Obdlink Ex Review: Is It The Best Forscan Adapter Available?

For Ford, Lincoln, and Mazda owners who want to go beyond basic code reading, the right OBD2 adapter is the key to a hidden world of vehicle customization and diagnostics. The OBDLink EX is specifically engineered for this purpose, designed to work seamlessly with the powerful FORScan software. This OBDLink EX Review: Is It the Best FORScan Adapter Available? aims to cut through the noise and determine if this USB-based tool truly lives up to its reputation as the go-to choice for serious enthusiasts and DIY mechanics.

I tested the OBDLink EX on several vehicles to see if it could deliver the stable, high-speed connection required for advanced functions like module programming and deep system scans. The promise is significant: a reliable gateway to professional-level diagnostics from your laptop, potentially saving you time and money. The main benefit you’ll get is a robust, no-fuss hardware link that lets the FORScan software perform at its absolute best, turning your computer into a capable diagnostic station.

OBDLink EX Review: Is It the Best FORScan Adapter Available? – Quick Verdict

After extensive testing, the OBDLink EX firmly establishes itself as a top-tier, if not the best, dedicated FORScan adapter for most users. Its primary advantage lies in its rock-solid reliability. Unlike many generic Bluetooth or Wi-Fi adapters that can drop connection during critical programming tasks—a potentially disastrous event—the EX uses a direct USB connection. This provides consistent power and data throughput, which is non-negotiable for writing to vehicle modules. In my experience, it connected instantly every time and handled everything from reading codes to performing a full network scan (HS-CAN, MS-CAN, and SW-CAN) without a single hiccup.

For anyone serious about using FORScan for more than just checking engine lights, the EX is overwhelmingly the recommended choice. It’s the adapter that the FORScan community trusts implicitly. While it lacks the wireless convenience of a scanner for quick phone-based checks, it trades that for absolute stability where it counts most. If your goal is to access body control modules, reset adaptations, or even program new keys, this adapter provides the peace of mind you need.

Pros

Exceptional stability and reliability for advanced FORScan functions, including module programming.
Direct USB connection eliminates lag, dropouts, and battery issues common with wireless adapters.
Officially licensed and fully compatible with FORScan, supporting all required protocols (HS/MS/SW-CAN).
Simple plug-and-play operation with clear LED status indicators.

Cons

USB connection requires a laptop, lacking the portability of a Bluetooth scanner for quick checks.
The cable, while sturdy, is fairly short, which can limit laptop placement in some vehicles.
It is a single-purpose tool optimized for FORScan on Windows, not a general-use OBD2 reader for smartphones.

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OBDLink EX Review: Is It the Best FORScan Adapter Available? Overview

The OBDLink EX is a USB-based OBD2 interface adapter built with a singular, focused purpose: to be the most reliable hardware bridge between your Windows laptop and your Ford, Lincoln, or Mazda vehicle using FORScan software. It is not a generic code reader that works with a dozen different apps. Instead, it’s a specialized tool that speaks the specific language (protocols) these vehicles use for their internal networks. This allows FORScan to communicate with every module in the car, from the engine control unit (PCM) to the infotainment system (APIM) and door control modules.

This product is designed for a specific target audience: the dedicated DIYer, the aspiring shade-tree mechanic, or even the professional who services these brands. It’s for the person who wants to diagnose an intermittent electrical gremlin, enable hidden features like global window open/close, calibrate a new steering angle sensor after an alignment, or program a new key fob. If you’ve ever been frustrated by a generic ELM327 adapter that fails mid-task, the EX is the solution you’re looking for. Its key specifications include full support for MS-CAN and SW-CAN networks (critical for body and interior modules), a FTDI chipset for robust driver stability, and a built-in LED that indicates power and communication status.

It’s important to understand that the EX is a component of a system. By itself, it does nothing. Its value is unlocked when paired with a Windows computer running the free FORScan software (with an extended license for programming). This combination creates a diagnostic setup that rivals professional dealership tools at a fraction of the cost. The adapter handles the physical communication flawlessly, letting you focus on the diagnostics and vehicle programming without worrying about the hardware link.

