Secret Engine Codes

[RonJeffries]

My favorite tech is limited in what he can do on my V70R because Volvo doesn't reveal all the information about the codes stored by the computer. They're pretty on top of things over there, but I just wondered if anyone knows a source for the "secret" info?

Thanks,

[matthew1]

They're not secret. They're manufacturer-specific. I think your shop may be a little dramatic because they can't be bothered to look up these codes.

*the above is conjecture because of course I'm not actually there in person to hear all sides*

Here's a nice list of codes:
http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/comp ... volvo.html

Please post back the codes the shop said they're getting.

[RonJeffries]

Thanks, I'll see if I can get more info. I don't think they're scamming me, for two reasons:

1. They're the top Bosch shop in the country and are famously straight shooters;
2. The tech in question is my son, who was a big player in winning the award for them, and (a) he wouldn't scam any customer and (b) he wouldn't scam his old man.

He says, if I understand correctly, that there are codes that are outside the OBD-II set, that can only be read by equipment specific to Volvo dealers. In addition to their standard OBD-II hardware, this shop has two additional laptops that are used to read codes from other manufacturers.

I have had most of the codes in the list you posted reported by them, but I'll pass it on just in case it has something they don't know. My understanding is that there is information which Volvo does not release outside the dealer network. That's what I'm looking for. Thanks!

[Tsquared]

That is the difference between a "Volvo" trained technician and a good mechanic. Every car manufacturer has unique codes. They train their mechanics on the brand specific codes. Mechanics share their knowledge with each other and their experience level increases.

Not to take anything away from your son but Volvo, as well as other European cars tend to be a bit more complex or over engineered. The level of expertise is different for the Volvo. I do most of my own maintenance and repair work on my vehicles. On the Volvo I have learned for the repair manuals, Internet, and from a factory mechanic. I have a Porsche that I will not do anything past changing the oil or a brake job. I also have a Ford truck and Harley that I do all of the work on. My comfort level on the maintenance differs on various vehicles.

Does your son have any contacts with a Volvo service tech? Many times mechanics will share knowledge with each other (even direct competition). A call by you to the Volvo dealership asking for assistance with the code may result in an answer to a specific code. Once you have the information on what the codes and fixes are a post would be appreciated so that the knowledge spreads.

Good luck,

T

[RonJeffries]

All good advice, thanks. The kid (he's only in his md 30s) is good. I even let him work on my 911. In fact he's the only person in town that I would let work on it.

Apparently most brands are now releasing almost all of their dealer-only info to the general market. Volvo is still holding off. I may take the car to the dealer just to see what they can read out.

Thanks again,

[kenk]

actually your shop is somewhat right. There are some codes that are pretty hard if not impossible to read without vadis. Specifically ive never been able to pull abs system codes, i think the auto tranny codes are the same deal, but i have a 5sp, i doubt there is much to read from that.

[mikep]

These are not secret codes, nor is it a situation of only the "dealer" being able to access them.

The issue is whether or not the shop has invested in the equipment necessary to work on Volvo's. It can be purchased, and a shop that doesn't should not be working on newer Volvo's.

[RonJeffries]

I'll tell my son you said so. Thanks.