Regarding the adapters, so far I've found three sellers that seem like they (hopefully) good to go. Each are based in Shenzhen, China. I will see if they respond on WhatsApp, but it is still before business hours there.

Between the three sellers:
There are some software installation videos, which pretty much match the two videos in post above.
There are some download links, some of which are broken.
There are multiple adapters for sale.
Some adapters are sold without software.
Some adapters include software.
There is some standalone software.
Across all the products of the three sellers, it seems the following IDS versions are either supported or can be obtained:
v85
v90
v106
v113
v115
v117
v122
v125
v125.01
v126
v127
v128

Note that I didn't find a product that stated compatibility with v86.

Here is what I noticed about each of the sellers. I tried to make a link that lists all their IDS related products for Ford in order of descending price.

FlyOBD.com:
https://flyobd.com/shop/index.php?route=product/search&sort=p.price&order=DESC&search=ids&category _id=0
This seller seems to have only one adapter available.
There is also a software product that seems to be a way to get the necessary files based on which version of IDS is preferred.

OB2Tool.com:
https://www.obd2tool.com/category.php?category=200&display=list&brand=0&pri ce_min=0&price_max=0&filter_attr=0&page=1&sort=sho p_price&order=DESC#goods_list
This seller has quite a few adapters, including a computer preloaded with software and ready to go!


VXDAS.com:
https://www.vxdas.com/collections/car-diagnostic-tool?constraint=for-ford&sort_by=price-descending
This seller seemingly sells 5 adapters, including this "VCM IDS 3" which didn't show up in the above link:
https://www.vxdas.com/products/vcm-i...7ec9a40e&_ss=r
They also seem to sell a HDD/SSD so that installation of the software is not needed:
https://www.vxdas.com/products/ford-...18646435594313



Something tells me that pretty much any of these should work.

 

The V85 and V90 should work. Key word is "SHOULD".
If the VCM2 has been updated, you will have to use the restore function
to back the firmware back to the Vb6 for the V90 and higher IDS.


Here are a few things that you can do with the VCM2 that are not well published.

 

Reviving an old thread. What's the consensus on the IDS clone software? I saw that flyobd.com is still selling the J2534 with a much newer version of the cloned IDS. I was just wondering if anyone has tried the newer version, and if it's still a royal pain to get it up and actually working (like what's been shown in this thread).

I'm needing to do an uncompensated cylinder contribution test on my 6.0 powerstroke....and from what I've seen...IDS (real or cloned) is the only option.

Thanks for the info.

 

I personally have had good luck with FLYOBD.

 

It's not really difficult at all anymore, after I contacted them and we got the issues resolved. I'm unsure of the newest version as I'm unaware why they had to make a new tool, perhaps Ford changed something in the program.

 

I just picked up a genuine Bosch made VCM II. Does anybody have a good link to a functional clone of Ford IDS? I saw a few linked in this thread earlier, but those links are now broken. I'd really prefer a version that doesn't give me a virus or brick my newly acquired VMC II . Thanks! PMs are fine.

 

Well since you have a real VCM, how much do you plan to use it? If it isn't much you could get a 3 days license form Motorcraft Service and use the real software. That is pricey way to go but works. Last time I looked the 3 day license was $120.

 

Honestly, not much. I don't really need it. I started looking at VCM IIs last summer because I wanted to change the VIN programmed in the PCM to match my original VIN (rebuilt title, long story). I changed my mind when I learned about the problems associated with connecting to the Ford mother ship and forcing newer strategies. I have a good strategy that I want to retain as is. Then this thing popped up for only $200. I figured that it would be good to have on hand to allow me to run more complete diagnostics and relative compression tests, etc. Worst case if I don't use it I'm sure I could easily get my money back out of it. I can't really justify paying $120 for 3 days when I don't actually need it for anything.

 

Just get a cheap Windows laptop (many for less than $50) dedicated for this if concerned about viruses. But I have not read about any reported problems.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...LC0TIHGpCYGsmK

 

Thanks for that link @RoberDen ...I'll try to check it out this weekend and report back on my experience.

 

Ford VCM 2 for sale on one of the other forums I joined years ago.

 

I am also looking for a clone.



In 2025, I purchased hardware and software for a significant amount of money (toughbook, VCM3, 1-year-software licence).

Recently, I had no access to IDS for more than two weeks.



This was the response:

"

Hi Hartwig Heil,



Unfortunately, the global licensing is down.



The new license is only for the United States; it cannot be used outside of the country due to a limitation imposed by Ford.



Thank you.

Mike

Technical Support Team

London, United Kingdom

info@techroute66.com

+13023037533

http://www.techroute66.com





"

In addition, the original software only works if you have internet access. No internet, no IDS.

 

Wow, really despise this cloud based or subscription based software, but it is what it is.

Wouldn't the bootleg clone software work with the vcm?