service light on 98 V70 - ODB2?

steve3007 · Post by **steve3007** » 07 Jan 2006, 09:18

I'm trying to reset the service light on my 98 T5. I have some ODB2 software (Scantool from Autoenginuity) but it will not reset the light.

The service light reset helpfile on this website says the following

850 (1996-1997) and S70 and V70 (1998)
You need an OBDII tool. They run about $100 to 200 -- or -- take it in to the dealer or independent Volvo mechanic and have them do it. Call to see if they charge for this first. Note: I've read reports of people having success with having the local Shucks/Pep Boys/Checker auto parts store do it.

However, a search of the forum archive on this site has me confused. While the helpfile suggests that a standard ODB2 code reader will reset the light on a 98 V70, some threads (circa May 05) I looked through suggests this is not a standard ODB2 interface on the 98 model year.

Of course, Autoenginuity supports this task only for standard ODB2.

Anyone with definitive insight on this?

Post by **matthew1** » 07 Jan 2006, 11:19

I don't believe this tool resets service lights.

Put this in Google:
site:http://www.autoenginuity.com reset service

or click this

In other words, searching the manufacturer's own site for the term "reset service" isn't turning up much evidence that their tool has this feature.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 07 Jan 2006, 13:01

From '96 850's through '98 70 series Volvo's there is no way except for the dealer or a few other tools (very few) out there. IPD sells one but they want $165 some odd for theirs. I found the DRAPER RESET TOOL on eBay and bought one inculding shipping from some guy in England. Don't know why the're all from England but they are. Search for one on eBay....it works great, and will also reset your SRS (airbag) light if you ever do something and cause it to come on.

steve3007 · Post by **steve3007** » 07 Jan 2006, 16:22

So maybe the helpfile on resetting the service light here on this website should be updated. Seems a bit misleading.

It says you need an ODB2 tool for the 98 model year. In fact, very few tools support this capability since this task IS NOT standard ODB2 and is rather Volvo specific. Alex Pepper's ODB-ii software I heard will reset this light and perhaps a few others but MOST ODB2 code readers WILL NOT reset the light.

Bummer that I bought Autoenginuity SCANTOOL for $160 on the basis of resetting the light and it won't do the job..... At least it does some other good engine analysis stuff making it a worthwhile purchase.

What nonsense that you need a special tool to reset this light. It's an easy task on my 95 850. Someone at Volvo should be fired for coming up with this bogus implementation!

When I have a reason to get in behind dash on the T5, that service light bulb is coming out.....

Post by **matthew1** » 07 Jan 2006, 16:36

steve3007 wrote:So maybe the helpfile on resetting the service light here on this website should be updated. Seems a bit misleading.

Done, thanks for pointing out the distinction. I've made that distinction in the forum, but not on that page until today. See https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/reset.php

steve3007 wrote:It says you need an ODB2 tool for the 98 model year. In fact, very few tools support this capability since this task IS NOT standard ODB2 and is rather Volvo specific. Alex Pepper's ODB-ii software I heard will reset this light and perhaps a few others but MOST ODB2 code readers WILL NOT reset the light.

I have Alex Pepper's software/hardware combo, and yes it will reset the service light. I'm afraid I can't recommend it because it requires an ability to navigate what I call "engineer-engineered" software.

steve3007 wrote:Bummer that I bought Autoenginuity SCANTOOL for $160 on the basis of resetting the light and it won't do the job..... At least it does some other good engine analysis stuff making it a worthwhile purchase.

What nonsense that you need a special tool to reset this light.

I fully agree.

steve3007 wrote:When I have a reason to get in behind dash on the T5, that service light bulb is coming out.....

Make sure you don't trigger the bulb light

.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 07 Jan 2006, 18:03

Matthew...seems the DRAPER tool is the least expensive of all choices. Could you update the page of the link you gave to mention that. I'm not advertising for anyone...just been super reliable and you don't need a special OBD scan tool. BTW, I bought an Equus Innova 3100 also from eBay for my OBD-II scan tool and it does everything else and even reads codes and resets them on my wife's '04. Seems I paid under $80 for that too...shipping included, but I got lucky. It's been a great tool as well....IPD sells it for about $170.

Post by **matthew1** » 07 Jan 2006, 18:25

I'll point that page to this thread, that way people can read what we're all saying without me rephrasing anything. Thanks for the info!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 07 Jan 2006, 19:11

Thanks!

I've referred several people to the Draper tool and all have been satisfied. Either that or take the service light bulb out, or as others have mentioned on other threads, take a piece of black tape and cover it up. Just make sure you do the service!

steve3007 · Post by **steve3007** » 08 Jan 2006, 01:38

Thx for updating the helpfile Matt.

Are you serious that a bulb burned out in the dash will trip the "bulb out" indicator light?

I assumed that this was only for exterior lighting (tail lights, headlamps, etc).

I haven't yet had a dash light go out so I'm not sure if you're joking or not....

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 08 Jan 2006, 09:14

Steve, I was trying to figure out what he meant too. I've never had the bulb light on with dash lights out.