FAQ about Ford VCM OBD

FAQ
1.Can Ford-VCM OBD clear MIL light?
Answer:
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?
Answer:
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 ?
Answer:
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)?

Answer:
Yes, patscode can be used with both Ford-VCM OBD and Ford IDS.

6.Does Ford-VCM OBD work with ELM32x interface?
Answer:
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?
Answer:
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?
Answer:
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?
Answer:
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
Answer:
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.WAHT ISPATSCODE.COM?

What is MSCAN ?
Answer:
MSCAN is mid-speed CAN-BUS in Ford vehicles used to interconnect body and infotainment control units

12.What is bootloader?
Answer:
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) ?
Answer:
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?
Answer:
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?
Answer:
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?

Answer:
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.