https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_...al_v16.pdf

FORD VCM II OVERVIEW

The original Ford OEM diagnostics scan tool that works with the Ford IDS diagnostics application running on a PC to diagnose Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. It gives full dealer level 16pin OBD II diagnostic reprogramming capability. The VCM II Offers Authentic OEM diagnostics for Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. Customer Flight Recorder (CFR) functionality with an optional pendant cable Industry standardized J1962 Data Link Connector (DLC) and USB cables. Four LED indicators and signaling device providing the technician with continuous visual as well as audible operating status. Enhanced 802.11 wireless that minimizes dependencies on service department wireless capability infrastructure Improved durability SmartPower Management system to protect the VCM II in extreme environments Integration with Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS). New wireless software integrated with IDS installation package Wireless functionality preferred for all IDS functions including module reprogramming. USB wired connections are only required to update the VCM II loaded code and to set up the VCM II to function as a Customer Flight Recorder CFR option added to provide legacy and future vehicle coverage.

  Updated Identification of Non-Ford VCMs
 
The identification of Non-Ford VCMs, as compared to genuine Ford VCMs, is becoming more difficult. Although counterfeit VCMs that are being sold closely resemble the genuine Ford VCMs some subtle differences still exist.

The following attachments contain updated photo examples. As additional identification differences become known photo examples will be included below.

The Rotunda (OE) VCM plastic cover is marked with "1...5" to identify the LED indicators. Some of the non-genuine units do not have this marking. See Attachment E

The Rotunda(OE) VCM has a rubber gasket under the plastic cover. Some of the non-genuine units do not have this gasket. See Attachment F

Earlier build non-genuine VCMs were missing the wireless card cage.  We are now seeing them built with wireless card cages.  However, the eject buttons are noticeably different. The Rotunda (OE) VCM has a short wireless card cage eject button. Some of the non-genuine units eject button extends approximately 5/8 of an inch past the card cage opening. See Attachment G

Ford Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS):
The Ford Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) will be the only equipment that provides complete diagnostic coverage of current and future Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in North America. The IDS package replaces the Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS). The IDS application will perform the identical functions of the WDS and allows dealership technicians to diagnose and service Ford, Lincoln, Mercury vehicles. As the new diagnostic tool, IDS will be required to perform diagnostics on future model year vehicles. One IDS Package is recommended for each WDS in the dealership.

IDS is enhanced WDS software that was modified to run on a standard laptop platform, and utilizes the VCM and VMM. Moving IDS to a laptop helps technicians by integrating access to both diagnostics and service information on a single, powerful machine. .

Customer Flight Recorder (CFR)

You must have a CFR pendant to enable the CFR functionality. The CFR pendant is accessory that allows technicians to capture and record specific vehicle data without requiring the presence of a laptop computer in the vehicle. The CFR pendant can be used for long test drives for hard-to-diagnose concerns, running on vehicle power there are no batteries to charge! Recording can be activated by the red button on the pendant or automatically based on specific vehicle data values.

Rotunda Part Number: 164-R9832
Supplier Part Number: R9832

VCMM- The Ford Vehicle Communication and Measurement Module (VCMM) combines all of the functionality of the VMM, VCM II, and MTS 4000/4100 vibration analyzer in an industry leading one-box solution. The combining of this functionality will provide dealers with industry leading diagnostic capability at a significantly lower cost of ownership.

For more information or if you would like to purchase a VCMM please click here

VCMM Key Features:
Vehicle Communication (VCM II capability)
Customer Flight Recorder capable
4-Channel Oscilloscope
4-Channel Digital Multi-meter
5th-Channel direct monitoring of the DLC connector
Vibration Analysis
Driveline Balance (Requires Advanced Kit PN: 164-R9823)
Signal Generator




Customer Flight Recorder (CFR)- The CFR pendant is required to enable the CFR functionality of the VCM II and VCMM. The CFR pendant is accessory that allows technicians to capture and record specific vehicle data without requiring the presence of a laptop computer in the vehicle. The CFR pendant can be used for long test drives for hard-to-diagnose concerns, running on vehicle power there are no batteries to charge! Recording can be activated by the red button on the pendant or automatically based on specific vehicle data values

Hardware Functionality
Use the functionality chart below to determine what hardware should be purchased. Ford Diagnostics is a modular system composed of software (IDS and FDRS) and hardware. Use your business needs and budget to determine what hardware meet your needs.

https://rotunda.service-solutions.com/en...=164-R9865

 
Vehicle Communication Module 3 (VCM3)

The VCM3 communicates with Ford and Lincoln vehicles via the 16-pin diagnostic link. This device is the core of vehicle diagnostics. An IDS software license subscription (sold separately) provides access to the software which uses the VCM3 hardware to perform vehicle diagnostics.



Kit includes:

VCM3
DLC cable
Heavy duty USB cable
Wireless adapter
The VCM3 will operate as a Customer Flight Recorder (CFR) with an optional pendant cable 164-R9806 to replace the functionality of the Vehicle Data Recorder (VDR)

Includes enhanced 802.11n wireless that minimizes dependencies on service department wireless infrastructure

Wireless functionality preferred for all IDS functions including module reprogramming. USB wired connections are only required to update the VCM3 loaded code firmware and to set up the VCM3 to function as a Customer Flight Recorder (CFR)


Software License Purchase and Product Support
Additional resources including software license purchase, software download, user's manuals, troubleshooting guides, system requirements, support and more are available by accessing the customer resource pages shown below.

Aftermarket and Fleets Customers - https://www.motorcraftservice.com/ and select Diagnostic Tool Support from the top navigation menu.

Dealers or customers with a PTS subscription - http://www.proservicetech.com/ and select Rotunda > Diagnostic Tool Support from the top navigation menu for IDS license and product information.

https://srs20assets.bosch-automotive.com/api/Srs20Assets.service-solutions.com/Media//OEM/Ford/en-US/Product/164-R9874/Images/103_VCM%20Lite%20User%20Manual_EN.pdf

The VCM Lite (Vehicle Communications Module Lite) is your affordable, mobile diagnostic tool. VCM Lite will give you quick and convenient vehicle diagnostics in your bay, the service drive, the used car department, or anywhere! This small but powerful tool will fill in the gaps when your VCM3s and VCMMs are in use, or just all the way across the complex.

The VCM Lite is connected to the SDLC for communication with a vehicle and utilizes a Bluetooth connection to an Apple or Android device. The Ford DiagNow mobile app then acts as your diagnostic interface, removing the hassle of lugging your laptop across the parking lot.

After your purchase of the VCM Lite, Ford DiagNow can be downloaded from your Apple or Android App store. Just connect the VCM Lite, link your phone with Ford DiagNow over Bluetooth, and start making some extra money!

VCM Lite and Ford DiagNow contain the following tools:

Self-test - Read and Clear DTCs quickly in order to dispatch correctly, or get straight into diagnostics.
Network Monitor - view vehicle networks in real time, helping with those hard-to-diagnose Network Communication concerns
Simplified version of Datalogger - visualize PIDs and pinpoint exactly what the root cause is
PATS Key Programming (on select vehicle lines, more coming soon!)
Read factory keyless entry code
Limited PTS access
All this can be done on any 2010 or newer Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicle!