can someone give an over view of the Vida Dice?

[Oredigger]

okay... I managed to read the whole thread and am still confused on one point. I am just interested in reading and clearing codes. Live data would be nice as well.

Can I do that with a more reputable Volvo specific OBDII scanner? If so, where can I purchase one of those?

[carboncow]

1. OBD2 are simple/generic codes that government requires all cars to produce and be read and cleared by an $20 OBD2 reader.
2. They are limited (usually) to emissions related items (to make the government happy) and can include gas evap systems, 02 sensors, and fuel and air input. Sometimes the generic codes given can send you on a goose chase but such forums as this can help determine what is really going on.
3. They are useful still for the price especially with older cars that like to tell you about gas evap concerns and gas caps that are lose
4. They do not read or reset anything unique to volvo (SRS, ABS, any system modules)
5. They do not show live data

Really the only difference I've seen in standard OBD2 readers are the ones you have to look up the generic code in the supplied book and those that have the data built in even for specific make/models. This may separate the difference in price I see.

[Oredigger]

Oh I think I get it, so a Volvo specific OBD2 reader would just be a generic OBD2 reader with a volvo database built in, it would still not be able to read the more subtle error codes that may be thrown by the ECM.

For example, I have a problem with my 01 xc70, and when I hit the rear fog light button twice while holding "read" on the stalk, the DIM informs me that the ECM has a DTC set. But, when I read the codes via a generic OBD2 reader, it says no DTCs found. I was thinking, I could buy a volvo specific OBD2 reader, and that would tell me what this mysterious DTC is. But what I am hearing is that the volvo specific OBD2 reader will also not be able to pick up on whatever DTC this is.

[carboncow]

There is no such thing as a "volvo specific obd2 reader". I'm stating that a better quality/expensive OBD2 reader has ALL the codes for all makes/models on it's onboard database. Any care you own since 1995/6 would benefit from an OBD2 and one with the date on the unit makes it easier then having to look up a code such as "P4305" or similar.

DTCs are volvo specific codes that require a Vida Dice that I write about to read.

OBD2 is generic for ALL cars that had to conform to a system via the government to manage emissions
Vida Dice is a volvo specific solution that can read DTCs

I'm not familiar with pressing the fog light in addition to holding the read button.

If you don't have a problem you can tell then don't worry. Owning a vida dice will show you DTC you didn't want to know exists because there will be small annoying things in there or false positives.

[Oredigger]

yup, that makes sense, thanks for the help. I do have a problem with the volvo, posted in the thread entitled "perplexing no go problem". Basically, the power randomly cuts out, it may be related to engine temperature. There are no codes that can be read by a OBD2 reader, but that method I mentioned does indicate that a DTC exists in the ECM. I read about that method somewhere, possibly this forum. It is a fun easter egg of the volvo, I just wish it would tell you the DTC, rather then simply stating that one exists.

Turn the car on, push the "Read" button on the left stalk, and then tap the rear fog light button twice. It will read "Checking for DTCs" or something to that effect. Press read again to cycle through each module.

[carboncow]

I'll have to try it again as I tried it after your first comment with no luck, but you give specific here.

It is fascinating that they have a system complex enough to run the tests on all the modules but they choose not to show codes in the same display. I"m sure the answer has todo with service and politics and not letting the end consumer have to much info or the dealers would freak out!

FYI that when 02 are usually unplugged from the system they give a baseline value to the ECM on most cars. Basically I learned with Saabs, Porsche and Vws that if you take them offline you get a single reading from them that allows you exclude them as a cause of the issue, if you are considering the 02 as a potential concern. Most 02 problems show up in an OB2.

So we don't get to far off this post feel free to send a PM to me or a few of the top posters here to get direct input. There are a few geniuses on here. Don't go replacing to much until you get a few good comments and try a few other forums, sometimes when I'm desperate I'll hit a few but this is my favorite. I've had good luck on the XC70 forum too.

[netasp]

Hi,

I know this is an older post and I want to buy one from eBay, could someone have a look at the link below and let me know if these look fake or Be Aware or *don't buy* kinda a thing? I do have an XC90 2004

Thanks

www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=Vida+DiCE&_sacat=See-All-Categories

[billr99]

You are stating that if the newly acquired DIM is high then I"m stuck with that value as it will over right my existing CEM?

That was my experience when I replaced my DIM and I have yet to find anything in VIDA/DiCE that allows you to change it. Keep in mind there are other devices that can do that at least in my understanding but I have never seen any way to get hold of one. Probably for good reason if you think about it.

Cheers,

Bill

[precopster]

Hi Carbon Cow I was asking the same questions about 9 months ago and only one or two chimed in. No-one had yet to buy the Chinese knock-off so I dealt with a seller on AliExpress and got a faulty one. Also poor communication and support as I couldn't get the software to work. They kept posting instructions which weren't relevant to my version. I later posted the company name to warn other Matthews users as I blew my money;they wouldn't take it back.

Recently I bought a Dice unit from eBay seller carobd2store. His Dice unit worked fine and shipping was very quick with DHL. I had already debugged the software (you need to patch the root directory of C drive; not the Vida folder)

I am amazed at how well my unit works. I recently got rid of a SRS code on my wife's 2000 V70. The live data is awesome; letting you look at weird little things like seatbelt buckle insert or not in real time. I did some ETM scans after replacing some throttle angle sensors and found you need certain ECU software versions to be able to do this (regardless of the ETM version and the s/w versions you need are listed on the Vida interface) as I tried it in 2 different cars (my '99 V70 won't do ETM sweeps regardless of which ETM I test until I update the ECU; DARN another trip to the dealer )

I really want to install cruise on the '99 and have bought a stalk, but the s/w costs a ridiculous amount of dough.
You can look at dealer fitted options such as speed alert (how cool is that??) and see what they cost by plugging the part number into one of the sponsor sites.

The interface DOES state, however that it's only suited to '99 plus cars so no point in getting this if you have a series 1 P80 V70 which is pre '99 or a 850.

[coflynn]

FWIW I got my Dice from AliExpress and did have good success: AliExpress Link.

I think it's a little bit of a crapshoot when you are buying straight from China though. AliExpress is supposed to have a dispute mechanism if you test your device fast enough (it gives you a limited time to open a dispute or request more time for testing, if you do nothing it automatically closes the order). I would probably trust E-Bay a little more, as they are pretty buyer-friendly.

I would highly recommend using VMWare (or another VM software) to install Windows XP Professional, and install VIDA onto that. You won't have any possible issues with incompatible software etc that way.

If you have a compatible car, having a DiCE is one of the most valuable tools you can get, or it was to me at least.

Regards,

-Colin