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Comparison · FORScan

ELS27 vs ELM327 USB for FORScan: which one your Ford needs

Both connect over USB to a Windows laptop. The difference is which car networks they reach: the ELM327 USB stays on the HS-CAN; the ELS27 also gets into the MS-CAN, with no switch to flip.

By Redacción de Satkit Updated 3 min read

Which one to choose for your case

If you have a Ford or Mazda and want to see every module

ChooseELS27 USB for FORScan €14.39

It reaches both HS-CAN and MS-CAN and switches by itself: FORScan sees the cluster, comfort and climate modules.

If you will configure or program modules with FORScan

ChooseELS27 USB for FORScan €14.39

Listed by FORScan among its supported adapters, and USB, the stable connection a write needs.

If your car is not a Ford or Mazda, or you only need the engine

ChooseELM327 USB v1.5 €11.08

It reads and clears engine faults and shows live data on any OBD2 car, wired, from your laptop.

Side by side

ELS27 vs ELM327 USB for FORScan: which one your Ford needs: ELS27 USB for FORScan / ELM327 USB v1.5
Feature ELS27 USB for FORScanELM327 USB v1.5
ConnectionUSBUSB
Works with
  • iPhone (not compatible)
  • Android (not compatible)
  • Windows
  • iPhone (not compatible)
  • Android (not compatible)
  • Windows
ChipFT232RL (USB)PIC18F25K80
ProtocolsThe ones FORScan uses on Ford, Mazda, Lincoln and MercuryOBD2/EOBD and CAN
CAN busHS-CAN and MS-CAN (automatic switching)HS-CAN only
Best forFORScan on Ford and Mazda: every moduleA Windows laptop: the most stable connection
Price at Satkit€14.39€11.08

Pros and cons

ELS27 USB for FORScan

Pros

  • HS-CAN and MS-CAN with no switch: changes network by itself
  • Listed by FORScan among its supported adapters
  • USB: a stable connection for programming modules

Cons

  • Built for Ford, Mazda, Lincoln and Mercury
  • Windows laptop only, wired

ELM327 USB v1.5

Pros

  • Wired: no pairing and no dropouts
  • PIC18F25K80 chip
  • CD with drivers and software

Cons

  • Windows PC only (no official Mac support)
  • HS-CAN only: with FORScan it cannot reach the MS-CAN modules

FORScan is the reference software for Ford, Mazda, Lincoln and Mercury on a Windows laptop. To use it properly you need an adapter that reaches the car networks where the modules live, and that is exactly what separates these two: both are USB, both work with Windows, but they do not see the same control units.

HS-CAN and MS-CAN: the difference that matters

Many Fords and Mazdas have two CAN networks:

  • HS-CAN (high speed): engine, gearbox, ABS... It comes out on pins 6 and 14 of the OBD2 socket, the ones any ELM327 uses.
  • MS-CAN (medium speed): comfort, instrument cluster, climate control, radio modules... On Fords it comes out on different pins, 3 and 11.

The ELM327 USB only reaches the HS-CAN. With FORScan you will see the engine and the other modules on that network, but not the MS-CAN ones. The ELS27 reaches both and switches network by itself: FORScan handles everything and there is no switch to flip, unlike "modified" ELM327s with an HS/MS-CAN toggle. We explain it in more detail in what an ELM327 is.

For programming, USB

Enabling features or changing a module's configuration is a write: if the connection drops halfway, the module can be left badly configured. That is why FORScan recommends USB adapters, and both of these are. Before writing anything, back up the settings from FORScan itself and connect a battery charger if the session will be long.

Step by step with FORScan

Installation, connection and how to read and clear faults with FORScan on Windows are in the software guide. With the ELS27, FORScan detects the adapter on connection and sees the modules on both networks without asking you anything.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use FORScan with the ELM327 USB?

Yes. FORScan works with it, but you will only see the modules on the HS-CAN network, such as the engine. The MS-CAN ones, such as the cluster, comfort or climate modules, need an adapter like the ELS27.

Do I have to flip a switch with the ELS27?

No. The ELS27 changes between HS-CAN and MS-CAN by itself whenever FORScan needs it. Switches belong to modified ELM327s with a toggle.

Does the ELS27 work with other makes?

It is built for FORScan on Ford, Mazda, Lincoln and Mercury. For a car of another make on a laptop, the ELM327 USB is the simple choice with any OBD2 program for Windows.

Do they work on a Mac?

Both are made for Windows, like FORScan. The ELM327 USB has no official Mac support, although some third-party programs may work.

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