When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi all and thank you for allowing me to join. Just got my 2013 Volvo XC90 yesterday. I paid a little more because the car has a full service history and every single bit of maintenance was done at the Volvo dealership where the original owner bought it . Now I'm in the market for a good diagnostic scanner that will allow me to do all the troubleshooting and repairs including monitoring transmission temp when servicing the gearbox. Been looking at the Foxwell range but im now suffering from information overload as there are so many models. Any advice would be most welcome. By the way, Imy previous car was a 2009 BMW X5 3.0 Gasoline
I work as a Volvo Tech, and when I'm not using VIDA, I use a scan tool by TOP DON called the ArtiDiag800.
It's fantastic for live data reading, service resets, all systems scans, it's wireless, and you get free lifetime updates. I got it on sale last year for $330. It works with all Volvos even the 96-2000 years. I don't know the cost now. Check on Amazon.
You can also get in touch with a one David Leach. He sells laptops with a copy of the factory Volvo software up to 2014 (so your XC-90 will be covered), and the DICE unit which connects the car to the laptop.
If you want his info (and you're a serious buyer), DM me. I payed $275 for this setup 3 years ago. I don't know the cost now.
Hi Pixeldust. Thanks so much for all the info, will certainly keep that in mind. she got her first wash today! Haha Im very happy with my purchase. Its got 142K Kms on the clock so my priority is to change the ATF asap.
Watch the FCP Euro video on how to service the trans on P-3 Volvos, though technically XC-90s were designated P-2 until 2014. Look up the procedure for sure.
Anyway, FCP has great content on YouTube. Good luck and enjoy.
I work as a Volvo Tech, and when I'm not using VIDA, I use a scan tool by TOP DON called the ArtiDiag800.
It's fantastic for live data reading, service resets, all systems scans, it's wireless, and you get free lifetime updates. I got it on sale last year for $330. It works with all Volvos even the 96-2000 years. I don't know the cost now. Check on Amazon.
You can also get in touch with a one David Leach. He sells laptops with a copy of the factory Volvo software up to 2014 (so your XC-90 will be covered), and the DICE unit which connects the car to the laptop.
If you want his info (and you're a serious buyer), DM me. I payed $275 for this setup 3 years ago. I don't know the cost now.
Enjoy.
Pixel, There's the AD800BT and the AD800 Pro that isnt wireless but offers touch screen and push button navigation. Would one be more practical than the other in your opinion?
BT is the one I have, pro is bidirectional probably, right? Meaning you can test parts on the car.
If there's not too much of a price difference, get the pro. Just make sure you get lifetime updates free. It's nice to be able to test components from your tool.
I use Vida for this typically, or another scan tool I have that'd be well outside of a diy budget, and unnecessary.
You're right, noone offers the pro with life time updates. I can actually get the 2023 version of the BT with 32Gb of memory from a seller on Ebay who has a 99.6 positive feed back rating for the equivalent of US226.40. 3 Yeah Warranty and lifetime updates
Hell yeah! You'll enjoy it. It's a really good tool, and a bargain. Browser works, the battery life is so-so, functionality is awesome though.
It successfully talks to more vehicles than my Snap-On Modus. One more thing I did with the Artigiag800BT, was get a breakout box for the Bluetooth VCI. I was worried about leaving it in a customer car, and the breakout box assured that won't happen. Plus you add even more functionality to your diagnosis.
This thing right here.
Thanks for that mate. I dont think Ill need the break out box as the 800BT will be used at home on our cars. My boy's got a C30 T5 and wifey drives a E60 BMW
It will be in my hands in a couple of days and my first job is... Change the ATF!
Ok Got it an hour ago Yayee!. Have put it to charge and have registered. Just need to find out how to navigate to transmission temperature in Live Data.
Hmm did my first fix today using the 800BT. Was driving home and i got the "SRS Airbag Service Urgent" message, then about 10 minutes later I lose all instrumentation!!! Although radio was still playing. I did panic a little and thought that next the engine would just cut out but no.. got home safe. So got the TopDon out and did an SRS airbag reset and VOILA!!! all fixed
Nice. I wonder why the airbag light went on, and instrumentation went out...
This can be a symptom of low charging. Next trip, watch your battery voltage in live data at idle before driving, while you drive, and idling after you arrive. It should never dip below 13v and never exceed 14.7. overcharging is just as bad if not worse.
An important thing to know about live data is that the less PID's selected (data points that are visually on screen being monitored by the scan tool), the faster and more accurate the reported information will be.
In your current situation:
Go into the ECM and select only battery voltage, plus any other PID that's SRS or ABS related. With low battery voltage, these systems cannot properly function.
Therefore, the light will be set warning you that you have no SRS and/or ABS function.
Hi there. Well the SRS service Urgent light has been coming on a couple of times on my way to and from work but I havent had time to do a live data session yet. All Ive done is a reset but will eventually need to address it asap.
My first Volvo
