Question about swapping ECM/TCM

DML · Post by **DML** » 16 Mar 2014, 22:54

I am looking at possibly buying a 2000 V70 N/A with a possible bad ECM/TCM. I do not know the symptoms the car is having. The ad says will probably need ECM or TCM and is driveable but has no
emissions. I have not spoken with the "Stealer" yet and wanted to get some info. I have read on here that the ECM and TCM software codes can be copied from one unit to another. XeMODeX offers this service as well as ARD. I have a XeMODeX ETM on my '99 V70 for three years with no issues.

So will a OBDII reader be able to read the ECM/TCM codes ?
If so what codes would show that the ECM or TCM is bad.
Has anyone swapped ETM or TCM units and what were your results ?

I want to know where I stand as far as repair cost/options before buying it and then finding
out it will be expensive to fix.

Also I have been looking at the Volvo Vida Dice 2013A tool. I think this would be a good investment.
So is this all that is needed to scan and diagnois ? Other than a laptop of course.

Thanks in advance

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Mar 2014, 08:01

I'm questioning the diagnosis that the modules are bad in the first place if the car will start and drive. A diagnosis of a "bad computer" is actually an admission that the tech has no idea what is wrong but needs something to tell the customer.

The modules can be changed but, as you are aware, the modules are mated to the car and the software will need to be reloaded in one form or another. The VIDA/DICE units that you buy on eBay can do diagnostics but you won't be able to upload new software with it.

Given the quality of the original diagnosis it is really tough to estimate what you are in for. I would be inclined to pull drive the car and pull the P codes so that you can get a better handle on what is really wrong with it.

...Lee

Post by **precopster** » 17 Mar 2014, 14:49

Good advice from Ozark. There's too many poorly diagnosed cars being given up on out there.

If this does result in faulty control units MVS member "doublebug" has already cloned 2 ETMs for me from a remote site and he says that ECMs/TCMs are just as easy though they use larger file sizes. You will require a Vifa/Dice setup for him to work his magic though

DML · Post by **DML** » 17 Mar 2014, 19:13

Thanks for the info guys.
Ozark - I was wondering how it would be drivable with a bad ECM.
Do you have an idea about the car "not having any emissions" ??
I would think that what ever the issue is that the code(s) could be read for diagnosis.

I need to get a code reader and a good manual. I don't care much for the Haynes manuals. There is a manual on disk that I have read about, but I cant think of the name right now. What would you recommend ?

I will be adding another Volvo soon if not this V70 then something else and I want to have the resources
at hand for maintenance and repairs.

Thanks

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 17 Mar 2014, 19:45

The car "not having emissions" is puzzling terminology but it may just mean that it flunked an inspection. The ability of people to butcher the English language, particularly when it comes to something technical, is seemingly without limits.

Haynes is a tool in the tool kit and it is by far one of the best quick sources for torque specs. Vida and/or VADIS is a terrific tool for exploded drawings and to pull part numbers. The '95 factory service manual, much of which carries over to the 70 series cars, is perhaps the best all around resource in print. The '95 manual is available for download here.

A set of schematics is also a go to resource but anything you find on the web or buy on eBay are all improperly paginated scans that have missing sections. The pagination issues and missing pages are frustrating but the schematics are very detailed and accurate with every junction point identified once you actually find the relevant schematic. This site and I suppose some of the other sites are like the glue that binds everything together.

A basic scanner is a must with anything '96 and on. DICE and / or VOL-FCR get more in depth and are a must for dealing with non powertrain issues like the climate control, seats, etc. I don't yet have a Dice unit and I have thus far survived without it but it is certainly on my wish list.

In short, there is no single ideal resource but even just a basic scanner is a must have item. The real cheap ones like mine are in the $30 - $40 range and they will read and reset codes that cause the Check Engine Light to come on. Armed with a P code number you can pose a question here and usually have a resolution, or at least a good idea of where to start looking, fairly quickly.

...Lee

DML · Post by **DML** » 17 Mar 2014, 19:54

Thanks for the detailed answer. I have more research to do.
Which brands should I stay away from ?

DML · Post by **DML** » 23 Mar 2014, 10:03

I wanted to pass this info along to the guys like me that want to learn more about the OBD system.
I found this to be informative. I haven't had much time to compare scanners yet. Feel free to post
what your using and if your happy with the scanner.

Here is the link: http://www.alpha-bid.com/HowToChooseACodeReader.html

If someone would like to explain the VIDA and DICE interface that would be helpful too.

Post by **precopster** » 23 Mar 2014, 14:46

For a pre-99 a Vida-Dice may be overkill. In fact it may not even connect with a pre 99 car due to lack of Canbus. Anyone pre 99 out there using one?

An Autel EU-702 is an ideal scanner as it handles SRS as well as other systems. It also reads ECU versions. Most other scanners falter on SRS leaving you with a trip to the dealership.

Post by **VCA** » 23 Mar 2014, 19:21

precopster wrote:For a pre-99 a Vida-Dice may be overkill. In fact it may not even connect with a pre 99 car due to lack of Canbus. Anyone pre 99 out there using one?

VIDA/DiCE doesn't communicate with Pre-99s (in fact, neither did VADIS/VCT2000). Either you have to use the Multi-Tester Pro (the currently supported tool) or the old Volvo Scan Tool (VST) to cover cars from 1988-1998/9 (pre-network).