I want to read codes on my 850 1997 Wagon

Post by **plumsmooth** » 22 Feb 2015, 18:05

Seems for 20 Bucks it is hard to go wrong with the Autel Maxiscan MS309 which actually completely reads them on screen unlike its brother the MS300...

Any other ideas to get started on this path...?

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Feb 2015, 18:15

The cheap scanners work fine for most things. They read and clear P codes. Take the code description with a grain of salt though and research it further before you conclude a sensor failure based on the "plain english" description. Google search "Volvo Pxxxx" and see if it comes up the same code description before you act on the information.

...Lee

Post by **plumsmooth** » 22 Feb 2015, 18:40

Thank You for your advice...
I think you are saying that the code defined doesn't always = the problem per say...

Or you are saying that the generic machines -- or machines generic response -- may differ from the actual Volvo database equivalent...

Thank again; I love this site: It has led to the beginning of a new relationship with my Vehicle...

My concern is that I will start thinking my Volvo is something more than an intelligent inanimate object...

That statement alone proves I am being led down this pathway...

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 22 Feb 2015, 19:40

Most of the P codes are universal but there are some Volvo specific codes that don't accurately translate. The scanners that include the code description are, for the most part, accurate and they tend to be good about popping up a Manufacturer Specific message when it gets one that it doesn't know but there are cases of misidentified codes if you don't use one of the expensive scanners with a Volvo specific decoder card. The code number is always read correctly but its interpretation may vary depending on the scanner.

The worst code readers for Volvo's are they type that the auto parts stores use that suggest what part to replace to cure the code. A common code on a Volvo is P0172 and the auto parts store scanner will tell you that you need a new (and expensive) oxygen sensor. On a Volvo, however, that code is almost always caused by a vacuum leak.

...Lee

Post by **plumsmooth** » 23 Feb 2015, 06:55

That's weird I think that that is the code my mechanic read from my engine light? A few years ago. I called Volvo about it and they said it was a 700 Dollar fix that was mostly for emissions and that I here in Vermont didn't need to do it if i didn't want to -- or something like that...

Anyway my engine light has been on since then except when I think battery was/is disconnected or he did reset it but actually: It is off now because the bulb blew and I am concerned about other codes that may have arisen that I am not able to determine because of this?

I have had ABS light and SRS too and I am just a mess up to my neck in codes that I can not read...
Meanwhile Volvo seems to be running accept of course I need to replace PCV...

I guess there is a database where I can check a cheap code reader up against the Volvo information.
Maybe for that matter I should get the one that doesn't read out the answer and just gives the number?

vorento · Post by **vorento** » 23 Feb 2015, 08:26

Hi. You can do this using program Vol-FCR and KL adapter (VAG KKL for example). This tandem can read almost all system of your car, exept: Motronic 4.3, Fenix 5.2, Cruise and ECC

Post by **esl_97_850_T5** » 24 Feb 2015, 19:29

The Autel MS300 series will read/clear OBDII emission codes for our USA 97 850 models, but it will not read/clear the 97 850 KWPD3B0 codes used by the SRS or ABS.

There's several possibilities to read/clear the KWPD3B0 codes for the 97 850 ECUs which are KWPD3B0-conversant: COMBI, SRS, ABS, auto trans, Power Seats, Immobilizer, Motronic 4.4, etc. [The first 3 ECUs you should have. The other ECUs you may or may not have.] Vol-FCR with KL adapter is one of the several possibilities that reads/clears the DTCs in KWPD3B0-conversant ECUs.

Here's some rhetorical questions to focus your research further?

Q1. What is the maximum price you are willing to pay for your 97 850 scanner(s)?
Q2. Do you have other cars that you want to use the scanner(s) with?
Q3a. Do you want to use only a handheld scanner?
Q3b. Or are you amenable to using software on your phone or tablet or PC along with an appropriate scanning tool?
Q3c. Do you already own either a KL adapter (eg, VAG/COM KKL serial cable or VAG/COM KKL USB cable) or some kind of ELM327 device (serial, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi)?
Q4. Do you need/want the scanner to read/clear OBDII codes? A. You've already implied Yes.
Q5. Do you need/want the scanner to read/clear KWPD3B0 codes of a the 1997 Volvo 850's COMBI, SRS, ABS, AW 50-42 (auto trans), Power Seats, Immobilizer, and Motronic 4.4 ECUs?
Q6. Do you need/want the scanner to read/clear (the slightly more detailed) codes of the Motronic 4.3 ECU?
Q7. Do you need/want the scanner to reset the SERVICE light (ie, oil change light)?
Q8. Do you need/want to alter the SERVICE Reminder Intervals that control when the SERVICE light comes on?
Q9. Are you willing to use a "cracked" version of Vol-FCR Full rather than the legally obtained version (which costs ~$150-200)?
Q10. Does your 1997 Volvo 850 Wagon have a Motronic 4.3, Motronic 4.4, or MSA 15.7 ECM?
Q11. Do you know about the "flashing LED tool" approach to read/clear the codes in the Motronic 4.3, ECC, and Cruise Control of the USA 96-97 850?

esl_97_850_T5

Post by **plumsmooth** » 26 Feb 2015, 12:01

Q10. Does your 1997 Volvo 850 Wagon have a Motronic 4.3, Motronic 4.4, or MSA 15.7 ECM?

Yikes I do not know what any of these are! I guess I am here to learn so........ Thanks!

And actually now that I realize that these cheaper scanners will not work on ABS or SRS, which I have currently illuminated, I guess I need to re-think this situation..

Since I have previously run Virtual Windows OS on my Imac, it looks as though I best look into a copy of that Vol-FCR program and the appropriate cable.

However the closest I'm going to get to my 850 to my Imac without moving it outside [doable if absolutely necessary] is about 10-12 feet and that's wheeling my large studio recording and computer desk to the front door of my house...

I thought I saw something about bluetooth though, not sure about its integration into this configuration...

Post by **esl_97_850_T5** » 26 Feb 2015, 14:04

plumsmooth,

1. It's well known that some Apple products have problems with standard Bluetooth devices. That's why there are cheap OBDII ELM327-based WiFi scanners on eBay that say they are for iPhone and iPad devices. And that's why John Q. Public funded ScanTool.net via a Kickstarter campaign to develop the OBDLink MX WiFi tool.

I don't know if the Apple - Bluetooth problem applies to your iMac or not. But you at least need to research that if you're considering going the iMac with ELM327 Bluetooth route.

2. Let us know if you get Vol-FCR scanning a 97 850 using an iMac. I'm sure others will want to know the detailed steps of how you did that.

3. If you're considering using Windows (either virtually or natively), then know that the following Windows based programs can read/clear the COMBI, ABS, SRS, etc of the 97 850: Vol-FCR, Brick-Diag Free, and jonesrh's volvo850diag.

4. One thing that I've considered doing is buying a tablet that runs real Windows 8.1 for $80-$100, then trying out each of those 3 programs on the Windows 8.1 tablet (obviously after making sure the necessary hardware for those programs can interface to the tablet). That might be a possibility to avoid lugging your iMac around.

5. Also, as far as handheld scanners go, you might want to check out what the Autel MS700 and MS800 series scanners can read and/or clear as far as your 97 850's ABS, SRS, etc. Consult someone who owns one of those tools and has the last year 850 like yours.

esl_97_850_T5