Ford's factory diagnostic equipment has evolved from handheld testers to laptop-based software and cloud-connected applications. Tool and software coverage can overlap; select using the VIN, market, system and service procedure.
- STAR and New Generation STAR (NGS): earlier handheld Ford diagnostic testers. NGS and WDS were both referenced in Ford's 2003 service bulletin. A later NGS+ arrangement used the VCM with the NGS handheld control unit. Ford TSB 03-20-03; Ford VCM hardware manual.
- Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS): portable touch-screen and docking-station platform introduced in the late 1990s, used by multiple Ford-associated brands. Ford says WDS was decommissioned in the third quarter of 2006.
- Portable Diagnostic Software (PDS): a Pocket PC application using the VCM; it overlapped with IDS and NGS+ but lacked the VMM measurement functions. Ford IDS/PDS FAQ.
- Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS): laptop-based replacement for WDS, using a VCM for communication and VMM for measurements.
- Ford Diagnostic and Repair System (FDRS): later software introduced on selected 2018 model-year vehicles while IDS continued for supported earlier and some later vehicles.
Ford also lists Ford J2534 Diagnostic Software (FJDS) for compatible J2534 interfaces. The Ford Motorcraft information describes its programming and vehicle diagnostic scope; confirm current coverage and subscription requirements for the vehicle and market. Ford diagnostic software information; Ford IDS FAQ; Ford FDRS FAQ.
For shared historical platforms see Jaguar and Land Rover diagnostics.
Mobile diagnostics
Ford DiagNow is a mobile diagnostic application used with the VCM Lite vehicle interface, a separate product from laptop-based IDS and FDRS. Ford describes supported functions such as reading and clearing faults and viewing live data; coverage and security functions vary by vehicle and region. Consult the current application and service information. Ford VCM Lite manual; Ford DiagNow UK application listing.