OBD-II Code readers

  • Thread starter Thread starter Bob Noble
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Bob Noble

Much as I like the folks at ipd, their prices tend to be a bit extreme
on some items. Their OBD-II reader/resetter at $US179 is fine, but you
can find it at your local chain store (Pep Boys, Kragen, etc.) for a
regular price of $US129 - on sale this past weekend, for instance, at
$US99.

bob noble
Reno, NV, USA
 
I noticed the same thing. Will an OBD-II reader work on a '96 850?

Seems like the was a bit of controversy in that regard.
 
Bear in mind it didn't work on mine because it;s a UK spec model and for
some bizarre reason, though they fitted a socket and ,arket it OBD-II they
didn't implement the standard.....
 
Hi, Steve - - -

About three weeks ago was my first time for the annual smog check with
no more testing equipment than plugging into the OBD-II socket. Of
course, I had to query the smog-check folks about this development.

Allegedly, *all* makes and models from '96 onwards (at least as sold in
the U.S.) do have full computer access via the OBD-II connector. The
only problem is in decoding the "manufacturer specific" codes - which is
being addressed by our "friends" in Washington even as we speak. This
is one time that the interests of a special interest group (auto shops)
are such that you and I may benefit, too. If Volvo continues their
history of "cooperation" in this area, the codes will be available at
$$$!!!

Interesting comparison, my son drives a '95 Subaru that my wife had for
a time. I had bought the factory shop manuals for just over $US200 -
three 2.5" binders' worth of general and specific information. When I
checked out a code for him, the Subaru manual listed both the results
obtained in using their proprietary test gear *and* the more common
tabular listing.

bob noble
Reno, NV, USA
 
Check under your hood for the emmissions tag.
It should say OBDII compatible. (All vehicles 96 and up were supposed to
be).

I just bought a Innova 3100. It's one of the more popular ones and retails
around
$129, but I bought it new in the box on EBAY for $123 delivered.

I'm also contemplating a service light and SRS reset tool for my 01 V70 2.4T
I've found them for around $194 at a couple places. We all know that would
only
be 2-3 trips to the dealer for resets!!!

Cheers from snow covered Southern Maine (4 more inches today)
 
Mike,

You're right, but Alex Pepper's OBD-2 will only reset service lights on
95-97's.
I just wrote him inquiring on my 01 V70. and he's not able to do that.
Here's a
copy of the reply he sent me for those interested.

----- Original Message -----
From: Car Code
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2004 11:10 PM
Subject: Re: Reset maintnance interval lights on 2001 Volvo V70 2.4T


Presently service interval light for 95-97.
Near future computer systems on ISO data bus year 99+ trouble codes only.
Alex Peper
Car Code
www.obd-2.com
 
Some confusion here. The '96-'98's were the only ones requiring the
tool (I've used one for several years with no problem). You should fall
into the category of multiple on-off cycles of the ignition switch.
Volvo got the word from their Dealers that having a grease monkey fool
with electric goodies was not within the scope of his job description.

bob noble
Reno, NV, USA

P.S. The "Innova" is, indeed, the unit sold by ipd and the various
chain stores for reading codes.
 
Bob,

I don't quite think Volvo completely understood "that having a grease monkey
fool with electric goodies was not within the scope of his job description."
On the 01's and up all remotes require progrmaming, I'm also installing
driving lights which my 01 V70 2.4T is pre-wired for, but it will then need
to be programmed for them to function. Anything that funnels through the
computer system needs to be programmed in if anything changes. I can,
however reset my own service light by holding the trip meter down for 10
seconds after turning on the ignition and then releasing it once the service
light starts flashing (don't actually start the car). So at least I don't
have to go see them every 7500 miles! Which is good since I use synthetic
and it would really grate on me to have to see them when I don't need
service and do my own regular services.

The programming for the driving lights I thought was a bit much, but they
said it was so the computer would know the new drain on the electrical
system was legit. So even thought I bought the OEM factory light kit through
an internet discounter at about 50% of local dealer cost, they stiull found
a way (the dealer) to reach into my pocket.... again. Keys are another
whole issue... $86 for a new one, and all your keys must be present when the
new one is programmed (same as remotes). Ugh... I wonder if this is the
Ford influence creeping in? When we had a Windstar, Ford did an outstanding
job of monitoring my wallet.

Don
with lighter wallet in Southern Maine
01 V70 2.4T 96 850
 
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