Getting Medium Duty Truck Software

mchan68 · June 22, 2010

Just curious. What is involved with getting medium duty truck software into our shop? It seems my SM doesn't like having to turn away LCF trucks that roll into our store with driveability issues. More importantly, what is the cost involved? THAT, I think will be the determining factor as to whether or not he will rethink the worthiness of us servicing the very few of them that pass through our store.

Keith Browning · June 22, 2010

You simply download MD truck from the same place you download IDS software or install it from the IDS update disks that are shippped to your dealer. You will need to have the appropriate vehicle interface adapter depending on the software level you install. The current diagnostic software (Servicemaxx)requires the new adapter which I don't have and I am screwed. I do however have older IDS update CD's that have the last version on them... I am using the IC4 adapter. I don't think we are going to waste money on the new adapter just to use the software... what, a few times a year? Posted Image

This reminds me... I need to uninstall the current software and load the older version before I need to use it!

Alex Bruene · June 23, 2010

I use an IC-4 cable with MD truck with no issues. Sure, I'd like to see better diagnostic capabilities for misfires, but I've managed to get by for now.

Chan, you can have every single LCF in the GTA if you'd like... Starting with the 2 we have with holes in the block.

Jeff Clyde · June 23, 2010

We use the IC4 cable as well with no issues with ServiceMaxx. I agree with Alex, better diag capabilities would be nice, but we have been spoiled with IDS.

Bruce Amacker · June 23, 2010

Both Anthony and I have problems with the connection dropping out with the IC4. No problems with USB Link, though.

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OHNO60 · June 24, 2010

I agree with Bruce, The USB Link from Nexiq is a god send. Speeds up a Servicemaxx session on an LCF to a sensible level. Downfall is pricy. Think ours was about 750 or so. Good thing is it works with all out software, Cat ET, Cummins Insite, Allison, DDA,Volvo,ETC.If i'm correct also works flawlessly with programming too.

blown99 · June 25, 2010

I was told that servicemaxx was a free download for the ford techs? Is this true? Can anyone send me a link to it? I wouldn't mind having it for my own personal laptop.

You can use the IC4 with service maxx, but expect to have issues with it (computer freezing up, blue screen etc.). You should not be using MD with the v-6 engines. There are many fault codes, PIDS, and test that will not show up properly with MD.