LAST UPDATED: December 8, 2008

Dec. 8, 2008:  IDS Session files deleted over the last 60 days can now be recovered

Effective in IDS R58 Patch 5, the Previous Session page has been updated with a new recycle bin icon:  

Selecting this icon displays the sessions deleted in the last 60 days - presorted by Model and Date. Resume one of these deleted sessions by selecting it and hitting the tick.

Nov. 19, 2008:  Sync V2 supported on some North American vehicles on R58

The following vehicles have Sync V2 support on software release 58: 2009.5 Edge, Escape/Mariner, Expedition/Navigator/Stretch, Explorer/Mountaineer/Sport Trac, F150, F250/350/450/550, Flex, Focus, MKS

Nov. 19, 2008:  911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report (VHR) SYNC IDS Requirements

Vehicles factory equipped with SYNC 911 Assist(tm) and Vehicle Health Report (VHR) services or vehicles upgraded to activate these services require IDS R58 or higher to communicate with the SYNC (APIM) module. If IDS/PDS version R58 or higher is not installed IDS/PDS will fail to communicate with the SYNC (APIM) module. It is recommended that older sessions be deleted before SYNC diagnostics is performed. It is also required that the latest R58 IDS/PDS updates be downloaded and installed onto all IDS PCs and all PDS PDAs prior to diagnosing Sync (APIM) related vehicle issues.

Nov. 19, 2008:  New 0.020' EVAP Leak Test

A new 0.020' EVAP Leak Test is now available on 2006 - 2009 Focus/Explorer/Mountaineer/Sporttrac programs for use in diagnosing EVAP system leaks. Some of the test features include the ability to identify the actual leak size, pass or fail results based on vehicle calibration, plotting of the vacuum degradation via an xy plot, and comprehensive gross leak detection diagnostics. This new test replaces the existing EVAP test and can be accessed by selecting Toolbox/Powertrain/Fuel/EVAP Test.

Nov. 5, 2008:  Laptop Availability with Windows XP Pro

It is becoming more difficult to purchase a Laptop to use for IDS with Windows XP Pro Operating System. The only way to purchase Windows XP Pro is to purchase Vista Business with downgrade rights to Windows XP Pro. Rotunda will continue to offer the Panasonic Toughbooks with Windows XP Pro Operating System. To make it easier to obtain the Dell D630 with Windows XP Pro, we have recently updated www.dell.com/idstechnicians web site which offers a minimally equipped Latitude D630 starting at $829.

Retail PC Stores are only offering Windows XP Home or Vista Home Edition as an alternative. Windows XP Professional is the approved Operating System for running IDS and will remain the approved Operating System. There are no plans to support Windows Vista in the foreseeable future.

Laptops can be ordered through the retail Dell website with Vista Business and downgrade rights to Windows XP Pro Operating System by selecting the 'Small Business/For the Office' tab on the Dell home web page.

If orders are placed from the 'Home/For the Home' tab, Vista Home Edition is the only Operating System offered which cannot be downgraded to Windows XP Pro. If you have any questions - please call Rotunda at (800) 768-8632 Option 1 or send an email to mmonroe2@ford.com.

Sept. 16, 2008:  VDR

One of the following procedures should be followed if you are experiencing connection problems with your VDR.

New VDRs

If you have recently purchased your VDR (August 2008 or later) or your VDR has a serial number 08XXXXXXXX or greater, the VDR has been shipped with IDS compatible software pre-loaded and the procedures below are not required in order for your VDR to properly communicate with IDS. For connection problems with your new VDR, please contact Ford Technical Information Support for assistance.

Older VDRs

If you have an older VDR, purchased June 2006 or earlier or your VDR has a serial number of less than 07XXXXXXXX, and you have never used your VDR on IDS, then you must follow one of the below procedures in order to update your VDR so that it will work properly with IDS. Option #1 uses WDS (version B41 or later) to update the VDR and Option #2 uses IDS to update the VDR. If available, it is recommended that you use WDS to update your VDR.

Option #1 - VDR Update Using WDS

1. Using your WDS, version B41 or later, start a new session or open a previous session.
2. Select the Toolbox top tab.
3. Select VDR setup.
4. Select YES when prompted to update the VDR software.
5. After the software update is complete, disconnect the VDR from WDS and exit VDR setup.

If the above procedure was successfully completed, your VDR is now ready to use with IDS.

If you do not have access to a WDS then follow the procedure below.

Option #2 - VDR Update Using IDS

1. Select the IDS top tab (located in the upper left corner of the screen).
2. Select the Swiss knife (located in the lower left corner of the screen).
3. Select "VDR Information/Update" (located on the right screen, under miscellaneous section)
4. Select WDS - IDS VDR Update
5. Follow the instructions on the screen.

If the above procedure was successfully completed, your VDR is now ready to use with IDS.

If the above procedure fails then contact Ford Technical Information Support for assistance.

If you have successfully used your VDR with IDS in the past and the VDR is no longer working with IDS, please contact Ford Technical Information Support for assistance.

Jul. 24, 2008:  New Variable Cam Timing Tool

There is a new oscilloscope tool available in R56 called Variable Cam Timing.

This tool is for 8 cylinder VCT applications (4.6L and 5.4L 3V engines). Its purpose is to display both CAM signals for proper alignment relative to coil #1 and verify CMP signal integrity. This is done by monitoring CMP1 and CMP2 along with coil #1 for reference. All the necessary hookups are displayed and the oscilloscope is preconfigured. Note: Select the Encyclopedia button in the oscilloscope tool for VCT help and screen shot examples.

Jul. 23, 2008:  Windows XP Pro SP3 Approved for IDS

Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (SP3) is approved for use with IDS software release 56. SP3 updates will improve the reliability of the USB connection to the Vehicle Communication Module. Windows XP Pro SP3 is available through Windows Update or can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center.

Jul. 23, 2008:  VCM DVD Packaging Change

Beginning with VCM DVD 2008.7 (IDS & PDS release 56), the DVD is being shipped in a red cardboard wrap. The wrap's length and width are similar to the hard plastic case with the thickness of an envelope. The hard plastic case will no longer be used. If the DVD is not received, please look for this new package through normal mail delivery.

Jul. 23, 2008:  New IC Tool for 2008 F-250 Super Duty

The Instrument Cluster Function Test Diagnostic Tool is available on the VCM DVD 2008.7 (IDS software release 56) for use with the 2008 F-250 Super Duty.

The Instrument Cluster Function Test Diagnostic Tool supports diagnosis of Speedometer, Fuel Gauge, Warning Lamps, PRNDL/Message Center, Background Illumination Test and some additional gauges like Booster and Voltage. This new tool provides an intuitive user interface to visually test parameters which, until now, had been available only through the Datalogger function. The technician can choose and run the specific area of the test needed and view the results.