Need a scanner suggestion

[ajr2820]

Does anyone have an affordable scanner that will read Volvo codes? My scanner does not recognize the fact that my ETS light is on so I can't read the corresponding codes. Any links would be appreciated.

[Jack Rock]

I recently picked up a bluetooth obd2 transmitter (elm327) and bought touchscan software - it's very cool. Not only reading codes but real time data, graphs, O2 voltages, MAF volume etc. The transmitter worth about $20 and the software is $25. For example, I have a P0133 code right now, O2 sensor slow response. This software gives you the details of that such as the maximum allowable response time and my response time is tenths of seconds. Very detailed but maybe more than you want, but for the total price a pretty good deal.

http://www.scantool.net/touchscan.html

[jblackburn]

You're not going to find anything short of VIDA that will read those kinds of codes, though.

You can get an OBDII scanner for a laptop and try to get your hands on VIDA (through a torrent).

Volvo should read CEL lights for free through their new campaign, though I do not know if an ETS light would be covered under that policy. DO something to cause a check engine light (run without the mass airflow sensor for a minute or two) and swing it by a dealer and have them read the codes perhaps?

Volvo Service for Life includes:


Two-year Parts Warranty: Including the labor when they're installed at an authorized Volvo dealer.
Complimentary Software Updates during a scheduled maintenance visit.*
Complimentary Vehicle Diagnostics if your Volvo has a "check engine" lamp or other warning indicator illuminated: Up to an hour of computer diagnostics.

Ask them for the codes and run. I haven't had a chance to try this myself as my car has (mysteriously) been without a check engine light in a very, very long time.

[boosted5cyl]

The vast majority of OBD scanners will only pull "generic" OBD codes. Nothing wrong with this, still a very valuable tool however to pull/read Volvo-Specific ones from various modules such as ABS, transmission, climate control and soforth requires something more bespoke.

Option 1: VOL-FCR software + VAG-COM (or clone) cable off eBay. VOL-FCR only lists up until 98 model year. May not work with your '99. VAG-COM cable is about $25 via eBay, VOL-FCR is 115GBP at time of writing, call it $190.
Link: http://www.ilexa.co.uk/content/category/2/2/19

Option 2: BSR PPC 2 Diagnostic tool. Not made anymore, but you might get one on eBay for $200-400. They are great, but rare.

Option 3: BSR PPC 3 Diagnostic tool. Probably not much change out of $1000 after its landed in the US and duties paid.
Link: http://sv.bsr.se/products/505150/

Option 4: DICE\VIDA "Clone" cable\interface. I just came across these today and had no idea they existed until now. As to how well they work, I cannot say. DICE hardware is typically paired with VADIS, so one of these combined with VADIS software might be worth looking into.
Link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-vida-Dice ... 3f0feb0319

Option 5: Buy "genuine" Volvo DICE\VIDA Hardware and software. Costs around $1800 and I believe VIDA requires a subscription that is only available to Volvo dealers, so VIDA may be a non-runner for a DIY'er. So really you are looking at DICE + VADIS as the best bet. I've seen one or two get snapped up on eBay for $400, but that doesn't seem to be the going rate for a
genuine DICE cable\interface. Keep in mind VADIS is only good for pre 2004 Volvos.

Footnote 1: VADIS is only good for Volvo 2004 model year or older. Later models will only work with VIDA.
Footnote 2: VADIS and VIDA WILL NOT work with generic OBD cables.


If you are looking for something to diagnose "generic" OBD codes and parameters, personally I would forgo the handheld devices and go with an older ruggedized laptop like a Panasonic CF-27. Get a USB>OBDII cable (ELM Scan are popular)and some software and away you go. You can pickup CF-27s for buttons on eBay these days. I have VADIS on a CF-27 running Windows 2000 that has a puny 168MB of RAM and a 233Mhz CPU but it works just fine for OBD2 code pulling and data\sensor logging as well as using VADIS and ETKA (VW) for reference on a regular basis.

Hope this helps

[FCPEURO]

if I were you, I would go with option one. I believe there is a guy on the MVS selling copies of VIDAS for the price of shipping.

[nicopag]

Hi, I have a Dice Scanner. i bought it in Dhgate for usd 190. This came with VIDA software and works great.

[boosted5cyl]

Hi, I have a Dice Scanner. i bought it in Dhgate for usd 190. This came with VIDA software and works great.

DhGate can be pretty precarious though, what seller did you buy it from specifically?

[nicopag]

digi_obd

[rspi]

I use a cheap eBay scanner and my Scan Gauge II. http://www.scangauge.com/products/scangaugeii/

I thing this Ultra Gauge would work and serve multi purposes as well: http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/index.htm

[georgedsmith]

My post is more of a further question than an reply and primarily to Mr nicopad though I welcome any input from anyone in the know.
I am very interested in getting an interface cable and software that will allow me to diagnose and adjust modifiable settings on my 2002 V70XC ( for instance getting the Light Switch to turn the Lights off in the OFF position!). I have done a lot of poking around in this site as well as others. Most of what I read is difficult to understand. I have looked at earlier products from China but I never got a warm enough feeling, via reaearch of others experince, to take the chance.
It sounds that Mr nicopad has good experince with Digiobd out of Shenzhen. Well I looked at their website and they show 40+ different choices that are called Vida/Dice or have pictures of the same. How do I know which one to pick? Some seem to come with Vida some don't. Here is a link to the page I was looking at:
http://digiobd.en.alibaba.com/search/pr ... Text=Volvo+
I really want to move forward with a purcahse. Any help is greatly appreciated!