OBD2 Code reader suitability, 1998 V70

gus_boy · Post by **gus_boy** » 11 Feb 2008, 01:28

Forgive me if this message comes up twice - I may have messed up in posting.
The vehicle in question is a '98 V70 A, (plain vanilla), 175K Km, and to the best of my knowledge, originally sold in Canada. I'm interested in purchasing an OBD code reader, but I'm hung up on just one point: I've read everything I can find on the OBD interface, and the configuration of the contacts therein. 'OBD2 Home Page' and others describe the ISO 9141-2 protocol as "having metallic contacts in pins 4, 5, 7, 15 and 16. The connector in my vehicle satisfies pin locations 4, 5, 7 and 16, but not pin 15. This pin is described as "ISO 9141-2 L Line". Now here's the question (sorry for the long intro...): is the L Line essential for basic functioning of the average OBD2 reader, or put another way, is there someone out there in a '98 V70 with the same OBD connector config. as mine, who is currently achieving success with an average OBD 2 reader?
As I have confirmed with at least one retailer in this area (Vancouver, BC), they don't accept returns on OBD units which have been opened, for obvious reasons, so I don't want to acquire an electronic paperweight when the deal is iffy going in.
Standing by for any assistance available.

Thanks.

Garth.

farupp · Post by **farupp** » 11 Feb 2008, 11:58

I'd go to a parts store that offers free code reading and see if their reader works on your car. If it does, find out who manufactures the reader and check out it's spec online. Then see what other readers offer the same specs. I have a Innova Equus 3120 reader and it reads everything on my 850T. Go to http://www.iequus.com/ for more info.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 11 Feb 2008, 12:06

I agree...pin #15 I believe is Volvo specific and no reader (unless you want to pay $1000) is going to read that data. But you really don't need it for most common issues with your car. Volvo specific information includes airbags, electronic climate control and a few other issues- nothing that has to do with the driveability of your car.

gus_boy · Post by **gus_boy** » 15 Feb 2008, 00:12

Thanks to those who commented on my question. I finally encountered some "truth in advertising", as I discovered a distributor's notes to the effect that a particular Code reader didn't read Volvo, as well as certain other European marques. This is the sort of thing which I'm looking for at the moment, because it affirms what I had feared, that they'll brag that the article fits all, but it ain't always the case. I guess I'd better head south (of the border) and prowl Bellingham awhile to follow up on MiJ's advice - up here, most (of the few) service outlets aren't really into giving out free diagnostics or advice, and the rest have the dealership proprietary analyzers, which won't help me in my quest for a DiY's apparatus.
If I'm successful, I'll post it - there must be at least one other '98 V70 out there whose owner has the same aim as I, not to mention the same constraints in terms of cost.

gus_boy

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 15 Feb 2008, 01:17

FWIW, here's what I think I know...

OBD ll is a generic platform that includes diagnostics for basic vehicle operation.
After '95, all cars use the basic platform. Volvo, as well as many other
car makers add their own, proprietary stuff for non-critcal systems.

ANY OBD ll reader will read your '98 for the really important stuff.
You should also be able to clear those codes.

No ABS, Climate, SRS or Security codes though.
And if you see the "Service" light (for oil changes, etc.), you're also outta luck.
( It's just a reminder light that is tripped by the odometer...No Biggie. )
You'll need either a dealer visit, a really expensive dealer tool or you can blow
about $80 on a gizmo from Draper that pretty much only resets that light.
http://cgi.ebay.com/VOLVO-SAAB-DRAPER-S ... p1638.m122

I have an Innova OBD ll reader and it works just fine.
Paid for itself the first time I used it! (Bad MAF...)

Search OBD ll on the net and you'll find a wealth of information.
Again, I'm no Volvo/OBD ll expert...So get out there ond SURF!!!
Hope that helped and Good Luck!

gus_boy · Post by **gus_boy** » 17 Feb 2008, 14:41

Thanks for the info. That's exactly what I needed to know - confirmation that there's an OBD out there which definitely works with Volvos in the right vintage. I'll still be looking for some facts regarding the purpose of the L-line in the connector, but now I can start shopping for an Innova package, with some confidence that it'll do what I need. Like many others, however, the Service light doesn't really bother me - just an ongoing reminder that something needs to be done, albeit eventually (insert Smiley here as it suits).

Regards,

gus_boy

Post by **JRL** » 17 Feb 2008, 15:51

ALL code readers work, NONE are Volvo specific unless you want to spend big bucks for that.
You will get generic codes that for the most time can be worked with.
You cannot get "sub Volvo codes" and cannot turn off a SERVICE light but can turn off a check engine light

gus_boy · Post by **gus_boy** » 20 Feb 2008, 14:55

To JRL:
"All code readers work, NONE are Volvo specific...". May I take from this that the cautionary in one product's online buzz stating that a particular model "didn't work with Volvo and others", simply meant that it just wouldn't read "sub Volvo codes", but would 'probably' cough up the generics etc? That would suit me fine, as a lot of the more specific fault areas are well beyond my limited wrenching abilities. I'm more into simply being able to read the code, get a feeling whether I should be flat-bedding it to my dealer, or (perhaps ) cancelling the Check Engine light and driving toward a repeat.
You've helped a good deal, but I'll wait a bit longer to see if someone can come up with an answer to my original question regarding whether even a basic OBDII requires a signal through the ISO 9141 L Line - which, as stated, my vehicle doesn't provide.
We shall see.

gus-boy

Post by **lewismug** » 20 Feb 2008, 15:24

BEJinFbk wrote:FWIW, here's what I think I know...

And if you see the "Service" light (for oil changes, etc.), you're also outta luck.
( It's just a reminder light that is tripped by the odometer...No Biggie. )
You'll need either a dealer visit, a really expensive dealer tool or you can blow
about $80 on a gizmo from Draper that pretty much only resets that light.

The service light can be reset by following the directions I found on VolvoForums.com. You do not need a tool to do this.:

"Turn the key to position 1 push and hold the trip reset button while holding turn key to position 2 and watch for the service light to flash 3 times then release the trip reset button and it should be reset.To make sure turn key off then start the car and make sure the light is off."

I have reset the service light on my 99 S70 using this method plenty of times. It should work with your car.

As for the OBD II reader question, ANY OBD II reader will read codes from your car as long as your car has an OBD II interface. If you're looking for a simple "read generic codes/delete generic codes" reader, Get one labeled OBD II and it WILL work. The pin your car is missing changes nothing. It is an optional pin. From this link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Board_Diagnostics

"ISO 9141-2. This protocol has a data rate of 10.4 kbaud, and is similar to RS-232. ISO 9141-2 is primarily used in Chrysler, European, and Asian vehicles.
pin 7: K-line
pin 15: L-line (optional)
UART signaling (though not RS-232 voltage levels)
K-line idles high
High voltage is Vbatt
Message length is restricted to 11 bytes, including CRC "

I hope this has cleared up your question. If, by some chance, you purchase the reader and it doesn't work on your car, I will buy it from you. Just don't spend $300.00 on it! I can afford $100.00 +/- without too much lip from the wife.

fushionEdge · Post by **fushionEdge** » 20 Feb 2008, 18:53

Hows the Equus 3100 Innova Diagnostic Code Reader with Memory Backup for OBDII look?