Ok, I've read the posts here regarding the xc90 repair manuals not being translated to English, hacked copies of dvd downloads on ebay, missing pages, etc.

Most of those posts were from a decade ago. I understand Ford owns Volvo now and there's been lots of time to do a translation.

Is there ANYTHING at all yet that's a legit repair manual for the 07 xc90 GAS/PETROL model in English? (Not the diesel!).

I can't believe that all the Volvo service departments in the US have Swedish speaking mechanics. Ugh.

 

If you can find a copy of the stolen/hacked VIDA 2014d - that will be you best choice for a 2007. Or you could always just purchase a VIDA subscription. An option would be

volvodiag.com

 

Checked out the volvodiag link. Thanks, btw. But it's sooo arcane. VMware? Lots of private info required. DICE? The heck is that and why is the closest to me in Gettysburgh, PA? Can't even tell how much it costs. Wth is going on with these freaky deaky Swedish things? It's a 16 yr old car...

 

2014d was designed to work on Win7 pro. Simple install - put disc in, it copies 8 gig or so of data, apply the "patch" (hack) to get Vida to work without a subscription - and it just works. Perhaps the vmware link stuff allows you to use the software with a different operating system. Most dice units come with a copy of vida or downloads can be found easily.

Many Volvo DIYers have an old win7pro cpu and put the hacked copy of Vida2014d on it. You have parts diagrams, service procedures, capacities, torques, and wiring diagrams. (comes on a second disc but is part of the complete program).

If you want to pull codes in every control unit - you will need a DICE unit. (or equivalent) That is the interface between the OBD port and your cpu. If you have a code, you can simply click on it and Vida gives you possible causes and suggestion of how to fix them.

A DICE unit is also used to download new software, for instance if replacing a module. However that can only be done with a paid VIDA subscription and a valid Dice unit. (you won't need to do that)

There are really no printed books that are as complete as the Factory (stolen and hacked) diagnostic software. What part of the country are you in? (i have a cpu to give away)

Here's a few screenshots - anything on those pages is blue is a link to more information.

 

I'm in northern Vermont. This cpu unit. Is it stand-alone or does it integrate like an external drive? CD inserts in it? Compatible with mac?

 

CPU - that’s a laptop or desktop windows computer. Vida comes on a DVD, and the program won’t install (easily) on anything but a win 7 PRO operating system
Dice- plugs between the obd port and a usb port - allows you to pull and erase codes, get live data and other stuff

 

Ok, so just to be clear, you have a computer with win7 on it which the VIDA can be uploaded to and then the computer has a dice that'll allow you to connect that computer directly to the obd port of the car?

 

I have a dell desktop cpu with vida on it - but It would cost more to ship it across the country than purchasing a used win7pro cpu.

So - if you want to go with vida 2014d, you find an old lap/desktop with win7 pro operating system, Vida requires 3gb ram minimum. (or use the virtual machine method many others have done).
Or Someone was selling Vida loaded onto a bootable thumb drive a while back -

Purchase a DICE unit. They sell for between $50 for a used chinese clone to $700 for the factory part. There's plenty advertised on ebay - most say they have a copy of 2014d included.

 

So, can you copy your VIDA cd or strip it from the cpu onto a usb and share with me?

Also, I saw a pic of the DICE. I see the obd connector, but how does it connect to the computer running the VIDA? Is it necessary to run the VIDA and the DICE concurrently in real time or can I swap the DICE from car to computer back and forth?

 

Two wires on the DICE. Usb to dice plugs into the cpu. OBD into your car. Plenty of vendors wanting to sell you this stuff - Looks like they include a dvd of 2014 also. I've heard that vxdiag works also, but have not seen it.



"Is it necessary to run the VIDA and the DICE concurrently in real time" Yes, if you want to read codes or see live data that's how that works. If you want to view wiring, parts catalog, repair procedures, code descriptions, and other stuff - a dice unit/connection is not needed.