2001 xc70 want to get a vida/dice

von dutchoven · Post by **von dutchoven** » 25 Dec 2013, 13:20

i've had my 2001 xc70 for a few years now and up until now i haven't felt the need to get a vida/dice but lately my transmission has been giving me harder than normal shifts (only when hot). i am going to do a fluid change along with a magnefine filter and auxiliary trans cooler in hopes it will work itself out. but i am thinking that i may have to change the linear solenoids and rest the adaptations. i guess my question is how hard is it to use the vida/dice. i am not the most computer literate person in the world and would hate to screw anything up, but having said that i would really love to learn how to do this.
any ideas or tips are greatly appreciated.
john

Post by **precopster** » 25 Dec 2013, 15:49

The Vida/Dice system on sale with online sellers is harmless to our vehicles because apart from reading/resetting codes and allowing transmission adaptations it is pretty much READ ONLY.

It can't program your modules due to lack of licensing so it has limited functionality.
Having said that it is an extrememely powerful diagnostic tool that can read and test all modules in-depth and provide diagnostic graphs and test modes.

I've purchased around 5 of them for resale in Australia from Shenzen Zeus Technology Ltd who is a Aliexpress seller. They have great service particularly Mandy Deng who promptly ships them within 2 days of payment via DHL. At the moment they have Vida Dice for US$93.50 plus shipping.

No I don't get kickbacks from them for the referral. I just want to pass on that they are fair dinkum and so far all units work which is more than can be said about many other sellers of these units out there.

As far as the harsh engagement when hot let us know how the trans cooler goes but something tells me you'll be fitting or refurbishing the solenoids. There's a You Tube guy with a channel who does transmission videos; his name is Hirram Gutherrez. Study them in depth as he has a lot of valuable info regarding calibration of the solenoids to achive correct line pressure.

von dutchoven · Post by **von dutchoven** » 26 Dec 2013, 09:20

i've seen some of the youtube stuff it is really helpful. would it be better to get an old pc laptop as a dedicated machine or will the software run correctly on a mac (not dedicated) with virtualbox?

Post by **mikealder** » 26 Dec 2013, 10:25

The old dedicated to the task of Vida/ DiCE is far more reliable than trying to run Windows under parallels on a mac, too many variables that can screw it up when you need it the most - A cheap second-hand Dell laptop is all that's needed - Mike

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 27 Dec 2013, 09:14

When looking for a cheap second hand laptop, what level operating system does it need to have in order to run Vida/DICE?

Post by **precopster** » 27 Dec 2013, 12:54

Win 7 or Win XP with service Pack 3 are a minimum however Win 7 must be Professional not Home unless you want to perform surgery to the registry.

Stay away from installing directly to Win 8; haven't heard of any installations as yet. I have Vida running in a virtual setup with VM Ware reader on my Win 8 machine as well as my XP powered desktop. I use the desktop version in a virtual setup extensively; no problems after around 10 months.

tribologist · Post by **tribologist** » 29 Dec 2013, 15:25

When you install Vida you have to run an executable to crack the password lock. There is really nothing you can do to protect that .exe files from doing pretty much anything the programmer intended besides unlocking Vida.

Personally I bought a Dell 620 for $80 on craigslist with 4GB of RAM that works great for it. I'ts to risky to run cracked software on your banking, paypal, turbotax computer. You can also get a 12V Dell power supply for about $20 on ebay.

I also like the idea of having a dedicated computer for it in case I need to loan it to some other guys in VSA or VCOA.

I keep a dedicated computer bag with the laptop, DiCE and the 12V adapter. Comes in really handy. My son has been looking for a S60 with manual transmission and both we looked at so far show odometer manipulation.

Ulf

AlanS · Post by **AlanS** » 29 Dec 2013, 16:59

I have several Volvos: '06 XC70, '01 S40, '95 850. Will the VIDA read all of these? or just the XC70?

tribologist · Post by **tribologist** » 29 Dec 2013, 17:36

AlanS,

I think it is from 96 and on so your 850 might be an issue. The others should be fine.

Ulf