BolognaPony

Fluke makes some very interesting tools so this doesnt surprise me at all.

We use 600$ network testing tools at work.

cliffyk

My curiousity piqued, I was just searching the web and there are a lot of newer key programmers (it's done through the ODB-II port like everthing else) that are much smaller and more modern then the Fluke "suitcase" model.

Here's a place that sells some of them...

BTW-the 10 minute delay to access the PCM secuirty system, and for the wait after making changes, is hard coded into the PCM and cannot be reprogrammed (the would be thief would have to swap out the PCM).

Also, in the PATS the instrument cluster and PCM are "married" via a shared identity code at the factory. Changing out either without also changing the other with a mated assembly will diable the car. They can be married in the field, however that requires the appropriate programming tool (probably only Ford's will work), and that pesky 20 minute wait...

That's why theft insurance on our cars is pretty cheap...

WhiteFoxGT

With all newer Fords, everything is married to each other...and are all specific to that vehicle. If I have to install a new radio, RCM, Instrument cluster, etc.. You have to hook the IDS up, retrieve the data from the old module, install the new module and then upload the information to it.. If that is unsuccessful, only other way to get the old info to the new is through what Ford calls "As-Built Data" On the PTS website, after you type in the VIN you can see the physical code and enter it into the scan tool. It then is programmed to the new module.... However, there is no wait....its basically instant

The moral of the story? It isnt 1990 anymore fella's. Its not all just nuts and bolts anymore, its knowledge and training. Thats why they call us technicians and not mechanics anymore

cliffyk

Now you're making me glad I'm old and my '03 GT will probably be the last car I own.

I think when the engine goes I'll put in a built 302 with a couple of Holley 500's on it, fire the whole thing up with MSD stuff and ****can the electronics.

Like this one...