Why CAN support matters on a Falcon
On a BA, BF or FG Falcon the engine computer isn't an island. The cluster, body modules, ABS and (on autos) the transmission all expect to hear from it over the vehicle CAN bus. Pull the factory ECU and fit something that doesn't speak that language, and you lose gauges, warnings and sometimes much more.
The Elite Pro Plug-in for the Falcon I6 has the Falcon's CAN messages built into its firmware. After the initial setup it talks to the rest of the car in the background. The job for you, or for us, is knowing which features need a setting turned on in ESP. If you're just starting, the Falcon quick start guide and plug-in model selection come first.
What works with no setup
These features run automatically once the ECU is set to the right model:
| Feature | BA | BF | FG MKI | FG MKII |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cluster temperature gauge | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Engine over-temperature warning light | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission over-temperature warning light | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tachometer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel consumption display | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Range (distance to empty) display | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ford Travel Assistance Service | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Not listed |
The two warning thresholds are fixed:
- The engine temperature light comes on when the cylinder head temperature sensor (which the Barra uses as its coolant temperature reading) hits 248°F (120°C) or more.
- On FG models, the transmission temperature light comes on when the gearbox oil temperature sensor reads 266°F (130°C) or more.
What needs setting up in ESP
These features are supported over CAN, but the matching function has to be enabled and configured before the car uses it:
| Function | BA | BF | FG MKI | FG MKII | Our notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air conditioner control | CAN request | CAN request plus temp sensor | CAN request plus temp sensor | CAN request plus temp sensor | The A/C request comes from the climate module over CAN |
| Check engine light | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Decide which faults should light it |
| Oil pressure warning light | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Lights below 6 psi (42 kPa) |
| Vehicle speed sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Read the dyno note below |
| Cruise control, with enabled and active lights | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Both cluster lights are supported |
| Torque model | No | Yes | Traction control limit input | Traction control limit input | FG traction control can ask the engine for less torque |
| CAN input | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Heads-up display information | No | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Lateral G sensor | No | No | No | Yes | FG MKII only |
ZF 6-speed automatic cars
BF and FG Falcons fitted with the ZF 6HP26 six-speed auto need extra functions so the ECU and transmission control unit can cooperate over CAN. Set up the Automatic Transmission - Ford Falcon 6 Speed function, then work through these:
- Automatic Transmission - Ford Falcon 6 Speed: enable the Transmission Torque Reduction Input and the Transmission Torque Limit Input, so the gearbox can ask for less torque during shifts.
- Gear Detection: set the Gear Detection Type and turn on Selector Position Enable.
- Gearbox Oil Temperature Sensor: set the input type to CAN.
- Transmission Input RPM Sensor: set the input type to CAN.
- Driveshaft RPM Sensor: set the input type to CAN.
- Torque Converter Control: set the Lockup Feedback Mode.
Miss one of these and the car usually tells you: shifts get harsh because torque isn't being pulled, or the gear readout and lockup behave oddly. Also check the ABS status settings covered in ABS module installation status if the car has had a transmission swap.
On a two-wheel-drive dyno, only the rear wheels turn. If the ECU's main vehicle speed source is still the front wheels, the cluster and chassis systems see a car that is stationary and spinning its rear wheels at the same time. The result is a dead speedometer, an odometer that runs away, and upset ABS and traction control. Set the main vehicle speed source to the rear before the car goes on the rollers, and set it back to the front before it goes back on the road, so wheelspin doesn't give the cluster false readings.
The factory Ford audio unit keeps working with the Haltech fitted. On some variants, though, if the original ECU is reinstalled later, the audio module may need reprogramming by a Ford dealer. On FG MKI cars, see FG MKI radio reprogramming and the radio reprogramming cable.
Troubleshooting Falcon CAN
| Symptom | Usually |
|---|---|
| Cluster gauges dead, warning lights on | Wrong plug-in model selected, or the ECU hasn't finished initial setup |
| A/C won't engage | A/C control not enabled with the CAN request, or the temp sensor (BF/FG) not configured |
| Speedo and odometer crazy after a dyno session | Speed source left on the rear wheels |
| Harsh shifts on a ZF auto | Torque reduction and limit inputs not enabled |
| Cruise lights don't show | Cruise control function not set up in ESP |
Pinouts for each model are in our BA, BF and FG guides.
Falcon CAN FAQ
Will my Falcon's cluster still work with a Haltech?
Yes. The gauges, tachometer, fuel economy and range displays run automatically, and the warning lights and cruise indicators work once the matching functions are set up.
Does the Elite Pro Plug-in support the ZF six-speed?
It does, over CAN, once the transmission, gear detection, sensor and torque converter functions listed above are configured. Need a hand? Get in touch.
