Cable to allow me to read diagnostics

richjp · Post by **richjp** » 23 Aug 2011, 12:14

Hi,

I would like to be able to save spending a lot of money having a garage read the diagnostic messages I am getting. I think I can download the software ok, but have no idea where to get a cable, and how much it would cost.

Can anyone help with this?

Thanks,

Richard

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 24 Aug 2011, 19:10

Any generic OBD II reader will read the OBD codes. There are manufacturer-specific codes that go deeper, but you are into big bucks. Generic OBD is sufficient in most cases. ELM Scan is a popular brand: www.scantool.net

Post by **dcarlson12** » 25 Aug 2011, 23:18

See this/my post about the BSR PPC diagnostic unit which reads all Volvo codes and resets CEL and SRS, etc.

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... diagnostic

Not sure if this is what might interest you????

richjp · Post by **richjp** » 26 Aug 2011, 05:36

Thanks both, much appreciated.

Someone tells me the OBD II reader doesn't work, so I'm a bit confused on that.

As for the other, how do you plug it into the car? Do you need a cable? It says the following:

PPC Diagnostic System is connected to the diagnostic outlet of the car (OBDII). Does that mean it has the connection to plug in?

Thanks, and sorry to be confused!

Richard

Post by **boosted5cyl** » 26 Aug 2011, 09:30

Person that told you about the OBD reader is wrong. I use a an elm-scan with my S80, V70 and Beetle to pull the OBD II codes, which covers the cast majority of the motor and emissions related stuff. All diagnotic connectors on cars from 96 -onwards are the same There are more specific codes that can only be pulled with specific hardware. In volvos case thats a DICE, VCT2000 or the PPC linked. The PPC is a good unit and yes, includes the connector.

richjp · Post by **richjp** » 26 Aug 2011, 09:37

I've gone for the OBD II reader. It makes sense to me. I'll post the results when I receive and use. Thanks again for the help!

Post by **dcarlson12** » 26 Aug 2011, 11:54

Hi Richard,
Re the BSR PPC diagnostic, it comes with a cable which plugs it into the OBDII connector port which is located just below the dash near where your left knee sits while you drive. I am talking here about a 99 S80 T6. I believe other years of S80's have the connector located at the same area. The PPC diagnostic is good because it reads all Volvo codes/modules i.e. not just the emissions modules. It reads all codes and clears all codes and resets the SRS (air bag system) which would normally only be done by a dealer.
If you want just a scan tool, there are various choices. I also have a tool called Autotap by B&B Electronics. It is used with my laptop to read emission control variables such as oxygen sensor performance, fuel trim, etc. It can plot these variables on the laptop and can be recorded for later analysis. You can buy all manufacturer parameters as an adder for GM, Chrysler and Ford. It doesn't have the manufacturer parameters for other manufacturers, this is why I bought the PPC Diagnostic unit. I have used the PPC unit many times such as when the VVT set the CEL light and when the alarm system failed i.e. siren unit and other problems. I am not associated in any way with the PPC guys but wouldn't be able to keep the S80 if I didn't have the PPD unit. It would cost a fortune to have the dealer read and reset all the codes I have had to deal with....