ABOUT FORD SCAN TOOLS

The VCM was the factory scan tool from 1996 through 2016. However, the VCM has been discontinued for over 4 years ago. The VCM2 has capability for the newer CAN systems expected to come out on newer cars. and is required for 108 and above.

Each laptop requires a license. Ford sells the license retail for 1 year for $849.00, but we sell the same license for $799.00. Just contact us through my information at the bottom of the page. Also located at the bottom of this page is a link called Ford IDS help. It has a help text file explaining some of the common pitfalls of VCM2 problems and has the VCM2 PDF user’s manual.

Getting a New VCM2 install to work can be tricky with the addition of the Bosch ETAS driver which does not load correctly sometimes and requires a master reset on the VCM2.

 Diesel mechanics really need this tool and have no idea just how hard they are working without it. The cylinder power balance and especially the electronic compression test on 6.0 and newer engines makes life a lot easier and the process much faster.

Try this with any other scan tool!

Hook up the scan tool and get codes.

See if there is a reflash update to sell.

Check power balance for the miss and run the electronic compression test to see if the miss might be mechanical.

You can do all this in less than 10 minutes (even on a 6.0 diesel). Now that's the way to make money quickly and easily!

A new VCM2 package with a two-year Ford warranty without the license is $1395.00. All VCM or VCM2 scan tools require a $799.00 yearly license additional. Ford has BIG laptop requirements changes coming the end of the year, same as everyone, even Volvo.. To offset the cost of these newer and more expensive laptops, I no longer recommend a tough-book. 

Ford requires a 6th generation Intel I series processor at least 2.4 GHZ, 16 MB of RAM and a full Terabyte solid state Nand drive solid state hard drive. I decided on the Dell 7470 14" screen for it's solid business class rating with steel chassis. These are light and blazing fast with 15 second boot up time and polyurethane covered backlit keyboard.

These laptops have a one year warranty and we can exchange them quickly If something were to go wrong during or after the warranty, We offer inexpensive repairs. I have tested them in the field and they are very durable.  I also have system Restore enabled to make recovering from a major software screw up quick and easy to reverse. I have a special purchase on these at $895.00 plus shipping in the USA.

 Here is a link to the Ford home page where info about IDS can be found.  https://www.motorcraftservice.com/

• Select United States and English from the drop-down using only Internet Explorer 11.
• Other browsers display the site goofy.
• To access IDS software updates, simply click the IDS software support tab in the top navigation bar. Scroll down to 'download software'
• To access As'Built info, Click the “Free Resources” tab in the top navigation bar.
• Scroll down and select “Quick Guides”.
• Scroll down the page about 1/2 way and look for the “Module build data (as-built)” red link and click on it.
• Type in the vehicle VIN and get a list of all applicable modules and Hexadecimal coding.
• Don't forget and look at the top of the screen where the four digit tear tag is for quick PCM programming.
• Examples  4WED.....W5R1.......CBDM. These only apply to your VIN number.