New to Volvo XC90

Hermes2430 · Post by **Hermes2430** » 27 Feb 2019, 11:48

I have no experience with Volvo, and have always been DIY on my vehicles. My 2003 JGC just hit 333k and the transmission stopped shifting. I didn't have time to work on it and decided to shop around for a replacement vehicle. I decided to try something different so I got a 2008 XC90 with 187k. People tell me that they are rock solid and amazingly safe.

So there's a few things to work on, and I started researching fixes, and it looks like the Volvo has a high cost learning curve. Alright, so I'm not scared, but I need a good toolbox. This site is part of that. I'd like to find a factory service manual, and I keep seeing VIDA. Can someone explain this to me and suggest other items I'm going to want.

I'm looking forward to falling in love with this vehicle, but it's a fine line between loving and hating a car. I'm hoping for your support. And yes, I've started reading the stickies.

Post by **matthew1** » 27 Feb 2019, 12:51

Welcome to MVS and Volvo ownership, Hermes.

VIDA is the factory tech manual. Optional device (DiCE) is your means of connecting to the car. Here's more:

VIDA DICE, which one to buy?
2000 V70R - Vida/Dice Purchasing
Overview of Vida Dice?

What engine do you have? Did it come with service records? Catch up quickly if you're behind on scheduled maintenance.

Hermes2430 · Post by **Hermes2430** » 02 Mar 2019, 10:01

I have seen these three items on ebay...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-VIDA-Vad ... rk:23:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/VOLVO-VIDA-201 ... rk:20:pf:0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Newest-VIDA-DI ... :rk:7:pf:0

The first two links are for pairs of CDs, one VIDA and one EWD. They are different years, 2010, 2011, 2012. Is this fine for a 2008 model, or do I need to look for items that are specific to 2008?

The third link is for a DiCE that says it includes a CD of VIDA 2014. I'm gathering that the VIDA CD is software to update the DiCE. If I'm working on a 2008 model, do I need to care about update CDs for the DiCE? If I get a DiCE that includes a VIDA CD, do I also want the EWD CD separately? If so, do I need to find an EWD CD that is no later than 2008?

According to vindecoderz, it's a B6324S R6 3.2L with AW55-50SN trans. There were no service records.

Post by **precopster** » 02 Mar 2019, 13:26

Vida is software to look up specific information on the car you've selected in Vehicle Profile.

It has parts manuals, detailed repair procedures, an interface for detailed testing of each module in the car and an interface for reading fault codes and clearing them , even if they're SRS or ABS.

The software once mastered, and with the help of forum members, can help you to avoid dealer visits. You can even reset the service reminder with it while connected to your vehicle with the Dice OBDII tool.

As the softwsre is a cracked/patched copy of the real deal from dealers costing thousands there are some trade-offs. You can't use Vida to program new or used modules to your car, though there are some genius forum members that can help you to reprogram used modules over the internet by using just your Dice tool.

If you run a MAC or other OS you can install a Virtual Image of a Vida installation but you'll need to either create the image yourself or find one on the 'net.

EWD is a set of electronic wiring diagrams for Volvo vehicles.

For a 2008 model any Vida package is fine but the preferred one is 2014D.