I am looking at the factory remote start and perimeter alarm. It says you need to have it programmed with IDS software to get it to work. Is this the same as Forscan? or is it something special.

 

IDS is the professional software that Ford dealers use to troubleshoot, diagnose and program Ford vehicles. It is not the same as Forscan. You can subscribe to the IDS software and purchase their VCM but for a DIY'er the Forscan software can do a lot.

You might need to provide the year of your truck to get a better answer if Forscan can do it, but I believe it can. Forscan is free. You simply have to buy the diagnostic port adapter.

 

IDS = Integrated Diagnostic System

 

Not sure on the perimeter alarm, however for the remote start, check out this thread https://www.f150forum.com/f118/3-4-b...-start-475871/, essentially buy the keys, an "antenna" (RTM) and use forscan to give you factory remote start. No IDS needed

 

If it’s the OEM remote start/perimeter alarm then Forscan is all you need to activate it

 

In my 300A 2017, I had to use FORSCAN to activate the perimeter alarm/remote start module. With my 302A 2020 and my wife's 2021 Bronco Sport Badlands, both had the ability to remote start via the Ford Pass app, so I didn't need to do anything, just installed and it was ready to go.

 

No IDS needed........https://www.f150forum.com/f118/ford-...r-plus-434662/