About Diagnostics

LilTXLady · Post by **LilTXLady** » 12 Oct 2023, 13:14

Hi All,

I'm new here and not terribly knowledgeable about cars. But I do have a 2008 Volvo XC 90 I have had for 11 years and I had a Volvo sedan before that for 8 years. So, I hope it's ok that I am asking a really general question. My Check Engine light came on yesterday (not flashing) and that scared me. Never had that before. So, I called a couple of places I found on Yelp with good reviews and called two. One, said I needed to make an appointment and drop the car off. I said I would need to wait and the guy said it would take 1 1/2 hours and the cost is $108.95. All I want really is to just have someone plug it in and get the codes (and go from there). If it's just the ABS, I'm not concerned about that. It just seems expensive to see what the car has to say. I'm a big fan of Scotty Kilmer on YouTube so I'm wondering if it would make sense for me to buy one of those scan tools just to see for myself what codes are showing up. Then, if it's nothing to be concerned about, I can clear them or if it warrants going to a mechanic, at least I know why I am going. Am I crazy? Any advise is most welcome.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 12 Oct 2023, 16:01

Go to a chain auto parts store like O'Reilly and ask them for the free scan of your car. They will tell you the results. This is fast and easy. They may also have a cheap scan tool for sale. However, cheap scan tools will not have all special Volvo codes.
Once you have the codes, you can Google the code for more details and advice.
volvolugnut

LilTXLady · Post by **LilTXLady** » 12 Oct 2023, 20:11

Thanks volvolugnut! I will try that and then do a bit of research on reasonably priced scan tools that will work for Volvos.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 12 Oct 2023, 21:13

.
I've purchased quite of few of the Launchh OBDII OBD2 Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Scan Tool. Member Jonesg recommend the ELM327 V2.1 Alerón Brand OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner Auto Diagnostic for iOS & Android. The Car Scanner App is exceptional and easy to use. The link for the discussion is below also.

I have tries half a dozen cable OBDII scanners ranging from $30 to $200 and returned them all. Unless you have ABS or AirBags issues the mini OBDII is fine for most everyday use. I've never looked to see if the paid version of Car Scanner App can read those codes.

Launchh OBDII OBD2 Bluetooth Car Diagnostic Scan Tool
(www.amazon.com/Mestart-OBDII-OBD2-Bluet ... B011NSX27A)

ELM327 V2.1 Alerón Brand
(www.amazon.com/ELM327-Bluetooth-Scanner ... 134&sr=8-5)

Car Scanner
https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... carscanner

Diagnostic scanner for Volvo
viewtopic.php?p=634780#p634780

.

Post by **volvolugnut** » 13 Oct 2023, 18:03

The better scan tools at moderate prices may only work for certain models and years. Shop carefully.
volvolugnut

Post by **abscate** » 14 Oct 2023, 09:56

Welcome TX! We try to keep MVS friendly to newcomers and women in particular.

If you are keeping the car long term , a scanner is definitely worth your time

$25 or so for a basic scanner

$150 for one which will give you good diagnostic data

I use the AUTEL product line but there are others that are good. I like to keep things simple so I don’t use the phone app route, but there are good things here too..

Each of my daughters has the low end AUTEL 300 series in her car for quick code readout , about $16 in oct 2023

You can use the link thtough MVS to purchase, too!

https://www.amazon.com/Autel-MaxiScan-M ... 109&sr=8-1