FORD VCM2 Update and Recovery Mode | Device Not Showing in IDS Program Issue

FORD VCM2 Update and Recovery Mode | Device Not Showing in IDS Program Issue

Did your Ford VCM2/VCM3 device enter update mode and the red icon is not showing in IDS software? With this comprehensive guide, you can get your device out of recovery mode and back to normal working condition.

Problem Detection

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How to Tell if VCM2 is in Update Mode?

cancel Red VCM2 icon is not showing in the bottom right of IDS software
devices "ETAS" appears under "Network Adapters" in Device Manager
warning Device is connected but not recognized by IDS

Initial Check Step

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Device Manager Check

  1. Connect the VCM2 device to your computer
  2. Press Windows + R keys and type "devmgmt.msc"
  3. Expand the "Network Adapters" section
  4. Check if "ETAS" device is listed
Important: If ETAS is visible, the device is in update mode and recovery process is required.

Bosch VCI Manager Download

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Bosch VCI Manager Installation

Bosch VCI Manager application is required for the recovery process. If it's not installed on your computer:

Note: Check if it's already installed on your computer.

Recovery Mode Process

1 power_off Completely Power Off Device

Completely disconnect the VCM2/VCM3 device from both computer and vehicle. Make sure no power remains in the device.

Critical: This step is very important. The device must have no power remaining.
2 settings Remove Protective Cover

Carefully remove the black protective cover from the VCM device's USB connection port.

Ford VCM2 Recovery Mode - Protective Cover Removed View

VCM2 Device - Cover Removed View

Recovery button is now visible
Tip: Put the cover in a safe place so you don't lose it.
3 cable Prepare USB Cable

Connect the USB cable to the device but do not connect it to the computer yet.

Attention: Cable should only be plugged into the device, computer connection should not be made yet.
4 touch_app Recovery Button + USB Connection
4.1

Press and hold the small recovery button inside the device

4.2

While holding the button, connect the USB cable to the computer

4.3

Wait approximately 20 seconds

4.4

All device lights will start blinking simultaneously

4.5

Release the button after the lights start blinking

Ford VCM2 Recovery Button Location

Recovery Button Location

Small recessed button - must be held down
5 build Recovery in VCI Manager
  1. Open Bosch VCI Manager application
  2. Check that the device is recognized and "Recover" option appears
  3. Click the "Recover" button
  4. Click "Start Update" button in the opened window
Success: Device has entered recovery mode and is ready for update.
6 system_update Firmware Update

The update process will start automatically and take approximately 10-15 minutes.

schedule Duration: 10-15 minutes
download Firmware download and installation
refresh Automatic restart
Important: Do not unplug the USB cable or turn off the computer during the update.

Success Verification

check_circle

Checking Update Success

done Device serial number appears in VCI Manager instead of "Update computer software"
done VCM2 icon appears green in the bottom right corner when you open IDS software
done Appears as "ETAS" in Device Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
Troubleshooting
Technical Details

Why does VCM2 enter update mode?

Situations like firmware corruption, failed updates, or power interruptions can cause VCM2 to enter update mode.

Does the recovery process damage the device?

No, the recovery process is a safe procedure designed to reload the device's normal firmware.

How long does the process take?

The total process time is approximately 15-20 minutes. Firmware download and installation takes 10-15 minutes.

Recovery button doesn't work, what should I do?

Make sure the button is fully pressed. Sometimes you may need to press harder. It's critical to hold the button before USB connection.

VCI Manager doesn't see the device?

Repeat the recovery process. Make sure the device is completely powerless and USB is connected while holding the recovery button.

Update was interrupted halfway, what should I do?

Put the device back into recovery mode and restart the update process from the beginning. Check mains power connection.

Does the same process apply to VCM3?

Yes, the same recovery procedure applies to VCM3 devices. Button location is the same.

Which Windows versions are supported?

Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11 systems are supported. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are compatible.

Does IDS version matter?

Firmware update is independent of IDS version. However, using current IDS is recommended for performance.

Professional Tips

backup

Backup

Note current settings before the process

power

Power Control

Use laptops with power adapter

schedule

Time Planning

Allow 30 minutes for the process

security

Security

Temporarily disable antivirus

Our Ford Diagnostic Solutions

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Ford VCM2 Device

Original Ford diagnostic device. Fully compatible with IDS, FDRS and FORScan software.

  • Support up to 2024 model year
  • All Ford, Lincoln, Mercury models
  • Advanced diagnostic features
  • Configuration and programming
computer

IDS Software Installation

Professional IDS, FDRS and FORScan software installation service.

  • Current software versions
  • Remote installation support
  • License and activation
  • Technical support included

Professional Ford Diagnostic Solutions

Complete diagnostic and programming solutions for your Ford vehicles. Professional service with original VCM2 devices and current software.

verified_user 1 Year Warranty
local_shipping Free Shipping
headset_mic 24/7 Technical Support

Conclusion

You can easily solve your Ford VCM2 device's recovery mode problem with this guide. If you follow the correct steps, your device will return to normal working condition.

Remember: The recovery process is a safe procedure, but paying attention to the order and details of the steps is critically important. If you have doubts at any step, it is recommended to stop the process and get technical support.