I was maintaining a fleet of lawn maintenance trucks for last few years, about 70% of which are Fords. They bought me (personally not company) a used Toughbook along with a new Rotunda VCM and an IDS subscription for the last three years. (The guy there before me was costing them a fortune throwing parts at the 6.0 trucks) I don't work there any longer, per se, but I still do sub work for them as I am close with the owners. If it weren't for my health issues, I would likely be there full time. I only do a few repairs a month, usually involving their aging 6.0 trucks. I also personally own a 6.0 and just picked up a 2005 5.4 F250.

My subscription for IDS just expired (and I think my personal truck just lost an injector tonight...lol) and even though they would likely renew it if I asked, I feel bad because of the price. It's a large corporation but I don't want to take advantage. I appreciate what they have done to help me already. I'm having trouble justifying the cost for my limited use.

Is there an alternative to IDS that is just as good? I've only had to program a few modules but understand an aftermarket software likely won't support that. I would also guess the VCM is useless without a valid subscription as well?

Should I just pony up the $699? It is only $50 a month after all...

I already have a need to add cruise function to a 2005 6.0, I would guess that's probably $100 at the dealer just to do that? I really don't know, it's been a long time since I brought anything into the dealer.

Open to any suggestions or input.

 

If you need the programming function then you have the best
way to go with the Ford IDS VCM setup.

Is it a VCM or a VCM2?

One way to work it would be to make a deal with then to pay 1/2
the $50 mo to cover the use when you working for them.


Sean

 

It's a VCM 1. When I bought it the VCM 2 had just been released and I was told it had some compatibility issues at the time and since I was working on older stuff it was better to go with the VCM 1. Whether that is true, I haven't a clue.

 

I still think you have the best option. Even if it's
an older unit. It will still do what you need.
Just won't work with the newer vehicles.

Sean

 

Honestly I wouldn't feel bad about having them pay for it as you still work on their fleet vehicles even if it isn't all the time and you know as well as we do that one parts throwing session on one of these 6.0L's would more than pay for a 3 year subscription. I would ask them to pay for it and just make sure you can at least run diagnostics on there vehicles when needed.

 

if they are still bringing the 6.0's to you, and they still have a decent number of them I don't think they'd have an issue Paying for it, and getting another write off like that.

If they bring you the trucks instead of a dealer, You will be saving them money.

 

They agreed to extend it for me. I offered to split it but they picked up the cost.

 

Glad that worked out for you Keeping up with licsense subscriptions is a pain and a good size expense but necessary when working in a shop environment.
That is a good company you are working for. I have worked for some that would not have done it and others that would have never hesitated. Luck of the draaw sometimes.

 

A company should pick up the tab for things like that.

You work for them and it's a tool they provided for you, so they should pay for it. It's a business write off for them anyhow as it's the cost of doing business and a tool you need to work.