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.