I need to replace my CEM. I brought it to a non-volvo mechanic. He used VIDA to access it. He couldn't program it, though he read the CEM. I want to make this as painless as possible, and CHEAP. Though he says that every time he uses his VIDA it costs $200 to access the things he needs to. What can I do? Can I replace the CEM and bring it to him? Can I replace the CEM and bring it to the Volvo dealer? Then have them program the replacement CEM? I can get a salvaged CEM for $100. I need hope to get this car started. Please help.

 

You can't use a used CEM it needs to be a new one from Volvo. Afterwards out needs to be programmed by the dealer. The $200 is probably him sending it to the dealer to get it programmed.

 

Why can't a salvaged CEM be put in? Can't the CEM just be programmed for this car?

 

Once the CEM is programmed into one vehicle it is married to that car. It can't be programmed onto another car.

 

I don't want to believe it. Isn't there a reset for the CEM and have it completely wiped out? How do these companies do it? You know...the ones who say they can reprogram the CEM? I don't want to spend hundreds and maybe thousands on the CEM. I want to do this for as little as I can. I don't have that much money to play with. I need my car.

 

You are right. It is possible but not with VIDA.
The problem with CEM is that it is locked when programmed first time.
And special equipment is used to clear it and program again for different car.
So I can help there. The only needed equipment on your side is DiCE, laptop with internet and 2 "right" hands .

 

Is there a reason I can't buy Volvo VIDA/DICE and do the work myself? And...does it cost to "download" things (in addition to the cost of the device and software)?

 

Look you can go ahead and try to get it reprogrammed but I know how Volvos work. You can choose to listen to me, a factory trained technician, or not. Unless you want to pay a lot of money and ( and I mean A LOT) you can't download the software yourself. The software comes directly from volvo so it needs to go to a computer that they sell you with an active subscription that they know about. The only place that's willing to spend that kind of money would be a dealer.

 

damien360 - How can I replace the CEM or fix it cheaply? I can't spend a lot of money. What do I say to whom to make sure I can get this fixed cheaply? What you're saying makes sense to me (only because that's what the non-volvo-dealer-technician was telling me, too...not because I think that what Volvo does is OK). I just can't buy another car, and I can't spend a lot of money to fix it. There has got to be a way.

 

You can buy the CEM and replace it yourself. That's the cheapest way to go about it. Its not only volvo that does this a lot of car companies have computers that can only be programmed by the dealer. No offense but you have the wrong car if you want it to be cheap. The early S80s had major electrical problems because that was the first year volvo used the CAN network.

 

Off course you can do it yourself. It's not a rocket science.

Yes but the result (in a case used CEM) will be a lot cheaper than buy a new one and program it at the dealer. Plus you will have diagnostics equipment that you will use later and save more money.

 

Not cheap but cheaper than the dealer:

Central Electronic Module Program Transfer for 1999 Volvo S80 | Xemodex United States