VCM and IDS Tools
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VCM and IDS Tools
I am currently debating how to resolve a PATS key problem and came across some Ford VCM and IDS software tools on Amazon. The VCM and IDS tools are what the dealer uses to troubleshoot Ford (and other) vehicles and they are used to reprogram in immobilizer on the vehicles to accept new key codes.
Amazon has them listed in a range of $200 - $500. EBay has them for roughly about the same and in some cases a lot more...
My question is this...if I purchase, say a $250 VCM and IDS system to resolve my key code problems...is that legal?
Isn't the IDS software proprietary to FORD? Or are these tools available to whoever purchases them?
From the videos I've seen on YouTube about the VCM and IDS tools, they seem to be mostly Chinese produced tools and videos. Are these knock-off tools and thus pirated software, or are the VCM and IDS system not licensed in any way?
I have no experience in these types of tools, so I don't know if $250 for one of these tools is a common things and perfectly acceptable, or am I buying something that is pirated and cloned?
Thanks for your guidance.
Calixto
Amazon has them listed in a range of $200 - $500. EBay has them for roughly about the same and in some cases a lot more...
My question is this...if I purchase, say a $250 VCM and IDS system to resolve my key code problems...is that legal?
Isn't the IDS software proprietary to FORD? Or are these tools available to whoever purchases them? From the videos I've seen on YouTube about the VCM and IDS tools, they seem to be mostly Chinese produced tools and videos. Are these knock-off tools and thus pirated software, or are the VCM and IDS system not licensed in any way?
I have no experience in these types of tools, so I don't know if $250 for one of these tools is a common things and perfectly acceptable, or am I buying something that is pirated and cloned?
Thanks for your guidance.
Calixto
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Hi Bluegrass, sorry I didn't explain my problem more clearly. -- I only have 1 key. The other has been lost. So, I need to erase the immobilizer and reprogram it. I'd also like to change the ignition cylinder to have a new key configuration, so I would need the VCM to program the PATS.
I know the dealer will do it, and so will automotive key smiths, but the price I was seeing on Amazon is almost what they want to charge me for reprogramming the vehicle. I usually like to buy my own tools and do the jobs myself if its affordable, but my question goes more towards...are these tools "legitimate" or are these tools clones and pirated software (which I would not buy).
Thanks,
Calixto
I know the dealer will do it, and so will automotive key smiths, but the price I was seeing on Amazon is almost what they want to charge me for reprogramming the vehicle. I usually like to buy my own tools and do the jobs myself if its affordable, but my question goes more towards...are these tools "legitimate" or are these tools clones and pirated software (which I would not buy).
Thanks,
Calixto
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