Swapping a used modules works, they aren't crippled by vin coding Topic is solved

sacricide · Post by **sacricide** » 17 Feb 2017, 16:00

***EDIT***This post is only informational. I do no encourage anyone to fool with their airbag system and risk harm or death do to failure. And take responsibility for doing anyone attempting such things regarding this post.*****

I have a story for those who are interested, and have heard about the dealer claiming that the modules in the vehicle is VIN coded. And used modules cannot be used. I'm here to blow this myth out the water (applies to 2009 and under s60.)

Nearly in all cases of a failed module (this post is regarding a Airbag module that has failed.) And other cars which other computer issues arrived. And even a 2001 s80 with a Airbag module issue. The dealer writes a report and tells us that there is bad module in the car. And they go far out of their way to ensure you don't try to save yourself any money. And claim the module in the car , is already the wrong used module. And must be replaced by a new module and programmed for a fortune.

Low and behold, if obtained a used, undamaged, undeployed module in working condition with identical part number. You can swap it and restore communication in the system and raise no fault codes whatsoever. (No evidence that Vida won't show faults however. I will try and report back at a later date with my friend who has it.)

We got a module for $75 USD. Instead of $1000 new at the dealer.
Also we have in the past swapped the DIM cluster on s60. The alarm module with the battery inside of it. And possibly (don't take my word I forgot actually) the upper module inside the rear view mirror. All without issue. All of these items fall into the VIN is coded into them and won't function CLAIM. I saw this in the long term saw no problems arise. They produced no issues in operation of alarm unit, and in these instances they restored function to the sunroof problems and driver seat being inoperable when those modules go bad. Just by swapping the correct used module in place. And doesn't produce invalid VIN or such faults in the system as lead to believe will happen. On the newer model Volvo's we can't say this much. But this generation of Volvo s60, s80, and s40. Many components need only matching part numbers with preexisting software installed (used module)

Worst case is...Maybe a VIN invalid fault populates in vida, but if you need your car fixed. Take consideration of what I have experienced so far. And be safe.

user17600 · Post by **user17600** » 17 Feb 2017, 16:14

I think I'd at least check it with VIDA rather than a standard reader. Honestly for an airbag I'd probably have the dealer check it for codes/issues because it's lifesaving and when it doesn't deploy in an accident, well, that's just the wrong time to find out. There's lots of other parts I'd care not a bit about, but the airbag is one that I would.

Just my 0.02.

sacricide · Post by **sacricide** » 17 Feb 2017, 16:22

I do agree, your totally right on that! With something like that it's best safe than sorry . However. On so many occasions I've had a friend use his Vida/dice software when needed right after using my own md802 tool when don't have time to work on a car due to work. And it produces no extra codes or faults. This is my experience so far... And I could be wrong, so I wouldn't argue there. So even then, take the secondary precautions and have the dealer double check the module after the fact if your worried. Or better yet, skip the SRS/airbag situation entirely and just look at what it means in the picture of the limitations claimed by Volvo to stop the potential repairs by end user.

Regarding the aribag was just our most recent encounter. But the post is more oriented to many speculating over what needs programming to function without throwing the immobilizer etc. Causing issues. And so forth.

Worst case. Install yourself...And take to the dealer for them to scan it and report back! I mean at least then ur only our a 100 bucks .

Canadian Moose · Post by **Canadian Moose** » 17 Feb 2017, 20:18

I am running XC90 ETM in my V70 without any programming and haven't had any issues.

sacricide · Post by **sacricide** » 18 Feb 2017, 02:56

I have actually swapped a TCM with a identical year model xc90 into a same vehicle. Many many years ago also. Without problems. However this didn't resolve the actual issue I that vehicle at the time.

Sorry for my confusion. But the etm is that the throttle body?

The only unit I have to hear any experience with is the CEM and ECM MODULES beings swappable. Regardless thanks for chiming in. I can't tell you how many dead threads are on the net, people desperate for answers on this subject and there's ZERO confirmation on nearly all of it. Cool stuff, hope no one takes my excitement the wrong way. For so long I felt stuck with all my cars with the advice the dealer gave and this is nice to see this feedback on The forum.

sacricide · Post by **sacricide** » 22 Feb 2017, 16:44

So it does appear that the used srs module creates a cem-1a51 code, and also canbus noise causing intermittent stalling while running. SO IN THE END, with this module specifically, i was in fact wrong. And does not work after all! Time to eat my shoe on this particular issue lmao... Oh well.

s70dean · Post by **s70dean** » 22 Feb 2017, 20:37

Interesting stuff!
I'm trouble shooting a faulty 2002 s60 driver master window switch...the currant switch is only able to control the drivers window and nothing else. The other window all work fine from the switches on the same door.
So with the info above i should be able to find used switch with the same part number and possibly fix this problem??
That's good news! I just have to find one now!
Cheers!

Post by **vtl** » 24 Feb 2017, 06:09

These modules communicate via CAN-bus. Each module has it's own CAN ID and higher-level protocol (how replies look like). Different model years have changes done to one or all of ID map, protocols, even CAN-bus speed.

Post by **chrism** » 25 Feb 2017, 23:58

s70dean,

I just went through the driver's door DDM swap-out on my 2003. If there is a label stuck on the module with numbers on it, (not the part number molded into the plastic), that's the key to the castle. In my case there were three numbers on the label - the replacement module matched the first two numbers out of the three. It ended up working fine with no reprogramming required.

If you can't match it up at any local wrecking yards, contact Erie Volvo. They can likely match it up with a good used one.

Post by **KidsV70** » 16 Feb 2019, 12:00

OP,
I can corroborate on the SRS control module, and the DIM. I changed out my SRS module with one a year older (2002 V70 2.4T vs 2001 XC70) and got a communication faulty error (SRS-00D1, maybe?). I also tried a 2004 S50 DIM in my car ('02 V70 2.4T) and no dice. I didn't check VIDA to see the errors as I didn't have it at that time. My experience FWIW.

Best,
Bert