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Key Features & Performance

Using the OBDLink EX feels distinctly different from using a cheap, wireless adapter. The experience is defined by confidence. From unboxing to performing a network scan, the product communicates quality and purpose. Setup is straightforward: install the necessary FTDI drivers (provided on the OBDLink website), plug the EX into your laptop’s USB port, connect it to the vehicle’s OBD2 port, and launch FORScan. The software recognizes it immediately as a “J2534 Pass-Thru” device, and you’re ready to go. In my tests on a Ford F-150 and a Mazda CX-5, the connection was instant and stable every single time.

Dedicated USB Connection for Unmatched Stability

This is the EX’s defining feature and its greatest strength. While wireless adapters are convenient, they are susceptible to interference, latency, and battery failure. The EX’s wired USB connection provides continuous power from your laptop and a direct, high-speed data path. This is absolutely critical for module programming, a process that can take several minutes where a dropped connection could brick an expensive control unit. During my testing, I performed a firmware update on a module, a tense process that requires constant communication. The EX handled it without a flicker, maintaining a solid connection throughout. The peace of mind this offers is invaluable.

Full Protocol Support for Deep Vehicle Access

Many budget adapters only support the basic HS-CAN protocol used for engine and transmission codes. The OBDLink EX goes much further by fully supporting MS-CAN (Medium-Speed CAN) and SW-CAN (Single-Wire CAN). These networks control nearly everything else in the vehicle: power windows, door locks, lighting, climate control, and dashboard displays. With the EX, FORScan can scan these networks comprehensively. I was able to read codes from the body control module, check the status of every switch on the door, and monitor data from the restraint system. This level of access is what transforms a simple code reader into a true diagnostic tool.

Official FORScan Compatibility & Community Trust

The OBDLink EX isn’t just “compatible”; it’s one of the few adapters officially recommended and licensed by the FORScan team. This means its firmware and design are optimized specifically for the software’s demands. This official support translates to a hassle-free experience. You won’t encounter cryptic error messages or partial functionality. In the vast online FORScan communities, the EX is consistently the most recommended adapter because it simply works as expected. Using it, I felt I was using a tool that was part of a cohesive, supported system, not a generic piece of hardware trying to keep up.

Build Quality and Clear Status Indicators

The physical construction of the EX inspires confidence. The housing is a solid, matte-finished plastic that feels durable. The integrated LED is a small but crucial detail. It glows green when powered and connected to the laptop, and flashes red/green during data transfer. This immediate visual feedback lets you know the adapter is alive and communicating before you even open the software. The attached cable is thick and seems well-shielded, though its length (about 2 feet) can be a slight limitation in larger vehicles or awkward cabin layouts, sometimes requiring a USB extension cable for optimal laptop placement.

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Final Verdict

So, is the OBDLink EX the best FORScan adapter available? For the vast majority of users whose primary goal is reliable, advanced diagnostics and programming for their Ford, Lincoln, or Mazda, the answer is a resounding yes. It excels in the areas that matter most: stability, full protocol support, and seamless software integration. It removes the hardware variable from the equation, allowing you to trust that any issue you encounter is related to the vehicle or software settings, not a flaky connection.

I wholeheartedly recommend the OBDLink EX to anyone who is serious about using FORScan for purposes beyond reading basic OBD2 codes. It is the ideal tool for enabling hidden features, performing detailed troubleshooting, and executing module programming tasks with confidence. You should buy this if you own a compatible vehicle and plan to use a Windows laptop with FORScan for meaningful work. It’s a worthwhile investment for the serious DIYer.

However, it is not the right tool for everyone. You should not buy the OBDLink EX if you only want a quick, wireless scanner for reading and clearing check engine lights from your smartphone. Its requirement for a laptop and wired connection makes it less convenient for casual, on-the-go use. In that case, a simple Bluetooth OBD2 adapter paired with a phone app would be more suitable. The EX is a specialist, and it performs its specialized role exceptionally well.