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OEM level scan tool options for us enthusiasts?

rexdriver85

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#1
So, I've come from a long history of VW ownership, even started my career as a mechanic with VW. There is a company called Ross Tech that offers an OEM level diagnostic system at a fraction of the cost of the actual VAG scan tool used at the dealerships. Some would argue the Ross Tech VCDS is actually better. I've used both extensively and the VCDS is amazing.

Short of buying a Ford IDS system which is crazy crazy expensive... Is there anything else available for Ford owners that's decent? This is my first Ford and I don't see much, besides the AutoEnginuity type generic stuff.

What do you guys use that's decent? Is there any OEM level type scan tools available for us?
 


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Search Ford VCM II on ebay. There are cracks available or the yearly subscription fee of $700 or so is added to the cost.
 


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rexdriver85

rexdriver85

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Search Ford VCM II on ebay. There are cracks available or the yearly subscription fee of $700 or so is added to the cost.
Do you have experience with these VCM II modules on ebay? I see they are all from China and Hong Kong. At my last shop, we bought IDS and the VCM II module. Don't know how much was spent, but we could do module programming and all. It all came from Ford legitimate. What is the deal with the ebay ones? Prices aren't too horrible honestly.
 


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Do you have experience with these VCM II modules on ebay? I see they are all from China and Hong Kong. At my last shop, we bought IDS and the VCM II module. Don't know how much was spent, but we could do module programming and all. It all came from Ford legitimate. What is the deal with the ebay ones? Prices aren't too horrible honestly.
Personally I have never used this software. I used a multiscan tool I purchased on ebay from China on my Abarth to edit the BCM and it worked. There was no subscription fee for the model I had. The VCM II requires a crack or a very expensive yearly fee.
 


RAAMaudio

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I wonder if one of the lower cost options, use a hack if needed, could be used to turn on the back up camera in the module it is located in, I forgot what it is called. Then it might be possible to add a camera input to the stock NAV HU, it might even have a place to solder connector to if not already there. If not able to do that then getting the HU out of the Titanium if not to costly, junk yard one, etc....

If this could be figured out somebody could provide a great service for those wanting something Ford screwed us out of and could easily fix by taking their heads out of their..........
 


CanadianGuy

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I wonder if one of the lower cost options, use a hack if needed, could be used to turn on the back up camera in the module it is located in, I forgot what it is called. Then it might be possible to add a camera input to the stock NAV HU, it might even have a place to solder connector to if not already there. If not able to do that then getting the HU out of the Titanium if not to costly, junk yard one, etc....

If this could be figured out somebody could provide a great service for those wanting something Ford screwed us out of and could easily fix by taking their heads out of their..........
this x2. I don't mind buying the camera but the screen is already in the car and the Titanium has the camera/sync connection... very big miss that could have been an add on.
 


D1JL

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There are also professional scan tools available from Snap-On or OTC.
These are also not cheap but not as bad as the Ford tool.




Dave
 


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rexdriver85

rexdriver85

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There are also professional scan tools available from Snap-On or OTC.
These are also not cheap but not as bad as the Ford tool.




Dave
True, I've used many of those over the years. The Snap-On VERUS mostly in recent years. While it is great for all makes and models, The Ford IDS is infinitely more powerful for our vehicles specifically. Some of the tests you can run are great. I've found random misfires on an IDS that you'd never have been able to find otherwise. You can run cranking compression tests, power balance tests, disable cylinders, find EVAP issues and look at more specific PIDs than Snap-On could offer.

Not to mention the VERUS is almost 10,000 off the truck. The MODIS which is getting old now, is almost 6,000. Eeeeeeeek.

I am interested in the VCM II module from eBay, but wondering why so cheap. Especially if there's support for module reprogramming like there is with the legit setup from Ford.

What is the crack you need to do?
 


D1JL

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Are you sure about the module reprogramming?

I have been at the dealer when this was done to my car.
I have SEEN and been told that the car is now (sense about '10) connected directly to FoMoCo via internet to accomplish this.
Diagnostics, yes are done at the dealer but no longer reprogramming.

The guy that did this at my dealer is now the shop foreman.
I have known him for the last 13 years and we still consult on a specific car model.









Dave
 


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rexdriver85

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Yes I am sure. When I say module reprogramming I mean flashes and software updates. I have never tried to modify parameters in IDS but I thought it was available, maybe I am wrong.

I mainly used IDS for Powerstroke diag as I am a diesel tech. I don't see any cars or gasoline powered vehicles.

The IDS had to be connected to the Internet for any module reprogramming and obviously I'm sure that is only available with a legit subscription. Makes me think the eBay VCM won't have that stuff available, unless you pay that expensive yearly due.
 


D1JL

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Things have changed and I should have added:

On new platforms since '10.

It is mostly an emissions thing.

Now you have got me as well and am not sure.
I will ask as soon as I see him.



