confused about which diagnositc tool to get

Post by **amblerman** » 12 Feb 2020, 12:06

Hi folks.

I have a 99 s70 (+ 2004 toyota sienna, and 2006 honda accord).
btw. I will be referencing VIDA/DICE below. I know those won't work with my non-volvo cars.

Right now I have a generic OBDII tool. It was about $50. It does a great job of reading OBDII codes and clearing the codes.

However, it's basic. I can't read live data. Even if I could the screen is tiny and basic so the live data graphs wouldn't be usable.

So I started thinking about a more comprehensive tool.
That has led me to starting to research VIDA/DICE and/or some more expensive generic tool.

For example, some of the iCarSoft tools claim they work with Volvo specific codes. But I don't know what that means.

Does it mean?
a) it does everything VIDA/DICE do?
b) can be used as a generic OBDII tool?
c) can handle things like Volvo Airbag lights. (but not full diagnostic.)

What about things like this:Autel MX808
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/maxich ... 08#reviews

The bullet list of features are impressive so long as they apply to my car (probably too old) and that they really do what I think they do.

But again.. when it says the Autel MX808 can "Read/clear codes for all available systems" does that mean it can do the same as VIDA/DICE?

Last question.. what exactly is the difference between VIDA/DICE and exactly what can they do that scanners like the Autel MX808 can't?

Thansk

Andy

Post by **volvolugnut** » 28 Jul 2020, 09:41

Last year I purchased Autophix ES610 code scanner. It is good to read and reset codes (including SRS codes) for Volvo 1999 to 2008 on certain models. So this one will not work for you. I checked Autophix website and they do not have a specific Volvo code reader for your car.
volvolugnut

Post by **gnalan** » 01 Aug 2020, 14:43

amblerman wrote: ↑12 Feb 2020, 12:06 Last question.. what exactly is the difference between VIDA/DICE and exactly what can they do?

VIDA is the software that goes on your laptop to connect your car to the diagnostic tool DiCE. There's also the option of VDASH instead of VIDA. They're both different programs, and they can both do different things. I have both on my laptop, but haven't really had the chance to give VDASH a try.

As far as DiCE units are concerned, there are clones available. Others will have to steer you in the right direction if you go that route. I didn't want to chance it, and ended up getting an authentic DiCE from Volvo.