Ford VCM
Ford VCM
Ford VCM
User manual
Table of Contents
1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................4 1.1 Key features..............................................................................................................................4 1.2 Software update........................................................................................................................4 2 Ford-VCM OBD software and driver installation..........................................................................................5 2.1 Microsoft Windows operating System......................................................................................5 2.2 GNU/Linux System..................................................................................................................6 2.2.1 Requirements....................................................................................................................6 2.2.2 Setting up devices.............................................................................................................6 2.2.3 Installation.........................................................................................................................6 3 First steps..........................................................................................................................................7 4 Diagnostic connectors used in Ford vehicles...................................................................................8 4.1 2-pin..........................................................................................................................................8 4.2 3-pin..........................................................................................................................................8 4.3 6-pin..........................................................................................................................................8 4.4 OBD-I.......................................................................................................................................9 4.5 OBD-II......................................................................................................................................9 5 Connecting to control units............................................................................................................10 5.1 Ford ECU terminology...........................................................................................................10 5.2 Communication protocol........................................................................................................10 5.3 The most common PC Ms.......................................................................................................10 5.4 PATS C Immobiliser (Passive Anti-Theft System)..................................................................10 5.5 Diagnostic of TCM and ICU...................................................................................................11 5.6 Diagnostic of Ford Galaxy and Ford Ka.................................................................................11 6 Autoscan.........................................................................................................................................12 7 Diagnostic functions.......................................................................................................................13 7.1 Unrecognized Control Unit.....................................................................................................14 7.2 Control Unit Identification......................................................................................................15 7.3 Read fault code memory.........................................................................................................16 7.4 Clear Fault Codes....................................................................................................................16 7.5 Measured values.....................................................................................................................17 7.6 Actuators activation................................................................................................................19 8 Ford IDS and Ford-VCM OBD comparison................................................................................................20 8.1 Control unit selection..............................................................................................................20 8.2 Fault codes..............................................................................................................................20 8.3 Identification...........................................................................................................................20 8.4 Measured values C graph view................................................................................................21 8.5 Measured values C list view....................................................................................................21 8.6 Actuator activation..................................................................................................................21
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Ford-VCM OBD diagnostic interface and software. Ford-VCM OBD is professional tools for diagnostics of Ford vehicles. Please read carefully this User Manual before using the product. If you have experience with original diagnostic tool Ford IDS, we recommend you to study chapter comparing both systems . We hope you'll find our products useful. In case you have any questions, problems or feedback
The Ford-VCM OBD system works with Ford vehicles. It works as well with Ford subsidiaries vehicles such as Mazda, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, but without guarantee of 100% functionality. The rule of thumb is: tasks related to fault code memory and identification are reliable everywhere, but measured values and other functions may not be fully supported.
4. Choose your destination folder for the Ford-VCM OBD and click Install button and after successful installation click Close button.
Ford-VCM OBD drivers are automatically updated during the Ford-VCM OBD installation. When prompted to install unsigned" drivers, click on Install this driver software anyway (Microsoft Windows 7) or Continue Anyway (Microsoft Windows XP. ).
Microsoft Windows will automatically install drivers when you plug-in the Ford-VCM OBD to USB port. Driver installation isn't required for operation on GNU/Linux system.
2.2.1 Requirements
Linux 2.6.x with USB support (or FreeBSD) USB CDC Driver Wine 1.0.1 Recent Debian Linux or Ubuntu meet the above requirements.
Diagnostic interface should be then visible from the Ford-VCM OBD diagnostic application.
2.2.3 Installation
Programs can be installed by launching setup .exe file using wine, e.g. wine Ford-VCM OBDSetup.exe.
3 First steps
1. Connect the Ford-VCM OBD interface to your computer. 2. Connect the Ford-VCM OBD interface to OBD-II connector in the electronic control unit. 3. Set-up Ford-VCM OBD application Select Settings from main menu and configure interface port. After click Refresh button software should find port to which is Ford-VCM OBD interface connected. Choose these port. Click Test Interface to make sure everything is OK, you should see fulfilled Serial number (now hidden in black line). 4. Save settings and return to main menu. 5. Turn ignition ON, but don't start an engine. 6. Select ECU by click Select Control Unit button. 7. In new window choose unit from list. It is common that low-cost vehicles have only a few control units e.g. PCM, ABS, IPC, RCM. vehicle or in the
8. If unit was recognized, you can use diagnostic functions now. In other case, you should study chapter Unrecognized Control Unit before using diagnostic functions.
