Possible to read fault codes w/o a code reader?

tabsin001 · Post by **tabsin001** » 04 May 2010, 11:41

I once read in an other Volvo forum that it is possible to read the codes by using the ignition switch in combination with the "READ"-button and the "taillight"-button. I have tried it on my XC90 - 2004, but it's not working. Does anyone know something about this?

Post by **JDS60R** » 04 May 2010, 12:22

Did you mean this ?

tabsin001 · Post by **tabsin001** » 04 May 2010, 13:44

Yes, exactly!

But - I could not get it to work at the XC90 the last time I tried. It's possible that there is a small difference; the numbers to press the fog-lamp button. I will try it out later this night.

tabsin001 · Post by **tabsin001** » 05 May 2010, 13:43

This worked, but no I'm full of questions... I need to know more about how to get the codes visible. When the display says "TCM checking" I guess there are no fault codes, but when it says "SRS DTC SET" I guess there are codes available?!

If someone out there know how to get further on, I would be very grateful for hints and tricks.

Post by **JDS60R** » 05 May 2010, 14:37

You need an OBD code reader or BSR PPC to get the codes or their defintions. The car will not show you the trouble codes any further than the doc I attached.

I would like every manufacturer to display the codes on the dash as they occur.

That being said - OBD readers are quite affordable on ebay or at harbor frieght etc.

tabsin001 · Post by **tabsin001** » 05 May 2010, 15:51

The only problem is that the ODB code reader will not display any other codes than those for the environment. Unfortunately the PPC Diagnostic reader from BSR is impossible to obtain in Europe...
I know I have seen some more about the dash-display codes somewhere else. I have to do some more research at the SVXC forum....

Post by **JDS60R** » 05 May 2010, 15:57

Please let us know what you find. To be able to pull the codes without a reader would be a great help to many here.

mossyrock · Post by **mossyrock** » 05 May 2010, 23:03

Hi, I just went through this on my 2004 xc90. As someone allready wrote the OBD2 system only deals with emisions type codes for passing emmisions tests. These are genaric to all OBD2 type cars and makes.To read the other Volvo codes you need to go to the dealer or a Volvo shop that has the correct reader. Well that last thing I wanted to do is go to the stealer. So I first I went to my buddie that had a 6500 dollar 1 year old snap on machine and it would not do it even with a current software update. Next I called the dealer and they wanted 140 to read them. The next private pure Volvo shop wanted 100 to read them and the next Volvo shop wanted 40 bucks. I made sure with each that they had the right machine and they assured me they did or no charge. I went with the 40 buck guy and he was able to turn off my srs light and read my abs code and pointed me in the right direction to fix that.

Volvo made this very difficult for a reason for the average joe to work on these. Their own software has some very spendy software updates that the dealer has to pay. Just no way around it.

D Holroyd · Post by **D Holroyd** » 11 Apr 2013, 02:57

Hi there, Have been reading these old posts on reading codes w/o code reader.
my question is what readouts should I get for each item if the systenm is healthy?

Thanks for your assistance