VIDA is software that runs on Microsoft Windows PCs and stands for “Vehicle Information and Diagnostics for Aftersales”.
VIDA was intended to be a system that supports workshops in repairing and servicing Volvo vehicles, but many DIY Volvo people on the MVS Volvo Forum and elsewhere have installed and used VIDA with success to diagnose their Volvo’s problems.
A complete version of VIDA provides parts information, service information, diagnostic fault tracing and software download, all integrated into one single application.
How to Get and Use VIDA
Vida is software. It’s not easy for non-geeks to install, but the MVS Forum can help. Many non-geeks have installed it in about an hour.
There is a ton of VIDA help in the forum, for instance Vida 2014D Times out. In fact, we’ve got an entire sub-forum dedicated to VIDA and DiCE.
A VIDA subscription includes service and parts information along with wiring schematics, and the ability to download software to a vehicle. Product subscriptions are ranged to be appropriate for a full-service shop through to a stand-alone parts counter.
The wiring schematics for MY’s 1994-2016 * are available as separate online PDF type subscription products.
*Wiring schematics for MY 2016 and newer (XC90, S90,V90 and similar platform vehicles) are only viewable within a VIDA subscription that includes Diagnostics or Diagnostics and Software Download.
So What Does DiCE Do?
VIDA is software. DiCE is the hardware.
You don’t need DiCE to use VIDA. You can look up part numbers, repair instructions and many other useful things using VIDA. However, if you want VIDA to be able to connect to your Volvo to query its modules and retrieve fault information, you’ll need DiCE.
Not that you’ll buy these…
… unless you have a fat wallet, but here are Volvo’s hardware part numbers for devices like DiCE that allow VIDA to query your Volvo’s modules, which is (part of) its job. This is the real, Volvo approved, Volvo “blue box” stuff. It’s expensive.
Here’s a great thread if you’re considering buying a DiCE knockoff or the real thing? Real DiCE units are around $500.
You can find knockoff equivalents for a fraction of the price of these genuine Volvo parts. But the part numbers listed here will aid you in a search for whatever you end up with.
| 9513000 | DiCE Tool (stand alone) | With integrated OBD cable |
| 9513001 | Test Tool | Used for troubleshooting DICE |
| 9513002 | USB Cable | Vehicle Communications Cable |
| 9513003 | USB Cable (3′) | Used when installing |
| 9513004 | Power Cable | Powers DiCE during updating |
| 9513005 | Bluetooth Dongle | Wireless communications |
| 9513006 | USB Cable (7′) | Bluetooth dongle extension cable |
| 9513007 | USB Cable (2′) | Bluetooth dongle extension cable |
