Clone VCM 2 can they actually be used for j2534 programming?

[spoonofinsanity]

Has anyone actually tried connecting a clone vcm 2 through etis and updating the vehicle software? I see from most posts that the programming functions on these units need another patch to actually work for most functions but can they be used for software updates with out corruption?
Still unsure whether i want to buy one if it can't do what it says on the tin
cheers

[loot]

I think v8dave has done it but I'm not sure.
At a guess you'd need a subscription for etis anyway wouldn't you?
I've never connected my vcm to etis, i wonder if they'd want the serial number etc?

The patch that enables programming is probably just a registry hack for the clock/date, If you want the latest calibration for engine management we can get it, but it needs integrating with the calibrations on your computer which i couldn't figure out
Although tbh I'm not arsed about having the latest pcm update, just a decent 1, learns etc are probably more important imo. Even tho the mk7 is the only 1 i ever had to babysit damn it we're doing fords job and they also expect us to pay them

[v8dave]

Since Loot34 has dropped my name

VCM and VCMII are ford's official factory service agent J2534 passthrough programming devices. You can buy the hardware from the ford or motorcraft or possibly even from its manufacturer bosch. The windows software component is ford's IDS for which you can buy a license.

The clones are of variable quality, from nearly useless through to fully functional. To date vcmii copies seem to be of much higher quality than the vcm copies. The software does not seem to be free of issues, my calibration disc is corrupt and the support from the supplier has been non existant - fortunately a member on here has a good disc Also there are likely to be virus infections on some of the additional tools, my extended programming unlocker was infected. The biggest problem with software is that many web sources are on internet sites the apparently hold pirated software which british isps have been told to block, if you can't get around that then you might be best to leave the computers side of servicing a ford to you dealer.

The ordinary install of IDS does not enable "Module Programming" - if you want to install a new bcmii or update your pcm software you need to use the "extended programming" tool to enable the functionality. For information the dirty ( virus infected ) version that is about 250k in size and a clean version about 200k in size and antivirus tools will break the tool. This tool enables the module programming for 100 days, after it expires you run the tool again to get another 100 days. I have also found a modification to enable the functions for 1000 days but not used it yet.

Note this is for the IDS software, you can install ETIS after IDS so that the vehicle id can be read from a connected vehicle rather than having to enter the chassis number in ETIS yourself. Beyond that then unless the latest etis has changed a bit all it does is allow you to click on a link to start ids - which it usually calls wds.

Diagnostic software update files are sourced from the web but not through the ford etis gateway, in fact I've seen a suggestion that ford might try to disrupt unlicensed etis installs if updates are attempted from the official source. It is reported they took action to prevent the unlock from 2006/7 working with recent versions of the software form say 2013/14.

Vehicle software updates - calibration files - can be obtained for free provided you know the file name, there is no changelog that I can find yet so the changes from version to version are unknown. For example, if you pcm is 2008 vintage on an original calibration then you will not have anti stall but updating to the latest will add the anti stall function, but there is no list to tell you that. Also calibrations are quite vehicle specific being related to at least engine size, power and axle ratio.

Sorry for the long post and don't be afraid to ask questions.

[paul2012]

I have calibration DVD's C80 & C81. Ford/motorcraft no longer provides calibration DVD's

Calibrations are now automatically downloaded by IDS.

Or you can manually download them individually from here

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/vdirs/ ... roduct=IDS

For example if your ECU (PCM) part no is 9T11-12A650-GH then you download that calibration as 9T11GH
& save file in - c:\Program Files\Ford Motor Company\Calibration Files


IDS will then check to see if that's the latest calibration for vehicle, If not then It will download the latest.

[v8dave]

For example if your ECU (PCM) part no is 9T11-12A650-GH then you download that calibration as 9T11GH
& save file in - c:\Program Files\Ford Motor Company\Calibration Files

What OS are you running, since that location does not work on my system.

[paul2012]

For example if your ECU (PCM) part no is 9T11-12A650-GH then you download that calibration as 9T11GH
& save file in - c:\Program Files\Ford Motor Company\Calibration Files

What OS are you running, since that location does not work on my system.

Directory c:\Program Files\Ford Motor Company\Calibration Files, Is the same for Windows 7 & Xp

[spoonofinsanity]

well a bought a clone and installed ids but the patch keeps failing to install keeps saying delete file failed access denied anyone had this problem got any idea if thats something i've done?

[v8dave]

Could be user privilege problem or anti virus software.
Did you log on as administrator ?

[dnorkett]

I've just ordered a cloned VCM software from ebay which hasn't arrived yet…would you say that it would be a crazy move to try and do a pump learn and pilot with it?

[loot]

I've just ordered a cloned VCM software from ebay which hasn't arrived yet…would you say that it would be a crazy move to try and do a pump learn and pilot with it?

Are you getting the vcm device too?

[dnorkett]

Yes it comes with the device as well for a grand total of £225.00...

[loot]

Hopefully a decent 1, the hard part is getting the software running correctly but once done you should be fine

[spoonofinsanity]

haven't tried in administator mode will have a go on my other laptop the netbook is a nightmare with an external dvd drive cheers dave

[spoonofinsanity]

well it appears to work ok so far on the laptop loot or v8dave is there any chance of getting a copy of the extended programming patch?
cheers

[loot]

Pm me your email mate