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VCM 2 Clone with Suzuki Diagnostic Tool II Software (SDT II)

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25K views 61 replies 21 participants last post by  haroldjonie10  
#1 ·
Hi,

Last week, I successfully set up a Ford/Mazda VCM 2 scan tool with the SDT II software, and I wanted to share the process with all of you.

Firstly, I purchased this specific scan tool:

To make it work with the SDT II software, follow these steps:

1. Download the required software:
2. Installation Steps:
  • Step 1: Install SDT II
  • Step 2: Install Ford VCM 2 Manager
  • Step 3: Navigate to either C:\Program Files (x86)\Bosch\VTX-VCI\ or C:\Program Files\Bosch\VTX-VCI\
  • Step 4: Open the "VCI Software (Ford-VCM-II)" folder and copy its contents
  • Step 5: Paste the files from the Ford folder into the "VCI Software (6516-Suzuki)" folder
4. Firmware Update:
  • Ensure the VCM 2 has the correct firmware.
  • Step 1: Open the Ford VCM 2 Manager
  • Step 2: Remove the black plastic piece from the VCM 2 (on the USB side) to locate the button (below the SD card port).
    Image
  • Step 3: While pressing the button, insert the USB into the VCM 2. Keep pressing the button until a beep is heard (around 20-30 seconds). This puts the VCM 2 into recovery mode.
  • Step 4: If successful, select the VCM 2 in the manager and press the Recover button. This uploads the new firmware onto the VCM 2.
    Image
5. Completion:

That's it! Your Suzuki Scan Tool clone should now be operational.

If you encounter any issues or need assistance, feel free to leave a message.
 
#54 ·
Thank you so much for posting how to do this. I was able to get my car working again.
I would like to explain how I got it working. Suzuki used the same company for the scan tool as Ford did, so you can trick the Suzuki SDT2 software to use the VCM2 clone to connect to the car. The clone VCM2 will work, but they aren't all the same. Make sure to buy the full circuit board version (it should be 2 boards). The cheaper ones don't have the reset switch needed to connect to the software. It seemed to work better when I Installed the Ford VCM 2 manager first, then the SDT2 software. The goal to get this setup working is to replace the Suzuki VCI manager with the Ford VCI manager(which is the only way to connect to the VCM2). Both have the same start file name so the SDT2 software can't tell the difference. That's why you want to copy everything the Ford manager to the Suzuki manager, but make sure to backup the files before you copy over.

Here are some notes on doing this process.
1. It will work on windows 7 or 10
2. Sometimes I get the "configure the device" when installing. With the Ford install you might be able to connect to the tool, or if you can keep uninstalling and reinstaling until it doesn't ask.
3. Try to get it on a laptop, it's way easier to connect to the car.
4. It was capable of doing the same level of code reading as a $1,000 scan tool for way less money.
5. The first computer I tried had a connecting problem with the VCM2, so try a different computer if that happens.

Let me know if you have any questions.
 
#55 ·
Thank you so much for posting how to do this. I was able to get my car working again.
I would like to explain how I got it working. Suzuki used the same company for the scan tool as Ford did, so you can trick the Suzuki SDT2 software to use the VCM2 clone to connect to the car. The clone VCM2 will work, but they aren't all the same. Make sure to buy the full circuit board version (it should be 2 boards). The cheaper ones don't have the reset switch needed to connect to the software. It seemed to work better when I Installed the Ford VCM 2 manager first, then the SDT2 software. The goal to get this setup working is to replace the Suzuki VCI manager with the Ford VCI manager(which is the only way to connect to the VCM2). Both have the same start file name so the SDT2 software can't tell the difference. That's why you want to copy everything the Ford manager to the Suzuki manager, but make sure to backup the files before you copy over.

Here are some notes on doing this process.
1. It will work on windows 7 or 10
2. Sometimes I get the "configure the device" when installing. With the Ford install you might be able to connect to the tool, or if you can keep uninstalling and reinstaling until it doesn't ask.
3. Try to get it on a laptop, it's way easier to connect to the car.
4. It was capable of doing the same level of code reading as a $1,000 scan tool for way less money.
5. The first computer I tried had a connecting problem with the VCM2, so try a different computer if that happens.

Let me know if you have any questions.
Hello, does it work on VITARA 2025? Thank you.
 
#56 ·
Ford VCM 3 new tool to upgrade from VCM2

The Ford VCM3, a Bosch-based J2534 device, offers potential compatibility with GM's Techline Connect (TLC) for certain programming tasks, but users should be aware of its limitations. To utilize the VCM3 effectively, it's essential to install Ford’s VCI Manager on your laptop, allowing the tool to be recognized in TLC. Although the VCM3 supports CAN FD, stability issues have been reported, with some users successfully programming modules like telematics systems while encountering challenges with odometer learning and VIN reading. Compared to the more stable MDI2 or Cardaq+3 tools, the VCM3 is better suited for non-critical tasks. Users are advised to reserve the MDI2 for VIP vehicles and complex programming scenarios, while keeping a backup tool handy for enhanced reliability.
 
#57 ·
Still wondering about this for TPMS
can someone show me a screenshot of what options are available in the TPMS menu. Is it possible to turn TPMS monitoring off entirely or other things.
From this thread I see you can access what is on the menu already - comfort settings. What else is there. I'd like to know before buying.