38 replies to this topic

[johnH]

hi folks,

well for a while now I've been saving up and debating on whether or not to get the Ford Dealership tool.

When i had my peugeot 307 a while back i bought the PSA equivalent called peugeot planet from a Chinese seller, it was a clone admittedly. but it still did all the same jobs as the original and i managed to activate a few features in my 307 and even scanned other forum members cars when they had issues.

So now I've saved up and now I've ordered the FORD VCM IDS. This is the device the dealerships use to connect to your car, scan codes, program new modules etc etc basically everything they can do, once I get the hang of the software so can I.

Again it's a Chinese clones and yeah there are plenty of rumours, but none with evidence. So once I have the device and tested etc I will post up the update and even a video

I am not sure if I can post up the link to the shop, but will post up once I get the device, test it and a review to give.

Oh and it cost £176 for the device, £24 delivery charge and a few extra ££ for transaction fee to $$$. in total £209.

[Preee]

Thats not a bad price John , I'm sure you are going to have plenty of fun with it.

[artscot79]

you can make money even charging 15quid to do codes and activate stuff knew a guy on the vw site who did it, its only fair its cheaper than a dealer and since you paid for it its worth getting something back. if i was anywhere near you ide happily pay

[johnH]

yeah i was thinking about that, ie going to members who are having issues and help diagnose and test things. i could even do it nationally...get enough people in one area and spend the day...meet members and their rides etc

[Paddy H]

You'd be like the Ford Doctor. All these poorly cars coming to see you!

Its a very reasonable price for what you can actually do with the device. I think worth the saving ay.

[johnH]

i like that - ford doctor...

on another forum, i did this for a while for peugeots and citroens as i had their tool... must have made 5x the value of the tool back just scanning abs faults and sorting my car out.

also when im done i normally sell for a fraction and normally people snap my fingers off for them.

once i get the device and had a play and got a review i will post up a link and a video...as mentioned before.

[GSM]

What can you do with it that you can't do with the ELM cable an FF2/ELMconfig?

[johnH]

basically anything a dealer can do...im not sure on the elm thing...but id rather stick to software and hardware that i know.

examples are:
reset DPF counters
program keys
program new ECU's, BSI's
full diagnostics
oscilloscope function
activate/deactivate features
actuator tests.

this device and the software i have, will be basically everything the dealership has, so id be saving money and helping others save money on diagnostics etc even on labour costs.

i was thinking, if i get enough interest i might approach the seller and ask about a forum discount to reduce the price to a more reasonable price.

[jeebowhite]

Ford Doctor H! Ex RAF'man, Current Bus Driver and now Doctor to the Ford's!

Its a good idea, having a diagnosis day in certain area's, the only real thing is that the cost to you in fuel is going to be more than you may make back, so you might want to tread carefully!

Sounds a good idea though mate, a nominal fee, a bit of cash in hand and a few favours pulled!

Look forward to seeing 'Doctor Ford' take off (Ford Doctor doesnt quite have the same ring to it?)

[Lenny]

Ford Doctor H! Ex RAF'man, Current Bus Driver and now Doctor to the Ford's!

Its a good idea, having a diagnosis day in certain area's, the only real thing is that the cost to you in fuel is going to be more than you may make back, so you might want to tread carefully!

Sounds a good idea though mate, a nominal fee, a bit of cash in hand and a few favours pulled!

Look forward to seeing 'Doctor Ford' take off (Ford Doctor doesnt quite have the same ring to it?)

[johnH]

i know what you mean jee, i was thinking lets say £20, get 5 people, thats £100 and it costs around £60 to fill my tank and on that i can get to and from london with some to spare so theres £40 profit....but yeah its something to work on.

[Lenny]

i know what you mean jee, i was thinking lets say £20, get 5 people, thats £100 and it costs around £60 to fill my tank and on that i can get to and from london with some to spare so theres £40 profit....but yeah its something to work on.

you would also need a 12v car charger for your laptop mate,
but 100% possible and an easy earner for a saturday morning in a tesco car park or somthing.

i would be interested in purchasing the kit myself, im going to read more about it and find out what exactly i could do with it

[johnH]

a new laptop more like lol this one is 5 year old and can hold battery for all around 20 mins at best. i was thinking about getting a small netbook.

[johnH]

just bought this, thought it was a bargain and a good mod:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160856035917

[Lenny]

a new laptop more like lol this one is 5 year old and can hold battery for all around 20 mins at best. i was thinking about getting a small netbook.

yes some of the net books have up to 8 hours battery life on them