Need input from folks who like/use VADIS

[Susans_Volvo]

I posted a thread over here: https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums/vie ... =1&t=42387 trying to get us started on fixing my 2000 Volvo XC 70 AWD that has multiple issues. The reply to it said VADIS was not useful to them, use this site instead (paraphrased).

I'm still having trouble, though -- for instance am trying to work on the climate control issue (comes on briefly then flashes lights -- a common issue I found suggestions for on this site-- but no code on ODBII scanner). Figured I'd start with trying a fix several threads suggests, of cleaning the cabin sensor fan. Thought I had the little sensor location figured out (grille to far right of rocker switch controls to right of steering wheel, to left of climate control panel) but then read a post that said the way to access that sensor is by removing the sunroof switch, which is NOT adjacent to the sensor fan grille on my car (three switches over).

There must be even more model specific info than I am finding on this site (not for lack of trying, I've probably been on this site for over 10 hours this weekend).

If you use and like VADIS, do you think will it provide this kind of model specific information, used in conjunction with this site?

Also, I do have questions about minimum configuration to run VADIS because we will have to get a machine to do it -- those are pasted below.

The newbie FAQ said not to put "help" in titles...but please, please, help, I am so lost! I'm about to have to see how much float there is on the credit cards and take the car to the dealer.

Specific VADIS questions:

o What, in your experience, is the MINIMUM configuration that will run VADIS reasonably? Please include info on processor, memory, dvd drive needed. If anything special is needed to print from VADIS, that would be good to know too.
o Can the VADIS files be copied to a hard drive so you don't always need the DVD drive? How big are the files in total, if so?
o Once VADIS is installed, can it be used for "browsing" info on the car (like skimming through a paper TSM), or only for specific searches like "blower motor"?
o If we have VADIS and an ODB-II reader, will we be able to gather any needed diagnostic information? Again, from reading on this site, I understand that we can't use the VADIS functions to direct connect to the car to gather diagnostic info without purchasing additional expensive hardware: but, can we get info from the ODB-II reader and plug that info into VADIS manually to handle most if not all issues?
o Has anyone purchased VADIS from this seller/listing on Ebay, and did everything work out OK with the transaction and installation? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Volvo-VA ... 759wt_1026

[von_braun]

Might want try before you buy. http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/3512164/VADIS_volvo

[Susans_Volvo]

Thanks for the suggestion. However, we don't have any hardware we can run that download on right now -- I'm a mac girl. Before I invest in a used PC (as minimally configured as VADIS will run on), want to get more info from people who actually use VADIS so we can decide if it's worth it...

[jblackburn]

Honestly? No. It's a confusing stupid piece of crap that's useful every now and then for technical jargon and part-number lookups.

If you need help with your car, feel free to ask here and there are many more helpful tutorials and stuff we can dig up for you. Or VADIS print-outs if you need them

[von_braun]

1. It seems like a pretty basic old program. My guess is it would be harder to find a PC it wouldn't run on. But I can only speak to the version 6.4.
2. Yes i run VADIS without a disc.
3. Yeah you can browse everything from parts list to repair instructions on nearly everything on your Volvo. Be sure to pay special attention to the notes regarding updated parts and different models. Some of it is out of date.
4. I do have a ODB II to serial cable, I use the program FCR to scan. Then look up those codes in VADIS to get a better idea of whats going on.
Combining the tutorials found here on Mat's site and VADIS is a great way to go, you learn the absolute technically correct way of doing something and the best way you can without spending thousands on special tools, hopefully landing somewhere in between with quality work you can be proud of.
Hope that helps

[bw77]

I run Vadis on a Dell V350 that I bought in 1999, 256MB of memory.
Vadis is an old style program, reminds me of programs back before Windows.

Suggest you ask your ECC question as a separate posting, so people will see it, many
will not read a post about Vadis.

[boosted5cyl]

Mine is on a Panasonic Toughbook CF-27. You can pic one up on eBay for <$100. Runs fine for me along with some other OBD II stuff. If you have an older PPC mac, VADIS would run just fine in Virtual PC or virtualbox. I do not need any optical media inserted to run it.

Windows 2000 SP4
128MB RAM
P1 @ 266Mhz

I do have a more modern HD in there however, which helps a lot. The original HD from its vintage is VERY slow. VADIS is very useful as a reference, you will not be able to use it via OBD however. If you play DIYing I think its a must have. You don't want to WAIT until you need it, in order to get it. If you plan plugging it in with an interface, then you need a VCT2000 which will set you back around $1000.

[renns]

I run VADIS on an older AMD 2.2 ghz machine with 2gb ram. The VADIS32 and Volvo folders total about 83MB, although there may be files hidden elsewhere as well. It does run fine without the disk installed.

I find VADIS very useful for part-number lookup, proper disassembly procedure, and identification of special tools needed for the job at hand. The how-to's on this forum and others are great resources as well, but I always review VADIS as well to get the mfg's viewpoint.

I haven't used any OBDII reader with this software, so I can't comment on that regard.

[se13allmylife]

Tried the download link from von-braun's post but after loading it can't get it to show anything . Mainly wanted part number info. but when it goes to that page for any area it reports back "can't find ID with value- (letter and numbers) contact vadis administrator". Did all the date change , security off , log in , restart things before and after install but no luck ! Anybody got any ideas ?

[VolvoMonkey]

It is possible that you have IE9 installed. VADIS is an old enough program that it doesn't work with IE9 - try uninstalling it and just using IE8.

VADIS is basically a large collection of web-pages and it chokes when trying to show a page when IE9 is installed.

Who knew having computer skillz would be useful on a car repair forum!