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FORD VCM OBD 
FAQ
1.Can Ford-VCM OBD clear MIL 
light?
Yes, Ford-VCM OBD is 
capable of clearing PCM fault code memory. Please note that all problems need to 
be fixed, otherwise MIL comes up immediately again.
2.Can Ford-VCM OBD clear airbag (RCM) 
light?
Yes, Ford-VCM OBD is 
capable of clearing airbag fault code memory. Please note that all airbag 
related problems need to be fixed manually.
3.Can Ford-VCM OBD perform key 
(immobilizer, PATS) learning?
Yes. Ford-VCM OBD supports 
both coded and timed PATS. In connection with PATSCODE.com service you can do 
all immobilizer-related operations including ECU swapping.
4.Can Ford-VCM OBD read immobilizer (PATS) 
security pin code from ECUs ?
Ford does not use 
fixed-pin security scheem for PATS. Instead of fixed code, OUTCODE-INCODE 
challenge-response scheme is used (so called CODED PATS). Ford-VCM OBD can work 
with CODED PATS. You can use patscode.com service to obtain INCODE for PATS 
authorization
5.Can I use patscode.com in connection with 
Ford IDS (Ford VCM)?
Yes, patscode can be used 
with both Ford-VCM OBD and Ford IDS.
6.Does Ford-VCM OBD work with ELM32x 
interface?
No, Ford-VCM OBD requires 
proprietary interface because ELM32x-style interfaces do not support all 
protocols and pinouts to perform full diagnosis.
7.Is Ford-VCM OBD compatible with Ford 
Galaxy?
Ford-VCM OBD is fully 
compatible with Ford Galaxy Mk3 manufactured since 2006. For Galaxy Mk1 and Mk2 
(1995-2000, 2000-2006) you will need also VAG diagnostic tool as these cars are 
made in cooperation with Volkswagen Group and do not use Ford diagnostic 
protocols.
8.Is Ford-VCM OBD compatible with Ford Ka 
2009?
Ford Ka (model year 2009 
and later) is manufactured in cooperation with Fiat. In fact this is Fiat-based, 
so you need to use tools such as  Fiat Examiner to diagnose this 
vehicle.
9.On which vehicles does patscode.com 
work?
patscode.com works on all 
Ford and Mazda vehicles equipped with coded PATS with one exception: 2010 Ford 
US models (European and some other 2010 Fords work fine).
10.What 3rd party products can be used 
with?
In order to obtain INCODE 
you need to fill in at least VIN code and OUTCODE, which means that tools such 
as Ford IDS/VCM, MVP or AD100 will work.
11. What is MSCAN 
?
MSCAN is mid-speed CAN-BUS 
in Ford vehicles used to interconnect body and infotainment control 
units
12.What is 
bootloader?
Bootloader is part of 
firmware code in control unit used for re-flashing purposes (it does not get 
updated during flash update process).
13.What is secondary bootloader (SBL) 
?
Secondary bootloader is 
code uploaded by Ford-VCM OBD to RAM of control unit. It is used for functions 
not supported by built-in bootloader.
14 .What means 
CART/DCL?
CART or DCL is 
communication bus used on pre-1996 Ford models (Escort up to 2000). It is 
available through Ford-specific data link connectors
15.What means 
INCODE?
INCODE is response part of 
CODED PATS challenge-response authentication mechanism. It is 16bit hexadecimal 
number Ford-VCM OBD or other diagnosis tester needs to send to a control unit in 
order to complete PATS operation. This number can be obtained using patscode.com 
service.
16.What means 
OUTCODE?
OUTCODE is challenge part 
of CODED PATS challenge-response authentication mechanism. It is 24bit 
hexadecimal number provided by a control unit. This number changes in time and 
is used by patscode.com service to calculate INCODE.