Chip-Tools

ITDEENBGES

VID block (Vehicle Identification Data) in the Ford/Mazda PCM: reading and configuring parameters

The VID block is a 128-byte area held in the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) of most Ford/Mazda models and contains the vehicle's configurable parameters: VIN, tyre size, axle ratio, ABS, transmission, body type and more. You work here when replacing the PCM or when the configuration does not match the car's actual specification.

Procedure

1. Connect the AVDI, put the vehicle on a stable power supply, start the software and select the correct vehicle context.
2. Go to the "Special Functions" screen and select "VID".
3. Read the VID block from the PCM and SAVE a copy of the original data before changing any parameter: these 128 bytes hold the entire vehicle configuration.
4. Check the parameters in the block against the car's actual specification. The configurable parameters are: VIN, Tyre Size, Axle Ratio, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Auxiliary Cabin Heaters, Cooling Pack, Air Conditioning, Transmission, Body Type, Driveline, Speed Control, Generator, Vehicle Speed Output, Vehicle Type, Fuel Type, Octane Of Fuel, Octane Adjust / Spark Retard, Country.
5. Change only the parameters that genuinely need to change, one at a time, and write the block back to the PCM.
6. Cycle the ignition off and on, then read the VID block again to confirm the written values are actually in the PCM.
7. Clear the DTCs raised during the job and take the car for a road test: speedometer, tachometer and speed control are the first symptoms of a wrong VID configuration (tyre size and axle ratio).
8. When fitting a used PCM, the VID block has to be matched to the receiving car: read the VID from the original PCM if it can still be recovered and transfer it onto the replacement module.

Reference screenshots