Scan tool options advice required - Volvo and possibly others

[scot850]

Hi guys,

I have a few different scan tools that are can scan Volvos and other cars, as well as 2 different versions of Vida.

I really don't tend to use scanning units that often, so using Vida I find a pain and sorry to upset those who are black belt users, it is clunky with my set up and often refuses to connect to Volvos randomly.

I have a clone Dice unit I have had for years and when I needed it (not often) I must say is hard to find information and figure out where to fins stuff. I am dyslexic but can usually figure stuff out on good days.

I have an ancient Dell laptop (which I say is steam powered from around 2009) which runs Win 7 Pro and IE9 and Vida 2014A. I also have Vida 2012 which runs on an internal VM. This set up has been pretty stout, but I do find it occasionally refuses to connect to some cars and some times it might be fine on the same car.

I have a newer version from Dave at Boot & Go in Denver running on a newer laptop using Win 10 and Chrome. I have had issues with this and not sure if it is the laptop or the external SSD that fried each other. Dave supplied a different SSD and software. This runs on my laptops via a separate boot on start up as my laptops run Win11 normally. I have found this is less tolerant than my old set up using the same Dice unit (had for years).

I also have an Autel 802 which has been pretty stout and runs multiples of different car brands but is no longer being supported. I have had one or 2 issues accessing Volvos but normally good. It does not really run Bi-directional testing other than limited stuff.

I also have a Mucar BT200 Pro OBD2 bluetooth unit running a free software on my phone. It is ok and has surprisingly been more reliable connecting and reading Volvo Vin#'s than my Dice sets ups when they would not work! The software is not easy to use.

So what ideally I want something which is easier to use, less cables and does not need an expensive annual subscription or paid updates. I have been considering the iCarsoft VOL 4.0 (mainly as it has 2 other brand user choose add ons). Only issue is reading reviews, there are many good reviews but there are a few worrying ones where users have had major issues of a variety of types with this and the similar VOL 3.0. What I do like is the capability to work bi-directionally more easily that older products. I don't typically need to work with or plan to work with SPA Volvos and P2/3 are the newest I help out with, so I don't need OrBit or any thing like that. I did look into VDash but the subscriptions are not only confusing but look to me to need multiple expensive subscriptions to anything other than basic scans.

I really don't want to spend more than $400 US on a unit which includes shipping (iCarsoft VOL 4.0 ships from the US for a $50 shipping fee which brings it close to that limit.

So, simply, I need help identifying a easy to use, idiot proof tester for a reasonable price. Recommendations are really appreciated.

Thanks,

Neil.

[Vova585]

I have Dice-hate it.
I have icarsoft vol2- absolutely love it for up to 2016MY. After that it is having problems even with simple battery reset. But it is quick, easy to work with, no fluff and does probably 95% of what i need.
I am just having a midlife crisis(more money in my pocket than I used to have before) and considering buying topdon phoenix plus if the amazon days deal will be too good to resist. But logically, icarsoft does moat of work for my needs.

[scot850]

I was looking at the VOL4 version as it has bi-directional (the VOL 3.0 does also) test capabilities, which if you are finding the Vol 2.0 is good can only be better as 4 is double as good as 2 isn't it??

Thanks Vova, glad to hear you like the iCarsoft, as like you I am not a huge Vida fan, and as I am not likely to go even as new as 2016, I am not too concerned on that. The only reason as I stated earlier to go for the 4.0 over the 3.0 was it gives you 2 extra brands you can add at a later date. We will (hopefully soon) only have Volvos again once the Toyota is gone. I am just procrastinating selling it as I am dreading the FBM idiots. I am already fed up with the 'I know someone who is looking for one of those, only to get some so called 'enthusiast' with no money in their pockets to buy anything.

Neil.

[jonesg]

vol 4.0 has some poor reviews on amazon, you never know if theyre nuts but i'd research it.

[scot850]

Interesting. As maybe it is available in the US on Amazon, but I can't find it on Amazon.ca. They only sell the 2.0 and 3.0 up here. I read good reviews on the 3.0 and as far as I understand the main difference between a 3.0 and a 4.0 is the 2 'free' other brands you can add at your leisure. I red one bad review as the Amazon reseller said the 3.0 unit was bad as they claimed it worked on Land Rover products. All they went on about was that. The obviously had not actually reviewed the unit as it did not work on their car. Does not mean it is a bad product, just a bad reseller. I questioned the seller and they clearly stated it was on Volvo and Saab covered.

I see 2 extremes but for the VOL 4.0 there are not a huge number of reviews good or bad. A lot of the bad ones are more about service (which is important) of the product rather than the product. There also appears to be a lot of cloned/fake units out there. So buy from an official supplier. I can't find a supplier in Canada so I have to look overseas. There are 2 companies in Europe, Diagnostics World in the UK and a company called Carvitas which I believe is based in Holland. Both are official suppliers for iCarsoft and other brands as well.
They sell many 'multi-brand/generic testers, from other major brands as well. Best price is from Carvitas including shipping.

There is one seller claiming immobilizer key programming so I have asked for clarification if key programming for Volvos is available. I have a feeling it is limited to mainly older models it can program. I'll update once I know.

I will look for more reviews but they are hard to find.

Thanks for the input.

Neil.