Need some help from you guys that are Ford techs.

I have purchased a new PDS & VCM. I am trying to be able to reprogram PCM's. I can program PATS, modify tire/axle size, etc etc but when I go to Reprogram PCM it goes through the step saying there is an update for this PCM - part # XXXXXX connect the PDS to your PC to download the file.

Thats where I stop at. I subscribed to Motorcraft Service Module Reprogramming info on motorcraft . com and I can't quite figure out how to get the updated PCM file from their site to my PDS. On the Motorcraft site, you have a link to the Excel file with all the updated part numbers, a link to PATS info, and then a download link to a program for installing the reprogramming deal. The file name is FMP39. That is supposed to work with a J2534 passthru device to reprogram the PCM. Well, when I install the FMP39 program my computer says installation has terminated because it deteced WDS on my system - which is my PDS. I uninstalled the PDS and same thing.

I think I might have to use the VCM along with the software from Motorcraft web site and program the PCM's like that .... ????

What gives?? Anyone got any suggestions?

Thanks

 

Never mind - It takes a special program to work with the PDS to be able to reprogram modules - I got it figured out.

 

Are you going to get the program to allow that? I'm curious as to how well it all works.
At work we do reprogramming with the WDS but sooner or later we'll get new equipment.

 

Well here's the WHOLE deal-

We own 3 local repair shops and work on quite a few vehicles. We have a Snap On Solus and Modus that allows complete ABS diagnostics, GEM Module info and PATS info - info only. No modifications/programming to PATS system. We were constantly needing to flash PCM's, reprogram PATS keys, etc etc. PLUS the biggest thing - diagnose a COP quick with a misfire and no light.

So we looked into the WDS - it looked like a good solution. Since we aren't tied in with any dealer, we had no idea that it was old technology. We were looking at buying one from Mighty Auto Parts and we decided to call our local Ford dealer we buy all of our parts from. They said wait - the PDS is coming out in XX weeks. We decided to buy a PDS and it FINALLY came in after about 2 months.

The PDS works in conjunction with the VCM which connects the PDS (Palm Pilot with PDS software) to the vehicle. It works great. Quick - fast. Live cylinder misfire data for COP, plus all module reprogramming, etc etc.

The only problem is no one knows anything about the PDS so I basically just had to figure it out for myself. In with the palm pilot, there is a docking station for your PC. You must install Active Sync off the HP CD that comes with the palm pilot and "sync" the PC to the Palm Pilot. Then, the part with the program that links the two together - you download it from Motorcraftservice . com under the Diagnostic Tool Support section. There is a link to PDS Version 39. Download it - install it to your PC then it will install PDS to your palm pilot. When you go to reprogram a PC, the PDS tests the PCM, checks for updates, gives you the part number of the update and then says "Connect PDS to PC to retrieve PCM update" Disconnect the PDS from the VCM and dock the PDS to your PC and it will automatically transfer the PCM file to your PDS. Then put it back in the vehicle, connect to the VCM and it reprograms your PCM in about 5 minutes. Can't beat it.

The PDS is a VERY good investment. Plus, the program that you download to link the PDS and your PC automatically updates your PDS with new files when they become available.

 

Sounds like a good tool
Hopefully we'll get one before too much longer.
Apparently Ford has some other new scan tool coming out soon too.
Just when you think you have something figured out they come up with something new.
The WDS is a very good tool now even though it was already almost obsolete technology when they came out with it. I think it's still a Pentium 1 processor in it. At first it wasn't very good...had lots of bugs, things didn't work etc. They finally have it working well and now it's being replaced. Oh well.