4.1 2-pin
4.2 3-pin
1 GND 2 DCL 3 DCL This connector is used only for diagnostics of older vehicles by DLC protocol.
4.3 6-pin
1 2 3 4 5 GND 6 This connector is used only for diagnostics of older vehicles using CART
protocol.
4.4 OBD-I
19 2 10 Ford DCL Bus + 3 11 Ford DCL Bus Chassis ground (GND) 4 12 Signal ground (GND) 5 13 6 14 ISO9141 K Line 7 15 ISO9141 L-Line 8 16
This connector is used only for diagnostic of older vehicles by DLC protocol, connector is compatible with OBD-II connector.
4.5 OBD-II
19 SAE J1850 Bus + 2 10 SAE J1850 Bus MS CAN High 3 11 MS CAN Low Chassis ground (GND) 4 12 Signal ground (GND) 5 13 Flash. Pgm. Volt. HS CAN High 6 14 HS CAN Low ISO9141 K Line 7 15 ISO9141 L-Line 8 16 Diagnostic connector is mandator y in all vehicles after 2000, is used from 1996.
Operations with PATS are authorised by timing access (delay before operation is allowed, so called Timed PATS) or by entering INCODE (Coded PATS). For coded PATS ECU generates OUTCODE, for which you need to enter correct INCODE. INCODE depends on OUTCODE OUTCODE and consequently INCODE are time dependent, these are not fixed codes. INCODE authorization service is available on www.patscode.com or you can use Ford ETIS.
6 Autoscan
This function scans for all known ECUs, and shows the list of ECUs present in vehicle along with number of diagnostic trouble codes.
identical
with
Network
Test
7 Diagnostic functions
You can connect with ECU by choosing unit from list of ECUs or Autoscan menu. If control unit was identified uniquely, diagnostic menu will be available.If control unit wasn't identified uniquely, you have to choose concrete ECU from list. Diagnostic menu is divided into three parts. Basic functions, Advance functions Expert functions.
and
In this situation, you can either use generic ECU mode by clicking on Use Generic Access button, or select correct control unit from list below. You can get more information about ECU by clicking Show ECU Identification button. Some ECUs (especially those before 2003) donot contain identification data, therefore Unrecognized Control Unit information will always appear. You should necessarily choose right ECU for correct measuring of measured values. If you make mistake in identification, you shouldnot make any programming functions. Function Save ECU information make possible to save all development information about ECU to hard disc. We asking users to send these files to us. We would like to add support to these ECU to next version of Ford-VCM OBD.
Each ECU should contain valid VIN code. If VIN is not supported, identification should display it. If it isnot provided, you can program it in function ECU Programming/Coding, accessible from menu Control Unit Diagnostics. You can print identification by clicking Print Identification button or you can copy to clipboard by clicking Copy Identification.
decelerate
Main difference between concepts of program Ford-VCM OBD and system IDS is in user approach to vehicle and its systems. The IDS uses so called Function system, which first chooses function (e.g. Read trouble codes) and then control unit (e.g. PCM). Ford-VCM OBD chooses control unit first and then function. Advantage of second approach is especially similarity with other diagnostic systems (e.g. VCDS, etc.) and consequently more user friendly for those who have not much experience with IDS. Next advantage is easier identification of concrete type of control unit for programming etc.
Reading and Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes acted like IDS system, all CMDTC (Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Codes) are read and clear from control unit.
8.3 Identification
Ford IDS does not provide this function, however is possible to display some identification information in Log Viewer C Technician View (Full Diagnostic). Ford-VCM OBD use special function for reading identification information.
Unlike IDS system the Ford-VCM OBD implements three options of displaying measured values: Graph C for comparison two measured values simultaneously in graph Display 3x3 C appropriate for see display from longer distance Display list C for display all available measured values It isn't necessary to set vehicle equipment, which is sometimes hardly observable, Ford-VCM OBD displays all measured values, provided by control unit. The Ford-VCM OBD can sometimes display more values than IDS system, e.g. in Engine control unit is commonly available distance moved from last clearing flash memory (this function isn't supported in IDS system).
9 Known problems
Ford-VCM OBD doesn't diagnose vehicles manufactured in 1990-1995 with DCL/CART( EEC-IV) diagnostics Upgrade will need new interface with DCL support Unreliable communication with some control units manufactured by Delphi (e.g. Focus 1.8TDCi) Configuration of calibration data of injectors isn't available for all control units Problems will be solved in near future, Ford-VCM OBD is still in the works. Corrections will be available in any of next updates.