Vag-com & vol-fcr

[Metallo]

Hi all,

I own a 940 SW Turbo 2.0 1997 and since a long time I am thinking to get a diagnostics cable/software so that I can get all the helpful information I may need when repairing my 940.

I found good articles on the VAG-COM cable and VOL-FCR software, but nothing really about them being used with the 940s.

I think the reason is because in NA this car stopped to be distributed in 1995, while in EU 1998.

As a result, I am a lucky owner of a 1997 model with an LH-Jetronic 2.4 MFI system and and OBD2 port in the armrest.

Has any of you used this cable with a 940?

Any suggestion is very welcomed!

Thank you
Alex

[aardvarkash10]

I'm picking its OBD-II shape, but not OBD compliant. Lots of threads here on the subject including how to build a pulsed-code reader.

[Metallo]

I'm picking its OBD-II shape, but not OBD compliant. Lots of threads here on the subject including how to build a pulsed-code reader.

Hi there,

Would you mind to clarify?
If it is OBD2 shape it will be OBD2 compliant.

I saw the built pulsed-code reader but I prefer to buy something out of the box, therefore I was asking if anybody had tried the VAG-COM/VOL-FCR on a post '96 940.

Thanks
Alex

[aardvarkash10]

Hi there,

Would you mind to clarify?
If it is OBD2 shape it will be OBD2 compliant.

Thanks
Alex

You would think so, but no, thats not the case. My understanding is that the LH2.4 system was not ever made OBD-II compliant.

Mine (940 2.3 LPT, 1995/96) certainly isn't and it is same as yours - OBD-II connector under the glove box

[Joe of Loath]

If you're in North America then all cars sold in the USA post 1996 had to have OBD2 diagnostics. Not sure on Canadian regs, but if your model was also sold in the USA then it will have OBD2.

However, why spend all that money on an expensive cable when you could get a £5 bluetooth OBD2 reader and a free phone app?

[TonyS9]

I'm pretty sure the reason the car stopped sales in the US in 1996 was because it was never ODB2. Somethingn strange happened in Volvo to achieve an OBD2 socket and not compliant protocol, perhaps some breakdown with Bosch-Volvo technical misundestanding. I get the feeling the processor isn't powerful enough or something.

The Volvo FCR provides no additonal function than the flashy light, there is no live data for example. They basically downgraded the OBD2 in 96 to require additonal equipment rather than supply it with the car as they did in 95.

[Metallo]

Hi all,

In NA Volvo stopped selling the 940 in 1995 so you will not find in NA a 940 with OBD2
I live in Canada but I imported my car from Europe where it was sold till 1998.
As far as I know, my 940 Polar is the only model in NA as nobody would be allowed to import a European car in the US and, as far as Canada is concerned, you are only allowed to import a car from Europe when the car is 15 years old, so the day my lady turned 15, she landed in Canada.

This is to provide some background.

Now, I do not understand by the OBD2 should not be OBD2 compliant.
Has anybody ever tried to plug in an OBD2 device and see which information provide?

@Joe of Loath - However, why spend all that money on an expensive cable when you could get a £5 Bluetooth OBD2 reader and a free phone app?

A VAG-COM cable costs only 15.00 $ so it is very cheap, as far as the £5 Bluetooth OBD2 reader, I am ready to consider it but so far, I have not found many positive reviews on those devices.

Have you got anything in particular that you might suggest?

Thank you
Alex

[aardvarkash10]

Now, I do not understand by the OBD2 should not be OBD2 compliant.
Has anybody ever tried to plug in an OBD2 device and see which information provide?

Yes. Nothing. Not surprising, since it is not OBD compliant and has no communication protocol that matches any OBD system.

A VAG-COM cable costs only 15.00 $ so it is very cheap, as far as the £5 Bluetooth OBD2 reader, I am ready to consider it but so far, I have not found many positive reviews on those devices.

Have you got anything in particular that you might suggest?

Thank you
Alex

So go ahead - you seem to be disregarding everyone's advice to the contrary, so maybe you know more...

[Metallo]

So go ahead - you seem to be disregarding everyone's advice to the contrary, so maybe you know more...

If I knew more I did not ask.

Bluetooth OBD2 reader: I simply asked if anybody in the forum has had success with any Bluetooth device, which implies to provide a brand-name, pros and cons etc.

As I said, I am ready to consider it, but I need more information, therefore I do not see why you reacted that way.

[aardvarkash10]

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/search.php?searchid=4213666

[Metallo]

Hi,

Dead link? I get: Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.

Alex

[aardvarkash10]

Hi,

Dead link? I get: Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.

Alex

It must have timed out - I just searched the 700/900 forums using the terms 940 and OBD. Only got four or five threads - all explaining the 940 is not OBD-II compliant

[Laney760]

I've got a 1997 940 with the code-reader in the arm-rest

I bought my home-made code-reader on here from a member who made several. It works perfectly

There are threads with how to make them, they are quite simple, do a search and you should find them, I'll have a look later and see if I can find one


Edit, it was member crogthomas on here who made them and sold me mine

[rogerb]

The VOL-FCR does work with late 940 cars . I have it and it would work on the 1996 940 I had.
Have a look on the web site www.ilexa.co.uk
They list VOL-FCR for 940 from 1996 model year cars.
It is the same software and lead I use for my 1998 V70R.
Roger.

[aardvarkash10]

The VOL-FCR does work with late 940 cars . I have it and it would work on the 1996 940 I had.
Have a look on the web site www.ilexa.co.uk
They list VOL-FCR for 940 from 1996 model year cars.
It is the same software and lead I use for my 1998 V70R.
Roger.

From the linked site:

900 series, S90 and V90 1996 on: covers fault code reading/clearing on Engine (but not LH 2.4 Jetronic or EZ116K), Immobiliser, SRS, RTI. Power seats (not ABS or Cruise control)