[6slower]

I'm looking into getting IDS so I can see contribution tests for my 6.0
Just wondering if anyone has used a IDS clone and the cheaper Interface such as the VXDIAG VCX nano. Just trying to figure out what works the best and where I should purchase everything. Especially curious on where to get the software without having to spend a bunch. I've seen some videos and forums talking about these but not really a lot of details on where or who to buy from.

Just don't want to waste my money on something that isn't going to work.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Racer71]

I haven’t but why not find a decent used snap on or launch, they will show you the same plus no subscprition fee like with ids I have a few different scanners ids included and unless you want to program/reflash there’s no advantage or need for IDS. The aftermarket tools do a much better job with data stream and the overall user interface. I own the factory Chrysler witech, gm gds2 and tech2, and ford IDS my snap on verus ultra is my go to every time.

 

[6slower]

I may look into getting a used snap on or something. I was just more so looking for something cheaper. I seen some combos online for the IDS clones for under 200$ But I have no experience with them and don’t want to just throw away 200$. I don’t do this everyday I just have my truck and the occasional friends truck, so I wasn’t looking to spend crazy money on one. I have Torque pro and ForScan for my Tablet but neither are capable of contribution tests.

 

[Racer71]

You to pay a subscription fee for the legit ids software 850 iirc per year or 40 for 72 hours going off memory it may have changed, I do mine yearly and it doesn’t expire until March. There may be software out there that’s pirated and doesn’t use motorcraft site but I’ve never looked into it.

 

[TooManyToys]

Only an IDS or an IDS clone will do an uncompensated injector balance test. I've had a cloned IDS and did all the functions. The interface failed due to poor soldering, and the software can be tricky with its date restrictions and interface with different OS. If you really know what you are doing with OS, you can make it work easier.

But if you do not absolutely need an uncompensated balance, FORScan is a better setup.

 

[6slower]

I don’t necessarily need an uncompensated balance test but it would be nice to have on hand.
TooManyToys where did you get your clone setup when you had it? Did you pay for the legit IDS software?

 

[TooManyToys]

It was an eBay kit years ago. No, I didn't link up with Ford. When I was working, I had bought the Ford package with the yearly subscription for the facility.

 

[Hydro]

the ForScan cylinder cutout test will do a similar operation to the balance test, but you have to interepet the readings, -- no fancy graph

 

[6slower]

the ForScan cylinder cutout test will do a similar operation to the balance test, but you have to interepet the readings, -- no fancy graph

Okay I was unaware of this, which version are you talking about? I currently just have the ForScan for my tablet with the Bluetooth OBD adapter.

 

[G8orFord]

Okay I was unaware of this, which version are you talking about? I currently just have the ForScan for my tablet with the Bluetooth OBD adapter.

You need the full PC version, so unless your tablet is running Windows, it won't do it.

 

[FrankWain]

VXDIAG VCX NANO is a good buy if you have it properly set up with Forscan/FJDS/FDRS. For new software is Vxdiag better because (black list)only if you have VCM2 with not blacklisted serial.
Software is tricky to install, it works in the end.
they got free software download on their website
VXDiag VCX NANO for Ford IDS V123 /Mazda IDS V123 USB 2 in 1