Tech II and Ford IDS Options

[Thompson_Auto_Labs]

There are many challenging questions facing any tech or shop considering OE scan tool purchase. Are you willing to help with the OE tool you know?

If so, these are some ideas for helpful information posts:

What is the need for an OE scan tool for any particular manufacturer?

Navigation tips for the tool?

Useful information on not so well known capabilities of a particular factory scan tool?

What's the learning curve involved?

[Jeff]

Hello,
For the past few days I've been trying to research the information from various sources upon purchase of the Tech II and Ford IDS. It's been confusing as to what packages for the Tech II are the best options for me. I would like the ability to program all controllers and have factory information that is available online. Many have said that the TIS is the same as SPS. And then the total oposite. Is the OTC Tech II the same as the Vertronix Tech II ?

As for the IDS is it better to purchase with out the laptop that is provided as an option? I have other programs that I would like to run and would rather purchase a laptop that might be able to run all these programs. Of course not all at once, but not have any conflicts between the programs on the same laptop. Don't think I would need the VMM but not sure if this is required to run the power balance test.

These are the cars that are most common in the shop. Understand that yearly subscriptions are required as with almost any tool. Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated and thanks for the time.

Jeff

[Rich Barton]

Hello,
For the past few days I've been trying to research the information from various sources upon purchase of the Tech II and Ford IDS. It's been confusing as to what packages for the Tech II are the best options for me. I would like the ability to program all controllers and have factory information that is available online. Many have said that the TIS is the same as SPS. And then the total oposite. Is the OTC Tech II the same as the Vertronix Tech II ?

As for the IDS is it better to purchase with out the laptop that is provided as an option? I have other programs that I would like to run and would rather purchase a laptop that might be able to run all these programs. Of course not all at once, but not have any conflicts between the programs on the same laptop. Don't think I would need the VMM but not sure if this is required to run the power balance test.

These are the cars that are most common in the shop. Understand that yearly subscriptions are required as with almost any tool. Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated and thanks for the time.

Jeff

Hi Jeff:

The otc and the vertonix are the same they use the same program just the name is different.

If I was going to buy new I would buy it from Vertonix there service is very good.

You can find used tech2's at good prices I bought mine used 3 years ago for 2300.00

the way to do the flashing is buy one year and then you can update every couple of years if needed


As fo the IDS I would not buy the laptop or the vmm module if you get your owm laptop with the right specs you can get a big screen which is easier to see just my thoughts.

Maybe this helps if not just ask.

Rich

[Jeff]

Hi Jeff:

The otc and the vertonix are the same they use the same program just the name is different.

If I was going to buy new I would buy it from Vertonix there service is very good.

You can find used tech2's at good prices I bought mine used 3 years ago for 2300.00

the way to do the flashing is buy one year and then you can update every couple of years if needed
As fo the IDS I would not buy the laptop or the vmm module if you get your owm laptop with the right specs you can get a big screen which is easier to see just my thoughts.

Maybe this helps if not just ask.

Rich

Hi Rich,
Thanks for the reply. My main concern was the difference between the SPS and the TIS programs. It appears that the TIS may be the best option. Hopefuly when the web base support is available it will be a plus. The IDS purchase seperate new seems to be real reasonable. Thank you for reply. We will see how it goes this comming month. Thanks and take care.

Jeff

[Larry Flowers]

Jeff,
TIS is better then sps,I had both to start had sps and would not do tccm,bcm,door control modules radios,etc.But have been happy with tis and have not had nothing that i could not program.
I would buy laptop after you get ids.
Larry

[GlenB-SC]

As for the IDS is it better to purchase with out the laptop that is provided as an option? I have other programs that I would like to run and would rather purchase a laptop that might be able to run all these programs. Of course not all at once, but not have any conflicts between the programs on the same laptop. Don't think I would need the VMM but not sure if this is required to run the power balance test.


Jeff

Hey Jeff, I suggest not buying the supplied laptop to save money... but I also suggest buying the supplied laptop to gain tech support. The choice is your's. But I can say that in my shop, IDS is being used 6 different brand and model laptops in the shop with no isues other than IDS doesn't seem to like Norton. Run AVG and it is happy. Use XP Pro. The software has been forced onto operating systems that are not Pro and it works. I even have a copy of a little program that changes the name of XP Home to Pro and IDS is happy with that, 2 of the guys in my shop used it and IDS is fine with it. But if you load it onto Pro, there is no back door lock picking to have to do to make it work.

