1999 TCM reprogramming. Should I buy DICE?

velora · Post by **velora** » 04 Jan 2011, 19:06

I replaced a transmission in my 1999 V70 non turbo out of the 1998 V70 turbo. The tranny is the same (50-42 LE) but now it runs in limp mode. I was told that TCM needs to be reprogrammed. I did some research and I tempted to get DICE and program TCM with Vida. The seller claims that it is possible and Vida comes activated. Other sources say that the subscription is required to to reprogramming.

Now, how much the dealer will charge for reprogramming?

Our family has a few volvos as well as friends and co-workers so I figured that if would be nice to get a DICE to do diagnosis. Is it worth it?
Thanks

nicopag · Post by **nicopag** » 21 Aug 2011, 13:51

velora wrote:I replaced a transmission in my 1999 V70 non turbo out of the 1998 V70 turbo. The tranny is the same (50-42 LE) but now it runs in limp mode. I was told that TCM needs to be reprogrammed. I did some research and I tempted to get DICE and program TCM with Vida. The seller claims that it is possible and Vida comes activated. Other sources say that the subscription is required to to reprogramming.

Now, how much the dealer will charge for reprogramming?

Our family has a few volvos as well as friends and co-workers so I figured that if would be nice to get a DICE to do diagnosis. Is it worth it?
Thanks

Did you do it? How did you fix this?

Post by **JRL** » 21 Aug 2011, 15:03

If he did he went to Volvo

DICE cannot "buy" software

Post by **jimmy57** » 21 Aug 2011, 20:08

The problem is the two speed sensors on the outside of gearbox. The 98 uses different sensors. Swap those two sensors from the old gearbox and you'll be fine. One is very simple and has a two wire connector. The other has a connector that is in the black gang plug on top of trans is harder to deal with due to the connector. The sensors are round and have one bolt holding them into the case. One on top sort of next to the gang plug and the other also on top but further back near where oxygen sensor leads connect.
Your TCM needs no programming it just needs the speed sensors giving signals it can interpret.

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 22 Aug 2011, 07:18

jimmy,

You're the man, I enjoy reading your posts and learning from your experience.

KaMiKaZi_t0M · Post by **KaMiKaZi_t0M** » 27 Jun 2013, 13:59

I know this an old thread, but I'm quite happy I found this. I'm trying to tackle a flashing trans light, and I've tried the PNP, ABS Unit, Winter Switch, the whole nine. I have no trans codes, however I havn't driven the car far without the use for 1st or 2nd gear. A shop put a used trans in before I got it and I can see they did not swap the sensors from trans to trans. If it was from an older Volvo, could the speed sensors be causing my problem? I know this is for a V70, however mine issue is for a FWD 1999 S70. Again, I don't know where the trans came from, they said they had it "laying around".
Whether this remedies my problem or not, it was a great find by Jimmy.
-Tom

Post by **jimmy57** » 27 Jun 2013, 14:23

How are you getting codes from car? The generic code readers will only read a select few TCM codes that are defined as emissions related.
The flashing light is what happens when analog speed sensors are wired to the 99 and later TCMs needing digital format inputs.

KaMiKaZi_t0M · Post by **KaMiKaZi_t0M** » 27 Jun 2013, 14:54

This is awesome news. I have tried a couple of mediums, However I scanned with "PC Retriever" and "Autologic". At one point I did have a code for 2 speed sensors. I shook them off as I am accustomed to Saabs (where the speed sensors are in the wheels, not the trans) but now it makes sense. So volvo changed the sensors, however did not change the connectors? Are there any procedures to test the speed sensors? I ask becuase I plan to put the ones from the old transmission into the currently installed trans and I'm not sure if those are good or not.
I don't mean to thread hijack, however this is a video of what is happening:

Thanks!
Tom

Post by **precopster** » 27 Jun 2013, 15:55

I had the same problem with my (now gone to heaven) '99 V70.

I too didn't swap the speed sensors. I believe the code was P1022 or thereabouts.

Thanks to jimmy he was on to it.

KaMiKaZi_t0M · Post by **KaMiKaZi_t0M** » 28 Jun 2013, 05:17

Bah, still no luck. My scan tool tells me the transmission speed, so that's a good sign. My tool allows me to activate and deactivate certain solenoids in the trans, and none of them listen to me. I'm going to see if I can find another TCM...