Integrated Diagnostic System Scan Tool Usage

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

If The Integrated Diagnostic System Scan Tool Does Not Communicate With The Vehicle Communication Module

Check the VCM connection and power from the DLC
Check the communication between the scan tool and the VCM.
Follow scan tool instructions to retry.

If The Integrated Diagnostic System Scan Tool Does Not Communicate With The Vehicle

The IDS scan tool first attempts to communicate with the PCM. After establishing communication with the PCM, the scan tool then attempts to communicate with all other modules on the vehicle.

Verify the scan tool operation with a known good vehicle.
Verify the ignition is ON.
If an IDS session cannot be established with the vehicle (IDS may state "No communication can be established with the PCM"):
- Choose "NO" when the scan tool prompts to retry communication.
- Enter either a PCM part number, tear tag, or calibration number to identify the vehicle and start a session.
  - The PCM part number and 4-character tear tag are printed on the PCM label.
  - The PCM part number can be determined from OASIS - choose "HVBoM" from the OASIS and search for the PCM part number
- Establish a session based on the PCM information (above).
Using the tool box menu, run the network test.
- Determine if all modules on the network are unresponsive or if only the PCM does not communicate.
- Recommended practice: MODULE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK to diagnose the network outage or no response from the PCM.