sync4 module.
My Kuga PHEV St-line X build week 50.2024 >> modelyear 2025 has 243hp and has no issues you described in your post.

Which FORSan software did you installed?

[Piford]

Hi,

Yes, I'm sure because it was ordered in June 2025 and received in mid-September. Just checked my offer: I have two values for HP 242 and 243, but kW is 178, so...
When you say you don't have any issues I described, what exactly do you mean? You tried to enable the same options as I did, and they all work for you, or?
I'm using the last stable FORScan version 2.3.68

[Rob V.N.]

hi again,

Our KUGA's PHEV modelyear 2025 have new modifications such as an extended systemnetwork, new modules and SW updates.
Your current FORScan version v.2.3.68 is a stable version, However no longer applicable for our Kuga's.
In our case you should use v.2.4.20 Beta (with the knowledge that you will find bugs!)
At this point, I'm hesitant to install this version due to the risk of voiding the manufacturer's warranty. Please note that the dealer's diagnostic equipment, for security reasons, will immediately issue a warning if a modified vehicle is detected. Depending on the nature of the modifications, you may void your manufacturer's warranty.

My intentions are to monitor v.2.4.xx Beta carefully and wait until the end of my manufacturer's warranty.

I will check the same options as you did more in detail and will come back to you,
kind regards, Rob

[Piford]

Great, thank you for the info regarding the app version. I'll definitely wait for a stable new version before making any further changes.
Regarding warranty, unofficial info I have is that as long as you don't mess with the engine, transmission or battery, you should be fine. I'm interested in tuning or such stuff; my focus is on these "nice to have" features. Although I thought the alarm is standard option, it was disabled in my car. Auto lock also, but I have an option in Sync4 for Auto Open, which is funny because if the car doesn't lock, why would it unlock .

[Rob V.N.]

hi again,

I checked my alarm system and it works as well (with the help from Google Gemini.) Here is the answer:

In your 2025 Ford Kuga PHEV ST-Line X, the interior motion sensors (also known as intrusion or ultrasonic sensors) are located in the overhead console unit, near the interior lights and rearview mirror.
Specific Sensor Locations
• Primary Location: Small circular or slatted vents on the overhead console (the plastic panel on the ceiling between the driver and passenger).
• Function: These sensors use ultrasonic waves to monitor the air volume inside the cabin. If the alarm is "Armed" and the sensors detect movement or a change in air pressure (like a window being smashed), the alarm will trigger.
________________________________________
Important Usage Tips
Since you have the ST-Line X trim, which typically includes the full "Thatcham Category 1" alarm system, keep the following in mind:
• Don't Block Them: Ensure that nothing is hanging from the rearview mirror or stored in the overhead compartment that might block these sensors, as it can cause false alarms or prevent them from working.
• "Reduced Guard" Mode: If you are leaving a pet in the car (briefly) or if you’ve left a window slightly cracked on a windy day, you should switch the alarm to Reduced Guard. This disables the motion sensors but keeps the door/hood perimeter protection active.
o How to change: When you turn off the engine, look for a prompt on the digital instrument cluster asking if you want "Full Guard" or "Reduced Guard." This is the (Ask on Exit) You can also find this in the Settings > Vehicle > Alarm menu on your SYNC 4 touchscreen.
o Please bear in mind if you forget to push the button on the steering wheel the vehicle will automatically switch to “Full Guard”
• Scanning the Cabin: The sensors activate roughly 20–30 seconds after you lock the car. If you stay inside to test them, sit perfectly still for a minute before waving your hand to trigger the alarm.

By the way your picture shows the camera for "Driver fatique warning"

[Piford]

Hi,

Thank you for your explanation. My alarm works, once I enabled it via FORScan, but only on door opening without a proper key. Motion sensors do not detect any movement, and I did set them to ON.
I'm not sure that my picture shows a camera for driver warning because, as far as I realized from the manual, the car determines driver fatigue by monitoring driving, i.e., frequent changes in throttle, yawing around the lane, not the driver's head and eyes.