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Is it possible for a consumer to purchase the Ford scan tool software?

4044 Views 17 Replies 13 Participants Last post by  GapBoyPCS
I'd be interested in this...I know other brands have aftermarket software scan tools that are almost able to perform 100% of the factory tool operations..Perhaps someone like Ross Tech might like to offer this option up for Ford owners.
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Go to motorcraftservice.com and click on tools and equipment in the menu on the left. The tool is called an IDS/VCM with web updates part number is 164-R9505. To place an order call 1-800-ROTUNDA, Option #1.
I have to say this is a good question and something I've been wondering about with my history of VW TDI ownership. Not a huge issue, but it would be nice to tinker with and just check out all of the data and optional settings.
Getting a ScangaugeII might be an option
I don't know, but the owner/inventor of SCT lives near me and I plan on buying that when it comes out. If anyone can tune a Ford, it's SCT.
I am planning on using a SCT X/CAL III from FSWerks as a scanner for my Fiesta. I had an X/CAL II for my SVT Focus, but never used it for a scan tool.
I am planning on using a SCT X/CAL III from FSWerks as a scanner for my Fiesta. I had an X/CAL II for my SVT Focus, but never used it for a scan tool.
SCT Automotive Performance Products They have a wireless touch screen flash/datalogging unit available now, it comes with a windshield mount so you can use it to monitor performance, economy, and you can even enable/disable certain features like the stability control.
Check out this OBD2 Ford Enhanced Software Package.

You need to purchase their hardware (scanner) with Scan XL.

It's worth it because you can read and erase SRS, ABS and Special Ford Powertrain Codes.
Website says it works up to year 2009...
Not to be a jackass but word of caution, should you remove and or erase certain codes that disable safety features without notifying your insurance company; will result in bad consequences should you get in a wreck and they investigate. They have the right to drop your claim for lying to them and deny you further coverage. I would think twice before doing this, is it worth the risk.
Not to be a jackass but word of caution, should you remove and or erase certain codes that disable safety features without notifying your insurance company; will result in bad consequences should you get in a wreck and they investigate. They have the right to drop your claim for lying to them and deny you further coverage. I would think twice before doing this, is it worth the risk.

I have to agree with mrbirdman on this. At the very least, if you do turn features like ABS off during autocrossing, at least remember to turn them back on before you get back on the street.
I have to agree with mrbirdman on this. At the very least, if you do turn features like ABS off during autocrossing, at least remember to turn them back on before you get back on the street.
What would happen if you pulled the fuse when you wanted to disable the ABS or stabilty control?:confused: Besides having a lot of warning lights come on, would this work?:confused: And would everything be OK after you put it in?:confused:

Somebody try this and let me know.:eek:

Dan
65 Corvair convertible
11 Fiesta week of July 13th. Reserved in January.
Concerning in about two weeks I will be licensed in Life, Home, Auto, and other Insurance there is no ''Oops'' when it comes to ''temporarily disabling'' any of those features or putting fuses back in after the accident. Who would have time to do it right after a wreck or remember. You have to also understand the police are going to investigate to a high degree especially if its a high speed wreck, also wouldn't it look kinda funny if you smashed something at 55+ and your air bag didn't go off not to mention the nice long black marks of you trying to stop begin to add up quickly. Simply put, you remove them you are to notify your auto insurance and then if you have done such things and such modifications you'll either recieve a higher rate or the insurance company will tell you to put them back in or be dropped. Thirdly unless you're buying your Fiesta outright it isn't smart to do such things until the title is offically yours and in your safe at home. I'm not being a jackass, I'm laying down to you what the Insurance Companies have the right to do not to mention you WILL VOID warranty should there be a defect of some sort in resulting of fuse removal or code disable. Need I list others? Because once again is it worth the risk to pull a fuse, remove a code because you don't want those features when you know well in result it will cause problems with insurance and VOID your warranty. I think the cons outweight the pros.
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bird...I totally agree with you on the concerns about this....

I would be concerned about things that are almost standard across the board on most modern cars now..like the ABS..but I think that if you disabled the ESC or TC I doubt that the investigators would even understand the nuiances of this feature...NOT SO WITH ABS of course.

It is true that you should FULLY understand the concequences of changing the default settings on your car.

I would first talk with my carrier and inquire about these changes...
What would happen if you pulled the fuse when you wanted to disable the ABS or stabilty control?:confused: Besides having a lot of warning lights come on, would this work?:confused: And would everything be OK after you put it in?.
Have no first hand knowledge in this but would strongly suspect that key functions like ESC & TC are on a fuse that also would not allow your vehicle to start if it was pulled. Just too many friggin lawyers running around these days trying to hit the corporate lottery.
Have no first hand knowledge in this but would strongly suspect that key functions like ESC & TC are on a fuse that also would not allow your vehicle to start if it was pulled. Just too many friggin lawyers running around these days trying to hit the corporate lottery.
Sorry, I have to comment as a former legal secretary. I was working on the insurance side of Worker's Comp and we had a case of a worker "adjusting" (removing) a hand guard on a stamping machine. He managed to smash his hand to the point it had to be removed. He then sued the company for no longer being able to play his guitar even though insurance did pay for an artifical hand.

There are a lot of people out there who do stupid things and like to sue companies because of their stupidy.
I'm curious as to whether or not other markets have the ECT TC feature on their models ..If it is not on ALL markets cars I would bet that selectively disabling this feature would not be a negative impact on any other related feature like ABS...

Do the EU cars have a TC enable disable push button in the dash?

My Dads 2005 Ford Taurus has a manual TC disable push button in the center console hard to believe that a sporty car like the Fiesta doesn't have this.
I'm curious as to whether or not other markets have the ECT TC feature on their models ..If it is not on ALL markets cars I would bet that selectively disabling this feature would not be a negative impact on any other related feature like ABS....
Advance Trac is dependent (and integrated with) traction control and ABS. There will be times where Advance Trac would be triggered and would signal the car to reduce engine power. If you disable traction control, he ABS possibly over(under)compensating, and resulting in something that's not pretty. Plus, I'm sure there are enough methods to prevent any such an action i.e. linking fuses together and circuits to discourage the disabling of active handling (considering active handling is MANDATED in all cars for 2012 in the United States, and many other countries have/are following suit).

I would be concerned about things that are almost standard across the board on most modern cars now..like the ABS..but I think that if you disabled the ESC or TC I doubt that the investigators would even understand the nuiances of this feature...NOT SO WITH ABS of course.
Crash investigators are a highly skilled bunch of individuals. They may understand the "nuisance" factor of some features coming from a consumer's point of view. However, they also understand where these features would play a part in avoiding a collision (or even reducing the severity of one).

***

We've deviated from this thread a bit. The original post was talking about where to purchase a scan tool, and now there's talk about potentially overriding safety systems that could save someone's life (either as the driver, passenger, or the oncoming motorist) :(.

On that note, I will have to pull the fuse on this thread.
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