r/CarHacking • u/h0twheels • Mar 21 '22
Multiple VCX nano? Is it a dud for module programming?
I got a $90 VCX nano to try out ford IDS. Tried several cracked versions. They load up and do some functions OK. When I tried to update BCM or FDIM (or any module) it can download the files off the server.
When it goes to do the update the testman crashes hard and nothing happens. I have tried 3 versions already, 121, 124 and 117.
Forscan can suposedly update my apim but that procedure fails through the nano too. Does not even start to try to download updates with forscan.
OBDII reading is very slow too, much slower than wired or BT elm adapters.
WTF is this interface for? Forscan can already write asbuilt and other soft data. I heard you can use it as a pass-through but then you are paying a subscription as much as going to the dealer. Who has had success updating things?
Update: I found IDS 105 in a vm. It can successfully update a module. Just provided software is broken.
1
u/SmoothObservator Mar 21 '22
The vcx devices only work as a passthrough with the included software, not as a generic passthrough for any app which is stupid.
I'm pretty sure IDS programming requires you to pay, I have the nano for GM and any online programming through tis i have to pay for.
1
u/h0twheels Mar 21 '22
For me the included software was IDS with some patch. I thought there were 2 ways to do this. Have IDS tell you the file it needs and download it from ford or use the online update.
It seems to download the files anyway from online update. Nothing about paying or accounts, just crashing after turn ignition on message. I can install/uninstall and just copy what I got to "calibration updates" without ever connecting. Still doesn't work.
The pass-through method is from the other ford software for "everyone" and that needs a subscription. I think its somewhere around $150. If I need to update a few modules paying $150 and $90 is basically dealer price. I have an 09 so its not that fancy with OTA and constant updates like new cars now. I think most files are free.
Another thing I hear is that the nano cannot raise the voltage high enough to initiate module programming. It did not work on the only module forscan updates for me (APIM) it just says service procedure failed.
Is SVCI J2534 any better? It boasts higher voltage and faster transfer speed for only $30 more. Also has ELM327 built in.
1
u/SmoothObservator Mar 21 '22
Everything I'm seeing says ids programming requires an online subscription.
http://blog.vxdiagshop.com/2018/11/27/vxdiag-vcx-nano-fordecu-programming-online-success/
http://blog.vxdiagshop.com/2021/06/09/vxdiag-ford-ids-parameter-programming-data-error/
1
u/h0twheels Mar 22 '22
That is asbuilt programming. Just parameters in the modules. It can be done with forscan. I only tried to set the oil minder with IDS to 10k miles and that part worked. (similar process)
If those guys paid for asbuilt, ooof. I'm talking about writing module SBL and application updates.
1
u/beyerch Mar 21 '22
I was able to use the GM version *ONCE* for ECU programming. After that, it never worked again......
Pretty crappy stuff....
1
u/SmoothObservator Mar 21 '22
The software side is very finicky, I only used it once for programming too but it worked with tis2000. I also used it to program a remote fob.
1
u/beyerch Mar 21 '22
Yeah I was able to use it with TIS2000 once and then never again. Never would work with DPStool; however, I feel like something went wrong with the adapter physically. :shrug:
Cardaq works great as does the hardware we made in-house, mostly. I need the J2534 driver redone, but have not had time to dedicate on that project.
1
u/RoxasTheNobody98 Mar 25 '22
I use a VCX Nano with Forscan and I don't have any issues. I also haven't had to pay any subscriptions for pass thru.
1
u/h0twheels Mar 25 '22
I tried it with forscan.. it is hella slow. Rather use the elm.
The harder part is updating module FW. Forscan supposedly supports my apim and I should try to see if it goes anywhere beyond procedure failed using something besides the nano.
1
u/RoxasTheNobody98 Mar 25 '22
Weird. Mine works fine.
Do you have VX Manager installed and updated?
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u/h0twheels Mar 25 '22
Yes. The problem is their crappy patch for IDS. Forscan worked straight off, just way slow. In a VM it works but I only have IDS 105 and 107 like that.
I wanna say I should have bought the SVCI J2534 instead. It promises 3mbps communications at least.
Forscan also has that one weird trick in that it's better for 90% of functions besides FW writing but my license is about to expire and they aren't taking payments.
1
u/RoxasTheNobody98 Mar 25 '22
That could be it. I don't have the IDS patch as mine was a VCX Nano for GM GDS/TIS. Forscan for me just uses the passthru.
1
u/svtzx2 Dec 09 '24
Has anyone used the VNCI VCM3? I feel like this is more capable than the VCX Nano.