1998 V70 XC CAN/OBD2 Not working

yeshuasoldier · Post by **yeshuasoldier** » 23 Sep 2013, 09:08

I recently bought a used Innova 3100e CAN/OBD2 tool. When I bought it, I was driving a 1996 Ford Fusion, so I hooked up to the OBD2 port and everything seemed to work great. All the info was there and the tool was working perfectly. But when I took it home, it failed to make a link with my in-laws 2002 Lexus. When I was finally able to try it on my 98 Volvo V70 XC I had the same issue: unable to make a link with the vehicle.

I connected it to my computer and updated the software and firmware on the tool and still got nothing. After emailing Innova for help, I eventually called them and their tech guy said the protocol was broken for that type of vehicle. He explained that it worked on the Ford because it was a different protocol. After a few more questions he explained that the protocols they have that connect to different cars are hardware based rather than software based, and mine is broke. He quoted me at $70 to send it in and have them fix it (why wouldn't I just buy a new one for $90 on amazon?).

My question is, does anyone have any more information on this issue? Could the tech guy be wrong and the problem lies elsewhere? Can I fix the protocol DIY style? Is there any way I can not be screwed out of my $50 bucks for the scanner? Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Post by **rmmagow** » 23 Sep 2013, 09:22

I'm sorry I can't offer a fix but I have been using something called an XC-90 on my 98 V70 for a couple of years and it works well for reading codes, readiness state and clearing common OBDII codes. This is a real cheap Chinese made device, but it works. The device was only about $25.00 from Amazon. If you have an Andriod based smart phone, an ELM device and the torque app are a great match.

Post by **misha** » 23 Sep 2013, 15:33

As far as i can remember....i think that a few members had complaints about Innova 3110 which didn't work on their Volvos.
Maybe it was on volvospeed,i don't remember...but i'm sure that Innova didn't work on their Volvos while on other cars worked perfectly.
Why don't you buy Vol-Fcr on ebay or Amazon?It's only about 15-20$ these days.

Marty__Mouse · Post by **Marty__Mouse** » 23 Sep 2013, 16:26

As far as I know, Volvo only started using real ODB2 (canbus) in 1999 (MY2000). This was when they started using the ETM and the new motronic also aswell as the 2.4 engines instead of the 2.5

So if i'm correct you have ODB1.5 (even though it says ODB2 on the cover beneath you armrest) which cannot be read by the newer odb2 scantools.

I had the same problem with an USA imported V70R from 1998. You need Brickdiag or something like that to communicate with your car...

Good luck

Post by **misha** » 23 Sep 2013, 16:48

Marty__Mouse wrote:So if i'm correct you have ODB1.5 (even though it says ODB2 on the cover beneath you armrest) which cannot be read by the newer odb2 scantools...

That "OBD 1.5" was for transitional 1995 year on 850,which wasn't fully obdII compatible and engine ecu still produced flash codes.It's diagnostic socket cover also says OBD II,but the diagnostic sockets for OBD I under the hood are still present in '95.

From '96 and on,diagnostic sockets under the hood for obd I disappeared and only OBD II connector in cabin is present.

Post by **Matty Moo** » 23 Sep 2013, 19:33

I had an Innova 3130 that wouldn't link up to my 850 unless it was running. My Autel Eu702 is somewhat the same way on my 98 and 99. It will link up on the 2000 without it running. While linking it's always the waiting game and sometimes you have to try again.

No idea why either, no voltage problems or anything like that.

I really didn't mind the Innova, it's just laid out more for Domestics than anything else.