I am considering replacing my VSM because of several reasons, some of which have been lingering for a number of years. I know that the dealer has to program the VSM, but I am not sure of what that involves.

I have either a chip or a flash program on my PCM, and it was that way when I bought it over 10 years ago. If it is a flash, which is what I expect, is the PCM involved to any degree as part of the VSM programming effort at the dealer?

 

VSM on the diff???

 

Vehicle Security Module .. this was the 2002 replacement for the older GEM (General Electronics Module), and is located in the same place as the GEM which is on the firewall behind the stereo., inside the cab. That little VSM/GEM rascal has influence on all kinds of electronics in the truck and can cause what appear to be randomly weird issues (vehicle security electronics, dash lights, stereo, interior lights, door locks, etc.).

 

I swapped the vsm on my 02. When the vsm was removed from the truck, the truck would still run and drive. What did not work was the locks, door keypad, acc delay, and interior lighting issues. Programming involves configuring the vsm to the options your truck has, and should not have anything to do with your pcm programming. If you get a vsm from somebody that has bench programming equipment, they can preload it with the programming for your truck and it will just be plug and play when you get it. The only thing you will have to do is program your remote controls, but that is easy.

If you bought a good used vsm that came from a similar truck with the same options, it would be plug and play also. I changed mine because it would not let me program my new remotes. I put one out of a 06 F250 and it worked fine, except I can't program the door pad because the 06 did not have door pad, but I don't ever want to use that anyway.

 

Thanks for those details, Erik. I know some guys I can call around here who just may be able to help me stay out of the dealership altogether.

Also, I just took a look over the AE Enhanced Ford Budlle supported systems and commands, and the VSM and all its components are in the list. I might just be able to do it myself!

EDIT: Nope. read only with AE - no programming.

 

Yes, if AE doesn't work, if any of the guys you know has a J2534 compatible device, you can get a temporary pass to use Ford programming. IIRC, it is a 48 hr pass for around $35. If you have access to a J2534 passthrough device, you can get your programming specific to your vin directly from Ford.

 

I know one guy here locally who runs a diesel performance shop, and he may be able to help me out on this.