Dave
 


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rexdriver85

rexdriver85

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Yeah definitely ask.

I've done flashes and calibration updates from 7.3 Powerstrokes all the way to the new 6.7. Mainly NOx issues on the 6.7, many calibration updates have been released over time to correct issues within the DPF system.

I'd be interested to know what he says, maybe the car side is different from the diesel side. I don't know.

Either way, it would be nice to have OEM level capabilities once we are getting out of warranty.
 


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We have a Snap-on scanner at my work and I can tell you it won't edit BCM data, only engine data.
 


D1JL

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This is the information that I was provided by the technician at my dealer that does module replacement/programming.

Ford Mazda VCM II diagnostic tool is the new OEM diagnostic tool for Ford and Mazda. It provides dealer-level diagnostics using the IDS software
It requires a Windows based computer to operate and it only works on Windows XP System, it does not run on Win7 or Win8.
It can only do the diagnostic, if you want to do module programming, you need a Ford/Mazda online account and a online connection is required.
Cars are only reprogrammed to an "AS BUILT" condition by FoMoCo.






Dave
 


RAAMaudio

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I love this little car and love that Ford built it for us but not very happy with what they did with the backup camera situation and not addressing something that seems quite simple:(

I know, I have mentioned it many times.

-------------

Maybe this has been mentioned, maybe I mentioned it, I wonder if possible to swap to a Titanium BCM?

Probably VIN issue though, locked to it...but perhaps not.

Any ideas, thoughts, info, etc on this?
 


D1JL

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I wonder if possible to swap to a Titanium BCM?

Probably VIN issue though, locked to it...but perhaps not.

Any ideas, thoughts, info, etc on this?

This brings up the same issue.
A new/different BCM module would need to be programmed to talk to the PCM.
And as was stated, " Cars are only reprogrammed to an "AS BUILT" condition by FoMoCo", so this feature would NOT be turned on.
So yes, it is a VIN issue.

In addition I priced all the Ford parts required to add the rear camera and it is well over $1K.
The BCM is not needed to be changed, just reprogrammed to turn that feature.
There are 3-4 other vendors that provide a rear camera system for less than half that, one of which provides the BCM reprogram (works like the Cobb AP).

Even if the dealer could/would reprogram the BCM it would cost you $100.00-$200.00 (pure speculation) plus you would need to add the parts.
Buying a VCM II plus a subscription so that you could do it yourself would cost more than the camera system itself.
If the camera system was an option to the car originally, I am sure it would have been at least a $500.00 upgrade (again speculation).
So in this case the aftermarket is a more viable solution.




Dave
 


RAAMaudio

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Thanks, fully refreshed now on what has been posted and some new info, much appreciated:)

I do not recall seeing were there are companies that will reprogram the BCM, perhaps I looked at them but did not read the way it is done.

Since you have spent so much time on this can you list the vendor, vendors, best one you recommend, etc.....I really need a camera, I have one on my truck and trailer and need one on the car.

I am going to search the threads, of course.

I know which one you went with and it works great but $$$$$$ ouch, that buys a lot of race tires, fuel, etc......:)

I called Coastaltech a long time ago and they did not have support for us but now their sites says all Mytouch for 2014-2015, I will have to call them again.

Any others?

Thanks!
Rick
 


D1JL

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Rick,
I am using the system from NAV-TV.
I think it is most like OEM equipment and id does come with the reprogramming module.
The camera is sold separately so that you can pick the one you want.
I chose their better camera, again most like OEM.

Yes it is the more expensive choice but it looks and works perfectly.
Please see my MOD list below for a screen shot.




Dave
 


RAAMaudio

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I know yours works great, just to many $$$$ for me, I am supposed to be retired and going on the road and have some funds to hit the track!!!!

I really thought I would only do a few simple mods to this car when I bought it, I guess I should of known better.

Not sure I looked into it, I will see if I can get dealer pricing on one, through my business or my mangers business, and I have a lot of connections in the car audio world besides us.

After I talk to Coastal, if they are a good unit I could probably do a GB on them, if not I will look into NAV-TV so see what I can do.

Thanks:)
 


CanadianGuy

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I know yours works great, just to many $$$$ for me, I am supposed to be retired and going on the road and have some funds to hit the track!!!!

I really thought I would only do a few simple mods to this car when I bought it, I guess I should of known better.

Not sure I looked into it, I will see if I can get dealer pricing on one, through my business or my mangers business, and I have a lot of connections in the car audio world besides us.

After I talk to Coastal, if they are a good unit I could probably do a GB on them, if not I will look into NAV-TV so see what I can do.

Thanks:)

Agreed the NAV-TV is very good but they are taking too much $$$. If you figure a GB i'm in. Interesting to see if the 2016 will have it or will Ford wait for 2017 to introduce to all trim levels. Seeing its on the Titanium it would be an easy "new" 2016 feature.
 


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