can someone give an over view of the Vida Dice?

carboncow · Post by **carboncow** » 30 Jun 2011, 09:38

I'm not really understanding this tool and am wondering if it's questionable. I"ve read a few posts but I'm just not seeing the big picture of how effective this is vs. something like the Vw Vag-Com or Porsche Durametric tools.

Is it just hardware and I still have to subscribe to Volvo software and/or updates for the hardware to be useful? See I'm still clueless!

Also...is this a brand name or a generic name as I see likes of them coming from China...and obviously with questionable quality depending on the vendor.

Is there a website or forum dedicated to Vida Dice?

Post by **jimmy57** » 30 Jun 2011, 13:05

Dice is effectively a translator from car diagnostic language to a language PC supports. It also has a CAN language converter.
You have to have a PC with VIDA. You will not be able to download software with this but the code read and clear will work as well as other functions and vehicle communications.
Genuine DiCE is bluetooth wireless but all the Chinese versions I have seen for sale state they they are used with USB connection.

carboncow · Post by **carboncow** » 30 Jun 2011, 13:09

So it will pull Volvo specific codes (and clear) beyond the ones any OBD2 can do?

I didn't expect it to do volvo software upgrades, so that is understood.

Do most of the Chinese guys supply Vida? or is this a subscription or copywrite product from Volvo for top $$$?

Post by **matthew1** » 30 Jun 2011, 14:23

Carbon, What is VADIS may help fill in the gaps.

carboncow · Post by **carboncow** » 30 Jun 2011, 16:55

Thanks Matthew that link and the sub links were very helpful in helping me understand these solutions.

I see that VADIS is only up to 2005 does this mean DICE was only designed for those years...or does it even work with newer?

I'm going to restate my one question again for my clarification...will the DICE unit pull codes unique to volvo in addition to standard/generic OBD2 codes? and again...up to what year?

jda2000 · Post by **jda2000** » 30 Jun 2011, 17:15

VADIS uses VCT2000 communication tool, whereas VIDA uses the DICE tool.

I am planning to get Dice tool in the next couple of weeks and I'll post how it turns out.

Most sellers of the DICE tool include a copy of VIDA to go along with it.

carboncow · Post by **carboncow** » 30 Jun 2011, 17:24

I have one overseas gentleman that has been pursing my business for about 2 months after an inquiry...he's got it down (DICE) to $250 including shipping...that seems to be a fair deal (assuming it works!). What is your opinion on that price?

I did find a torrent of the volvodvd.iso that just finished downloading (took about and hour) so I'll be playing with the VADIS.

I got the impression VADIS was just procedures and pictures, does it also graph live data and such? I'm getting the impression the two integrate as a team more then I expected.

EDIT: I guess a specific question would be...would VADIS/DICE allow me to change the mileage on a new DIM I'm going to need to get for my XC70? My DIM is on the fritz and I may skip the repair attempts and just slap another used one it...assuming same year compatibility.

537playing · Post by **537playing** » 30 Jun 2011, 19:39

I have a ViDA/DiCe. It will track live data. It will read all data associated with your car such as the current mileage. It will erase any error messages. You can change/alter some settings like how long to keep the interior lights on, or to lower or raise the temperature of your heated seats. You can reset your transmission fluid counter and relearn transmission. It will show how to repair or diagnose repairs. You can not download software from Volvo.
Most Chinese vendors will supply the 2010 versions which means you can use on model years up to that production year.
You must be running XP Pro!
When I bought the unit from a vendor I had to return it as it did not work. I got my refund after shipping it back to China via USPS.
My second one I purchased off of EBay for a lower price with excellent buyer feedback. I suggest you do the same and prevent the hassle of a Chinese vendor and a greater risk of failure and potential loss of your money.

carboncow · Post by **carboncow** » 30 Jun 2011, 20:39

Any chance you know the reputable seller on ebay? Was he not selling the china knock off too since the price was so good?

all great info...

Post by **jimmy57** » 30 Jun 2011, 22:26

If the DIM you get is lower milage than the current car milage you're good to go. If the DIM is higher then the CEM which is the second store point for milage will get updated to the higher milage of DIM. The milage you see on display will the higher of the CEM or the DIM as the milage in lowest is written up to the milage of the higher of those two.
VIDA will not address that problem even with download capability.