HoosierDaddy

IDS runs on a laptop. And it may even be free; it was at one time. But it requires a device called a VCM (Vehicle Communication Module) to connect the laptop to the OBD2 connector of the car. My understanding is that the VCM also manages a license that you must buy from Ford. The license doesn't expire but it is only good thru the model year it was purchased for so you have to keep updating it (for a fee of course).

IDS/VCM is also how dealers flash engine computers which tells me an aftermarket tuner probably has what it takes to update the ACM if someone would write the code. And that might not be hard if someone just logged what IDS sends to load ACM data.

I contacted a tuner maker about making that an option but they had no interest.

Dealers aren't the only ones who use IDS. Some independent shops have it. The problem I ran into was there is no list of shops that use IDS and its a very small percent that do. So its like finding a needle in a haystack. And while a shop might not charge as much as a dealer, the good dealers charge less than $50 so it isn't worth the time to cold call hundreds of independents.

As for a dealer in New York, maybe you make some calls and post a dealer who will do it. Should be worth some good karma. I posted an approach that worked for me.

HoosierDaddy

Factoid: I just found out that the ACM is imbedded in the part normal people call the Head Unit. It's not a separate part somewhere in the car. In fact Ford calls the combined component the ACM. So for the Mustang at least the term ACM also means the factory head unit.

It's not that important within the scope of just replacing steering wheels but for people also replacing their head unit, I always assumed the ACM would still remain a part of the car after the head unit was swapped.

Stang-aholic

awesome info you rounded up here, any chance that one of the new (2010+) steering wheels could be installed on a 05-09 that has an aftermarket HU? this way i could buy the steering wheel interface harness for the HU for a 10+ mustang.

MELLOWYELLOW06

Great research.

VsparxV

i have new take off 2011-2012 gt premium leather steering wheels for sale. perfect condition $135+shipping. let me know

swensicle

I sent you a PM.

2010GT_NC

I have successfully flashed my Base 2010 GT and the audio controls now function with the 18R leather wheel, it's a new takeoff from Roush. If anyone with a 2010 MY would like instructions, please PM me. If you're in North Carolina, I can give you the name of my dealer who is now familiar with the installation and programming.

Also, those new Premium wheels do not sell for $135+, they're $99 on ebay, that's where I got mine for just $89. If you need to upgrade your car, just go ebay and search for Mustang Leather Steering Wheel. This is probably one of the best upgrades for base cars.

Antonio323

I have a base 2010 Mustang V6. I just recently got a Pioneer head unit installed and I upgraded to a 2010+ GT500 steering wheel. The guy who installed my head unit also made the steering wheel volume/media controls function with an aftermarket steering wheel harness. That's also an option for those with the base steering wheels and head units.

2010GT_NC

Which dash kit did you go with to be able to install that system?

Antonio323

I went with the Metra kit just for the reason that the head unit sits higher than the Scosche kit (I have an auto). I'm gonna swap it out with the new Metra kit in the future.