Forget the VMM. It is really just a 4 channel labscope. For mechanical fuel systems (mech. return and mech. returnless), the VMM is needed to view fuel pressure as a PID, as well as needed to run injector balance test on those mech. systems. But, if you are working on an electronic returnless, then the VMM is not even needed for that. It is really just a scope. It is a good-working scope... but... when you compare it against a 4 channel PICO... then there is no comparison. PICO smokes it and is cheaper too. COP stress test, as it is set up in the IDS as a pre-set function requires the VMM also. But, you can do the same thing with a PICO. In fact, with a PICO, a faster way is present. You can current ramp all of the coils at the same time at the fuse box to see if they are good. Ford's official COP stress test is very time consuming. You can also current ramp the coils with the VMM/IDS also... but the resolution is not as good as PICO. Plus, I've used the VMM scope many times, and I don't see how to pan left and right during zoom. You can zoom in, but only on what is in the middle of the screen. It doesn't seem to pan left and right... PICO will. Shoot, now I sound like a PICO salesman... I'm not, I don't even own one, yet... I've just been able to see first hand a little of what it will do, that's all.

I don't know what all other scan tool programs will/won't work with IDS there. But I do know that AE is ok. I have IDS and AE on my Dell C640 with no issues out of either one. I have even had both open at the same time (for get to close one) with no problems.

Oh... BTW, you can download the IDS software on line for free if you want to play around with it, I can email you some saved IDS sessions I have of data recordings and power balance recorded. But data doesn't flow the same in a recording as what it does when live. Power balance does, but PIDs are frozen and a cursor pans across in a recording.

[DougMontgomery]

with no issues other than IDS doesn't seem to like Norton.

Does ANYONE like Norton..LOL

[Matt Fanslow]

I don't know what all other scan tool programs will/won't work with IDS there. But I do know that AE is ok. I have IDS and AE on my Dell C640 with no issues out of either one. I have even had both open at the same time (for get to close one) with no problems.

A very good friend of mine has all these running on his laptop along with IDS: "I have run IDS, VAG COM, TIS, AE, EScan, PICO, Shop Foreman Pro, Shop Stream, Chrysler Benchtop Programmer, and my Actia J2534 tool all from the same HP laptop, for over a year now. I have had no problems."

Whether you buy a Tech2 from Bosch/Vetronix or SPX (Tech2 Flash), they are exactly the same. Get it with this though: https://www.acdelcotds.com/acdelco/action/subscribehome (TIS2Web). This will allow you to update the scan tool, upload snapshots and graph them out, and reflash/reprogram/configure/re-configure any applicable module on a GM vehicle. It is also the factory tool for Saturn and Saab. Also make sure to get the CANdi module with it.

IDS is a great tool. To increase portability you can buy a PocketPC and make it a PDS. Don't forget that IDS is also the factory scan tool for: Ford, Mazda, Jaguar, and Land Rover. 4 vehicle makes in one unit, pretty nice.

HTH. Later, Matt.

[Jeff]

Hello everyone,
Thanks for all the responses. Sorry for the delay in response. I purchased the SPX/OTC unit brand new from a local tool dealer at a very reasonable price. Thanks again!

[jnand]

There are many challenging questions facing any tech or shop considering OE scan tool purchase. Are you willing to help with the OE tool you know?

If so, these are some ideas for helpful information posts:

What is the need for an OE scan tool for any particular manufacturer?

Navigation tips for the tool?

Useful information on not so well known capabilities of a particular factory scan tool?

What's the learning curve involved?

I am thinking of buying the IDS. Just wondering if it will be worth it since AE is getting better and better each time with a consistency that no other tool is IMHO. I am aware of the security side of things re: incode/outcode which requires a subscription to fordetis, in addition to a current motorcraft subscription. Who knows what is next!!!

[DougMontgomery]

The IDS is still a must for someone who does alot of Ford's
The biggest two things for Powertrain (not even othe module functions) is Power Balance and Bi-Directional Controls

[Ryan H]

Coming from a diesel shop if you see any 6.0L Powerstrokes darken you door the Ford IDS is essential. Not just for the bi-directional tests but the ability to reprogram modules. About 95% of these trucks that enter our shop require reflashing with out it you just can't fix some of their major problems. (ei. FICM update to inductive heating strategy)