The Ford As Built data is a critical piece of information for any Ford owner or mechanic. It contains the original factory configuration settings for all the modules in your vehicle. This data is essential for diagnosing and resolving complex electrical issues, restoring modified settings back to factory defaults, and even understanding the specific features and options originally installed in your vehicle.
What is Ford As Built Data?
As Built data, sometimes referred to as factory settings or configuration data, is a snapshot of your vehicle’s control module programming at the time of manufacture. Each module, responsible for controlling various systems like the engine, transmission, body control, and more, has its unique configuration. This configuration dictates how these systems operate and interact.
Think of the As Built data as your vehicle’s DNA. It provides a detailed record of the specific hardware and software options that were programmed into your Ford when it rolled off the assembly line.
Why You Need Your Ford As Built Data
Accessing your Ford As Built data is crucial in various scenarios:
- Troubleshooting: When dealing with complex electrical problems, comparing current module settings to the original As Built data can pinpoint discrepancies and lead to faster, more accurate diagnoses.
- Modifications: If you’ve made aftermarket modifications that altered module settings, the As Built data allows you to revert back to the factory defaults if needed. This can be invaluable when troubleshooting issues caused by modifications or when selling your vehicle.
- Module Replacement: Replacing a module requires programming it with the correct configuration. The As Built data ensures the new module is configured identically to the original, maintaining the intended functionality.
- Vehicle History: As Built data can provide insights into the original features and options your vehicle had when new, even if they’ve been subsequently removed or modified.
How to Access Your Ford As Built Data
There are several ways to obtain your Ford As Built data:
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Motorcraft Service Website: Ford provides public access to As Built data through their website: https://www.motorcraftservice.com/AsBuilt. You’ll need your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to retrieve the data. This is a free and convenient method.
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FORScan Software: FORScan, a diagnostic software for Ford vehicles, allows you to read and save your vehicle’s current module configurations. This creates a backup of your “as-built” data before any modifications. This method provides a local copy of your data and is especially useful for those who frequently modify their vehicle settings.
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Dealership: A Ford dealership can access your As Built data using their specialized diagnostic equipment. While this is an option, it may involve a service fee.
Importance of Backing Up Your Data
Before making any changes to your vehicle’s module settings, it’s crucial to back up your existing configuration. This allows you to easily restore your vehicle to its previous state if something goes wrong. FORScan is a popular tool for creating these backups. The process involves reading the data from each module and saving it to a file on your computer.
Utilizing the As Built Data
Once you’ve obtained your As Built data, you can use it with diagnostic software like FORScan to compare it to your vehicle’s current settings. This process can reveal any modifications that have been made and potentially identify the root cause of a problem. In some cases, you can use the As Built data to directly reprogram a module back to its original factory configuration.
Conclusion
The Ford As Built data is an invaluable resource for maintaining and troubleshooting your Ford vehicle. Knowing how to access and utilize this information empowers you to make informed decisions about modifications, repairs, and diagnostics. By leveraging the As Built data and tools like FORScan, you can ensure your Ford continues to operate as intended. Remember to always back up your module configurations before making any changes to avoid potential complications.
