IDS VCM VMM PDS

[jwernatl]

Hey guys i did a search on IDS and got a little more than i can chew.

I would like to run a diagnostic on my car since it was missing last week.

I like to know if that misfire was from a coil and if so, which one.

IDS - integrated diagnostic system
VCM - vehicle communication module
VMM - vehicle measurement module
PDS - portable diagnostic system


Can i use a smart phone to download the ids or would the smartphone be considered a pds? Can I even use a smartphone? ?

Is the vcm the cable? Or is it the vmm?

[martyo]

These are not apps on a phone. They are diagnostic tools.

You could buy this set up:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-IDS-Diagnostic-With-a-Tought-Book-Lap-Top-CF18-/191269096131?hash=item2c8886ca c3&item=191269096131&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDgwWDY0MA==/z/6bYAAOSwPTlTzHXs/$_12.JPG

[Spectragod]

That's a vcm1 Marty, vcm2 is the most current. IDS is software, the subscribtion is $650 a year through Ford, the VMM is 5k through Ford and is needed to do a load test on coil packs.

The IDS software and vcm will do a misfire test, and should give you the required information that is needed to diagnose a misfire.

[Spectragod]

Additionally, I wouldn't buy a knock off unit from China or so much consider a used one as the serial #'s are tied to previous account users and some other have ran into issues with getting software activated with vcm's due to how the units were originally registered.

[martyo]

That's a vcm1 Marty, vcm2 is the most current. IDS is software, the subscribtion is $650 a year through Ford, the VMM is 5k through Ford and is needed to do a load test on coil packs.

The IDS software and vcm will do a misfire test, and should give you the required information that is needed to diagnose a misfire.

I am 99% sure that the unit I posted will do the tests necessary to verify a coil pack.

I am 101% positive that the unit I have at the shop will. :P

[fastblackmerc]

If your sure it's a coil. Buy one coil and keep swapping it until you find the bad one or just buy all 8 coils and be done with it.

[Spectragod]

I am 99% sure that the unit I posted will do the tests necessary to verify a coil pack.

I am 101% positive that the unit I have at the shop will. :P

Marty,

The VCM and IDS will test for the miss fire and will give you a miss fire count and tell you which cylinder has the misfire, but the VMM is required to load test the coils.

The problem with the above hardware and software is it is specific to only Fomoco vehicles, where as for just those type of tests there are cheaper solutions that will work on just about everything.

[RF Overlord]

Is the IDS subscription just to keep it updated for later models? IOW, as long as you're only using it for a car that is already covered will it continue to function without paying the yearly fee?

[martyo]

Is the IDS subscription just to keep it updated for later models? IOW, as long as you're only using it for a car that is already covered will it continue to function without paying the yearly fee?

Updates are not required to keep it operational just to keep it, well, updated.

[Spectragod]

But if you need to flash modules or update modules with as built information, your subscription will need to be active.

[cunaginc]

Yeah we have an IDS the actual program name, and the vcm the cord going from the data bus to the computer. The IDS is the best thing we ever bought. But correct me if I'm wrong in saying that whomever makes the vcm no longer offers the vcm and now offer a newer VCM II

[Spectragod]

Yeah we have an IDS the actual program name, and the vcm the cord going from the data bus to the computer. The IDS is the best thing we ever bought. But correct me if I'm wrong in saying that whomever makes the vcm no longer offers the vcm and now offer a newer VCM II

Bosch made the VCM and makes the VCM II

[jwernatl]

Wow that's not really what i wanted to hear. Hmmmm...

[Shaijack]

Darren you are a silver tongued guy.

[EMAS]

There is no need for the factory level tools to see if there is a misfire code. All of the cheap parts store code readers and the devices that send the codes to your smart phone will read the basic emissions related codes. Now if it is not setting a check engine light then you need something that can read live data but again that does not mean you need the factory level tools.