FORD OEM Diagnostic Software Installation and Usage Guide

FORD OEM Diagnostic Software Installation and Usage Guide

Updated on August 8th, 2025

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Thank you for purchasing the TOPDON RLink X3. This guide will assist you in performing diagnostics with the device. Please read all instructions carefully before use. Alternatively, you can also visit the website to watch the tutorial video for a step-by-step demonstration.

If you encounter any issues during diagnostics, feel free to contact us via support@topdon.com. Our technical support team will respond within 24 hours on business days.

1. Diagnostic Procedure Overview

To help you clearly understand the diagnostic procedures using RLink X3, the following diagram illustrates the process:

1. Subscribe to, download and install the OEM diagnostic software

2. Download and install the RLink Platform

  1. Launch the RLink Platform
  2. Bind and activate your RLink X3
  3. Download corresponding drivers
  4. Set RLink as the communication interface

3. Connect the RLink X3 to both the vehicle and your PC

4. Launch the OEM diagnostic software

5. Start diagnostics

This guide explains how to purchase, download, install OEM diagnostic software, as well as how to establish the connection and perform diagnostics (steps 1, 3, 4 and 5). For detailed instructions on downloading, installing, and setting up the RLink Platform (step 2), please refer to the RLink X3 Quick User Guide.

RLink X3 supports three vehicle brands: GM, Ford and Chrysler. If you want to check whether a specific OEM diagnostic software is compatible, refer to the coverage table below.

Note:

The OEM diagnostic software coverage is constantly being updated. For the latest and most comprehensive information, please contact support@topdon.com.  

GM

Ford

Chrysler

Techline Connect

FJDS

Witech2.0

GDS2

FDRS

Chrysler J2534 Flash Application

SPS

Forscan

 

Tech2Win

 

 

 

3. Ford OEM Diagnostic Software Installation & Usage Instructions

3.1. Download & Installation

1. Open the official Ford website: https://www.fordserviceinfo.com/Home/SetCountry

2. Select the corresponding country/region and language, then click Submi

3. Click Log in.


4. Click Create Account and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the procedure.


5. Log in to the newly registered account by clicking Sign in.


6. Click Diagnostic Tool Support > Software, and choose a desired OEM diagnostic software as needed. Click Download Software.

Note:

It is recommended to use FJDS for vehicles manufactured before 2018, and FDRS for vehicles manufactured in 2018 or later. Some vehicle models require subscriptions to both FJDS and FDRS at the same time. If you encounter any related issues, please feel free to contact support@topdon.com.


7. Click the name of the desired diagnostic software and VCI software to download.

Note:

Please note that FJDS and IDS cannot be installed on the same PC. Furthermore, IDS is specifically designed for use with Ford VCIs and is not compatible with J2534 devices. and not J2534 devices. In addition, it is advised to disable any antivirus software before installation, as it may damage the OEM diagnostic software and cause it to malfunction.

 

 

8. Click Login/Register, log in to your account, read the terms and conditions agreement, tick the checkbox and click AGREE & Continue. Choose the diagnostic software you want to purchase.

3.2. Subscription

1. Click Diagnostic Tool Support > Software, and choose a desired OEM diagnostic software. Click Purchase Software.

 

2. Carefully read the information on the web page, confirm the price, and click Click Here to Continue. Purchase a license as needed.

Note:

If you do not use it frequently, it is recommended to purchase a 2-day license.

 

3. Input your username and password, then click .

Note:

For first-time license purchases, completing personal information is required before subscription.

 

4. Click Purchase Additional Licenses.

 

5. Choose the desired type and enter the quantity as needed, then click Next.

 

6. Tick the check box “I have read and agree to the terms of sale.” and click Next.

 

7. After payment completes, you will be redirected to the order page where you can view the activation code.

 

3.3. Activation

3.3.1. Activate FDRS

1. Launch FDRS, click Add License.

Note:

If you have already activated FJDS, there is no need to activate FDRS again.

 


2. Input the activation code.

 

3. If activation succeeds, License will be displayed in green.

 

3.3.2. Activate FJDS

1. Launch FJDS and click Obtain License.

Note:

If you have already activated FDRS, there is no need to activate FJDS again.

 

2. Enter the activation code, then click Continue to activate your license.

 

3.4. Perform Diagnostics

IMPORTANT:

Before launching the OEM diagnostic software, ensure that you have downloaded, installed, and launched the RLink Platform, downloaded the Ford driver, set RLink as the communication interface, and connected RLink X3 to the vehicle and your PC. For detailed information on these steps, refer to the Quick User Guide included in the package and follow the instructions carefully.

3.4.1. Perform Diagnostics via FDRS

1. Launch FDRS.

2. Click the VCI-shaped icon at the bottom right corner.

 

3. Choose Other Device, select TOPDON - RLink from the pull-down list and click OK.

Note:

TOPDON - RLink is only available after you downloaded and installed the RLink Platform, as well as downloaded the Ford driver.

 

4.  After the connection is finished, the VCI-shaped icon will turn green. Choose Independent Operator/Non-Dealer from the pull-down list and click Log In.

Note:

Choose the corresponding user type according to your account permissions.

 

5. Sign in using the account that purchased the corresponding software.

 

 

6. Enter the Vehicle Identification interface and click Read VIN from vehicle to start diagnostics.

 

 



3.4.2. Perform Diagnostics via FJDS

1. After the activation succeeds, launch the FJDS.

 

2. Click  >  > SAE J2534 pass-thru device > TOPDON > √.

 


3. After completing the VCI interface settings, connect the device to a vehicle compatible with FJDS, and select Start New Session to begin diagnostics.



Ford OEM software download, installation, and activation video：

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