Volvo VIDA J2534 Cable vs DICE?

[RickHaleParker]

From my random reading on the Mongoose J2534 Cable, it is probably OK but there are some complaints on amazon.

There will always be idiots that blame the product.
Some of the sellers on Amazon and eBay pack software that does not work. I always toss the disk and find the software on my own.

I have not played around with it too much but it works on mine. Reads VIN, DTCs, sets software flags.

[Herb Goltz]

This is very interesting! I definitely need VIDA now that I have 2 XC70s to look after... Do you know if I could use this on a WIN10 laptop?

[cn90]

Herb,

If you use VIDA software, make sure you change the expiration date (info in forum).
Also, transfer the software file into the computer first before installation (do not run it from the DVD player, if your laptop has one).

[Herb Goltz]

I asked about the $36 J2534 cable over on VolvoXC.com, and user vtl (who also posts here) noted that this cable didn't have hardware for both CAN buses, apparently just one CAN-controller and one K-line controller, for those here who know this stuff. This would seem to imply reduced functionality compared to a DICE clone...

[RickHaleParker]

Could you link me to a website where I can buy for $40?

Did you end up ordering one?

[cancunia]

Just came across this thread while looking for a DICE alternative, I've also been posting on another thread about supplies of DICE hardware but thought this thread may have some people who've tried the Mongoose device noted above and could comment on it's functionality?

[Davidib]

Any updates on the mongoose clone cables? The single one up for sale on Ebay indicates that it's a j2534-2 cable but every single clone I've found says it's a j2534-1 but that it still works. This is pulled from the chinese sellers description so pardon the TERRIBLE google translate lol: "A:We know that Dice is a J2534-2compatible, whereas Avdi is only a J2534-1 compatible, which causes no communication with all modules. I’m using a Dice clone and my clone is full chip 1:1 as genuine one. I started with 2008 versions and I was upgraded one by one to the 2014d version now."


I have Vida 2015A which I heard is just a rebranded 2014B, would the chinese mongoose cable work?

I talked with the seller on ebay and he told me everything works exactly the same, the only thing he doesn't know about is Tuning/data logging.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[RickHaleParker]

Toyota VCI J2534 should work also. Toyota's OBDII uses the same communcation protocols as Volvo.

You can get Mini-VCI on AliExpress for $25.00, free shipping. Low risk to find out how well they work.

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J2534-1 - deals specifically with flash programing capabilities on two fronts; availability of data and a device that will allow anyone to program a vehicle. In short, both software and hardware availability for flash programing of a vehicles Power Train management module. Volvo states that J2534-1 cannot be used for diagnostics.

J2534-2 - deals with access to manufacturer specific modules and communications protocols. -2 compliant devices allow access to control modules other than Power Train control modules on several automobile lines including GM, Volvo, BMW, JLR, Toyota, and Ford.

Some of the cheaper J2534 devices may not be full J2534-2. They leave out some of the communications protocols that a manufacturer does not need to cut cost. If it works with JRL or Toyota it should work with Volvo VIDA.

[Davidib]

Thanks Rick, I was going to try the Mongoose clones but it does seem there's no difference between those and the VCI cables you're talking about, so I'm going to order a couple and see how it goes.

[RickHaleParker]

Thanks Rick, I was going to try the Mongoose clones but it does seem there's no difference between those and the VCI cables you're talking about, so I'm going to order a couple and see how it goes.

Before you buy make sure there is a second CAN Bus on pins #3 & 11 ( Vendor Options )
Volvo uses this for Low Speed CAN. Toyota does not have anything on these pins.

Mine is a Mongoose V158. Mongoose is showing a CAN 2 on pins #3 & 11 for JRL. I would think V159 & V160 will still work. Mongoose never officially supported Volvo. People just figured out the JRL and Volvo where the same. JRL does have a second CAN on 3 & 11 just like Volvo.

It is looking more like Toyota VCI will not work. But then again the Mini-VCI maybe a generic board that has a second CAN on 3 & 11. We will not know for sure until somebody gives it a try.

There is another inexpensive J2534 interface on AliExpress called Openport 2.0 . It is a clone of Tactrix Openport 2.0 or it maybe the same device. Could be the only difference is Tactrix puts their name on it and marks them up to $169.00. These are $30.00. The JLR software support is SSD V158. Same as my Mongoose clone. Maybe I should buy a bunch of them stick my initials on them. Then charge you all $270.00 more for my initials.

Let us know how they work. The supply of DiCE clones is drying up and the price of a Genuine DiCE is too high to justify for DIY.