What ODB2 Scanner would you recommend for ABS related issues

Fosgate · Post by **Fosgate** » 20 Aug 2018, 23:07

Hey guys,

Recently in my 1997 S70 T5 I had the ABS and TRACS light coming on randomly while driving, it then goes off and comes back on as it feels like.
When connecting generic code scanner I get no error codes and also the CEL light is not on either.
So does ABS uses different diagnostic protocol and error reporting mechanism that generic ODB2 readers cannot read?

What reader would you recommend which can read the error codes related to ABS faults?
I do have the VIDA/DICE scanner which I use on our V50 model however as far as I know they do not work with earlier 1997 models..

I suspect the issue is with the ABS module soldering joints (which I know is a common problem for these models) but before I pull the unit out and start re-soldering I was hoping to get the error codes to be sure its not a sensor or something else that causing the lights to come on.

Thanks

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 21 Aug 2018, 01:35

For a pre-99 ... on the cheap

850 OBD-II if you have a Android phone or tablet and a Bluetooth ELM327 dongle.

The older version of VOL-FCR which you can find on the internet and a VAG-COM 409.1 KKL USB interface will do the ABS.

If you are willing to spend $150.00, iCarsoft VOL-II.

Fosgate · Post by **Fosgate** » 21 Aug 2018, 08:11

Thanks Rick, so the generic Bluetooth ELM327 dongle will read the ABS codes? I used to have one of these and I gave it away ....

might be good idea to look into iCarsoft VOLII it seems to cover pretty much all Volvos after 1996.

Post by **abscate** » 22 Aug 2018, 06:31

AUTEL 500 series and up will do ABS and SRS on a 1999 and 2005 and presumably everything in between.

Post by **erikv11** » 22 Aug 2018, 08:30

You can check the resistance on each sensor from up at the module, FWIW.

Post by **Matty Moo** » 22 Aug 2018, 08:36

I've never had any luck getting my autel to communicate with the abs on any 96-98 Volvo. The icarsoft does and of course vol-fcr does.

Post by **Clemens** » 22 Aug 2018, 08:42

Have you re-soldered the fault-prone pins? I'd try that first and go from there.
Or send it to matty moo.

Post by **misha** » 22 Aug 2018, 08:48

Vol-fcr only or dealership.
Generic code readers will communicate ONLY with ecu.
You can try VIDA but i'm not sure.
Intermittent abs/tracs are common since EVERY module have cold solders problem.

Post by **matthew1** » 22 Aug 2018, 09:03

If you choose to buy your scanner from Amazon, please consider using the MVS link https://www.amazon.com/?tag=matthewsvolvo3-20

It helps. Thanks!

Post by **Chuck W** » 22 Aug 2018, 10:17

I don't have it in front of me, but I picked up an Autel unit a couple of years ago. Worked on my '96 for the ABS and SRS. Should work for a '98.