96 Volvo 850 scan tool for ecc?

Post by **JimBee** » 01 Dec 2023, 17:52

Now I have two 850s with HVAC glitches. The two orange fault LEDs blink on first startup, then go out with no fan (on the 96, the 93 just seems dead).

Turn off the 96 engine for a short while and startup again, the LEDs go off and the fan runs but at high speed and isn't responsive to control panel slider.

From what I've been reading, that suggests the resistor/power stage is faulty. I have a new one from Volvo, but not even sure it's working right.

I've ordered a fan and with that installed, at least I can be pretty sure it's not a lagging fan that's
faulting the system. I don't want to just toss parts into it, but the Volvo shops are all getting around $200 for diagnostics.

Is there an affordable DIY scan tool that can suss out ECC faults?

Post by **Chuck W** » 01 Dec 2023, 18:17

I can't help on the '93, but on the '96, I'm pretty sure the 850 OBD-II app can read those.

Also, posted on this site is the instructions for the DIY version located HERE. I used that on ours before I started using the app.

Also, there is a discussion in THIS THREAD about making sure you match ECC units and fan power units.

Post by **JimBee** » 02 Dec 2023, 08:53

Chuck, Thanks, this is great news!

The flash code reader for my 96 will hopefully reveal what's causing the issues.
It couldn't be any simpler. I've been looking for a conventional scanner and for pocket change I can get the codes this way.

The first thing I will do is check those little thermister fans. Wouldn't it be wonderful if cleaning them up could solve the problem.

JB

V50M66 · Post by **V50M66** » 03 Dec 2023, 15:30

The 850 OBDII app works wonderfully on the climate control for 98+, with live data readouts and methods to kick it out of relearn, which wasn’t included in even the genuine Volvo software. It’s worth trying it to see if it can help with your ‘96 since the interface is there. I’m unsure if it’ll work, but it’s worth a try. It’s a great tool to have anyway for other diagnostic stuff.

Not sure if there’s a way to connect it to earlier cars, but I kind of doubt it without the interface. I do know there’s a way to read ECC trouble codes with an led and some jumper leads and counting flashes on -95 cars

Edited for clarity

Post by **misha** » 03 Dec 2023, 15:37

850 '96 & '97 ECC still produce flash codes and flash code reader for OBDII port is needed for this.
S,v,c,xc70 have fully OBDII compliant ECC.

Post by **JimBee** » 04 Dec 2023, 19:42

Thanks, guys, for the insights!
I'm just finishing up a remake of the piping on my 96 850 base. And when that's done, I'll be back to the ECC's.

I have more good news: the iCarsoft i906 looks like a solution for most OBD II DTCs, though not for the ECC. I haven't personally tried this, but a techie Volvo buddy who had a 96 850 has used it and strongly recommends it. Plus, the reviews are mostly very positive, so I plan to order one.

https://www.amazon.com/iCarsoft-i906-Co ... geNumber=4

V50M66 · Post by **V50M66** » 05 Dec 2023, 00:00

JimBee wrote: ↑04 Dec 2023, 19:42 Thanks, guys, for the insights!
I'm just finishing up a remake of the piping on my 96 850 base. And when that's done, I'll be back to the ECC's.

I have more good news: the iCarsoft i906 looks like a solution for most OBD II DTCs, though not for the ECC. I haven't personally tried this, but a techie Volvo buddy who had a 96 850 has used it and strongly recommends it. Plus, the reviews are mostly very positive, so I plan to order one.

https://www.amazon.com/iCarsoft-i906-Co ... geNumber=4

The 850 OBDII app is going to be far more functional and useful for your car and is under $3 (the BT dongle is another $9 or so on Amazon). Don't waste your money on a generic scan tool like that when you can get something better for cheaper

Post by **JimBee** » 05 Dec 2023, 15:33

V50M66 please provide a link and more details.

Post by **Chuck W** » 05 Dec 2023, 16:27

So, as misha mentioned, the 850 OBD-II app is probably not going to work.

To make sure I wasn't talking out of my ass, I went out to check the functionality on my car. It wasn't able to scan the ECC (and I know it has DTCs). Sorry about the bad info.

It does scan ABS DTCs and even ones for the power seats of all things. (I know my wife's car has a DTC or two for the driver seat in her car, but it works so we haven't messed with it)

V50M66 · Post by **V50M66** » 05 Dec 2023, 20:15

JimBee wrote: ↑05 Dec 2023, 15:33 V50M66 please provide a link and more details.

It's an Android app developed by an active member here that is essentially a modern clone of the old factory Volvo scan tool, and will do just about everything the factory tool would do, and more in some cases. It connects to the car via a Bluetooth OBDII reader. I've linked the app's product page below. It won't let me link Amazon for some reason, but just search Panlong OBDII reader. It's like $13 on Amazon and has worked great for me for years

https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... c.fi.obdii