Buying a VCI for FDRS cost effective?

[murrman]

I’ve come across a couple of upgrades that require FDRS if trying to install myself (wireless keypad, towing module). With the cheapest reliable VCI seemingly to be over $500, I’m trying to decide if it’s at all cost effective to invest in one. I’m wondering if there’s a resource out there, or if someone could tell me, what all I could do with the VCI and an FDRS license that could be useful and justify the cost. I know @RagnarKon has multiple, so I’d love it if he could chime in.

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[Brian_B]

For most folks - no.

There are certain upgrades and repairs that need it - and when you get to one of those, having one can pay for itself versus having the dealer do the programming for you.

But those aren’t terribly common. Steering rack upgrades, module swaps, stuck updates, etc. Not really anything you would be doing out as a trail repair. If you are not a DIY repair guy and just take it into a shop, then absolutely don’t bother.

Most folks will happily leave their rig stock and be happy. Most folks ~on the forum~ will dip into Forscan and that’s enough. But when you need FDRS nothing else will do.

If/when you run across one of those upgrades/repairs that need it - get it then. Or better yet - find a buddy with one and throw them $50 and a good case of beer when you need to use it.

I will also say FDRS is frustrating as all get out to use and isn’t exactly intuitive - and the licensing is pricey to just dabble with. and every single time I have went to use it the servers have some period of being down, and it won’t work.

 

[RagnarKon]

It's the dealership software, so the majority of what you can do is what the dealer would do to repair vehicles. Honestly, nothing super exciting. The most exciting thing you can do is the routines when you add an accessory... such as adding the keypad, or when you add the Ford Performance winch, or when you change bumpers. But the bulk of it is very repair focused.

In case it helps, most VCIs that work for FDRS can also be used for Forscan, so if there are Forscan changes you've been wanting to make... something to consider. And not everyone has had issues with the cheaper VCIs like I have. @mpeugeot has done a lot of work for a lot of people in the Bronco community with his VXDiag.

But overall, I agree with @Brian_B ...probably doesn't make sense for most people. The reason why the cost makes sense for me because I own three Fords, my extended family owns all Ford, and nearly everyone in my wife's extended family owns Ford. So I'm looking 17 different vehicles (25 if you include my uncle-in-law's HVAC business) that all use the same VCI/software.

 

[Bigmoose]

I have had zero issues using my VXDIAG Nano with FDRS on several vehicles.
https://www.amazon.com/VXDIAG-Compatible-Mazda-Diagnostic-Programming/dp/B07YD6ZXTZ

 

[murrman]

I have had zero issues using my VXDIAG Nano with FDRS on several vehicles.
https://www.amazon.com/VXDIAG-Compatible-Mazda-Diagnostic-Programming/dp/B07YD6ZXTZ

Thanks, I may check that one out. That price is cheap enough to possibly justify the cost.

 

[murrman]

It's the dealership software, so the majority of what you can do is what the dealer would do to repair vehicles. Honestly, nothing super exciting. The most exciting thing you can do is the routines when you add an accessory... such as adding the keypad, or when you add the Ford Performance winch, or when you change bumpers. But the bulk of it is very repair focused.

In case it helps, most VCIs that work for FDRS can also be used for Forscan, so if there are Forscan changes you've been wanting to make... something to consider. And not everyone has had issues with the cheaper VCIs like I have. @mpeugeot has done a lot of work for a lot of people in the Bronco community with his VXDiag.

But overall, I agree with @Brian_B ...probably doesn't make sense for most people. The reason why the cost makes sense for me because I own three Fords, my extended family owns all Ford, and nearly everyone in my wife's extended family owns Ford. So I'm looking 17 different vehicles (25 if you include my uncle-in-law's HVAC business) that all use the same VCI/software.

Thank you for the insight. I think the more expensive VCIs are too much to justify for myself, but I may check out one of the cheaper models.

 

[rugedraw]

I do not recommend you use anything cheaper than a Mongoose. Be patient and you can find a used one on eBay or Ford forums for $300-$400. I have seen countless people brick modules using these cheap cables. Just last month, I had to mail out one of my Mongooses to a member on the F150 forum who bricked his CMR trying to update it with FDRS and a TopDon cable. I have seen the VXNano brick modules countless times, too. These cheap cable work fine until they don't.

If you're not in a rush and don't want to spend the money, I have several Mongooses I loan out for free. Details are in the first post below. Let me know if you want me to add you to the list. Maybe a 6 week wait right now.

https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/thr...mming-vehicle-interface-lending-thread.13145/

Edit: Your truck being a 2024, I can't imagine there is much to be updated in your case. Message me the VIN and I can check what you show pending.

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