Hello John,

Today I went to the local AutoZone that I usuallyvisit to get parts for company trucks, and asked them which scanner they used to get codes for my gearbox and clear dash light, and here's it:

Mfg: Actron
Model: CP9175
Price: Approx $150 (not bad at all)
Made in: USA
Warranty: 1-year
*Does notretrieve ABS codes

If you plan to keep your 850 for longer than 3 years, the scanner isn't a bad investment. I have Fluke 112 digital multimeter (was $150), but a multimeter is useless when it comes to retrieving codes. There was more expensive scanner at AutoZone, same mfg and the model was CP9150, selling for approx $280. This one reads both OBD-I & OBD-II, but it's probably an overkill for home mechanics. OBD-III seems to be on the way (this year or next year), so I would either buy CP9175 or wait until OBD-III compatible scanner comes out. Or should you decide a scanner isn't a necessity, you could visit Volvo dealer or specialized shop, retrieve & clear the codes and have ABS module repaired, or vise-versa.

If the transmission keeps acting up, even with proper fluid level, then it might be cost-effective to have your ABS module repaired.

That was the findingsof the day. Today was my day off, so I'll spend an easy evening tonight.

I wish you the best of 2007.


JPN

 

Hi JPN,

I really appreciate you going to Autozone to find the scannner
model. I may have to go to the dealer to get the ABS codes.
(Ouch).
I did a quick internet search on OBD-2 and found some information.
It appears that OBD-2 came about for the purpose of monitoring
the emission control systems on automobiles. It is supposed to be
standard for all cars that employ it. It looks like there are 3 variations
of the standard, and Volvo uses the ISO (European) version.
Apparently the standard only applies to engine components- other
systems on the car such as climate control, brakes, transmission, etc. are entirely up to the manufacturer to implement in whatever fashion
they choose.
That explains why inexpensive scanners will read Volvo engine codes
but not other systems on Volvos.
I did find a website that has a diagram and parts available for an
adapter that will allow a standard computer to connect to an OBD-2
port. This would allow any system on the car to be accessed if:
1. You know the code/ protocol to query that system
and
2. The system uses the same wires (K and L) on the connector
to access that system
I don't know at this point if there are any unused positions on
the Volvo OBD-2 connector. If so they may have added an
additional wire(s) that carries data for other systems on the car.

Issue number 1 could require a lot of trial and error to determine
the required code/protocol, if it is possible.

I am new to this car stuff so if anyone has any information on the
above 2 issues in regard to Volvo please let me know.
Also if anything mentioned above is incorrect please advise.

JPN I hope you have a very Happy New Year,try to take
it a little easier this year and thanks again for the help.

Sorry to divert this thread so far from the original question.

John