What Code Reader?

[bob12]

I am new to this Series having recently bought a March 1998 V70 CD T5 Auto with the B5234 T3 (20 valve) engine.

Until now I have been happy using the inbuilt Volvo (Bosch) ODB system (flashing light led) on my other car, a 1990 745 but, the V70 is another ball game!

From what I read, even though the flap/connector in the armrest box says OBD ll, the V70's codes are still Volvo's unique interpretation before standardisation became mandatory.

I shall be grateful to receive any recommendations/experience as to the best code reader or computer based reader for my car.

Thanks and Cheers,

Bob

[Dulcise]

The iCarsoft readers are very good. I believe that there is a compatibility list on their website.

[Luxobarge]

it's a T5 engine, not T3.

A 1998 will be pretty much OBDII compliant - my 1997 version is, enabling me to use a generic code reader/scanner (Autel MS501) so I'm sure yours will be too. It's the earlier ones that have OBDII on the cover but aren't actually compliant.

[bob12]

Originally Posted by Luxobarge

it's a T5 engine, not T3.

A 1998 will be pretty much OBDII compliant - my 1997 version is, enabling me to use a generic code reader/scanner (Autel MS501) so I'm sure yours will be too. It's the earlier ones that have OBDII on the cover but aren't actually compliant.

Thanks for the info. l have a look at that reader recommendation.

It would seem the engine is deffo a B5234T3 with VIN code 53 and there is no mention of a T5 engine in the Owner's Handbook (although there was one). I find it odd that the car is badged T5 but looking on the web it would seem that was done for a CD.

Bob

[Luxobarge]

OK, I stand to be corrected on the engine code - odd, that it's a T5 car, others on here will know what the T3 designation means.

I wouldn't necessarily go with the Autel reader - it's a great bit of kit and works well on my car, but I bought it before the popularity of mobile phone apps. If I were to get one today I'd probably go with one of the phone apps with a suitable cable, I believe they are cheaper and probably have even more functionality. And as the cable is small, you could keep it in the car so you've got it available wherever you are too.

Others on here know much more than I do about the phone and Laptop apps and cables, also there are a number of other recent threads on the subject.

[RollingThunder]

'T5' is a generic marketing term used to identify the turbocharged 5 cylinder petrol engines, whereas 'B5234T3' is the specific engine code (B=white block engine, 5= 5 cylinder, 23= 2.3 litre capacity, 4= 4 valves per cylinder, T3=specific variant of this engine).

The B5234T3 engine is a strengthened version of the early pre-ME7 'T5' engine - it has strengthened pistons, a bigger turbo and revised ECU maps giving 240bhp (see attached image).

I use an iCarSoft diagnostics unit and have found it reliable and easy to use. Its a quite expensive one, but it covers all European cars which is what I wanted. They do a Volvo only one for around £100 https://www.amazon.co.uk/iCarsoft-i9.../dp/B01IEZRXYI

These cover the 850s too, even though they weren't fully OBDII compliant, although I don't know what range of faults the diagnostics units cover. IIRC the ABS and SRS were fully compliant with the engine partially compliant, and the aircon not being compliant?

[Luxobarge]

@RollingThunder - Thanks! I knew all those engine codes except for the T3 bit, so thanks for that.

So I'd say that the iCarSoft solution will be better overall than a self-contained reader like my Autel, because I still can't do ABS, SRS, Aircon etc., only engine and gearbox, and my Autel wasn't particularly cheap, certainly comparable to the iCarSoft stuff. So far mine has done everything I've needed, and on other cars too, but that's only because I haven't had a need to look at ABS codes etc., which would be useful as faults in the ABS system are relatively common on these.

[bob12]

Originally Posted by RollingThunder

'T5' is a generic marketing term used to identify the turbocharged 5 cylinder petrol engines, whereas 'B5234T3' is the specific engine code (B=white block engine, 5= 5 cylinder, 23= 2.3 litre capacity, 4= 4 valves per cylinder, T3=specific variant of this engine).

The B5234T3 engine is a strengthened version of the early pre-ME7 'T5' engine - it has strengthened pistons, a bigger turbo and revised ECU maps giving 240bhp (see attached image).

I use an iCarSoft diagnostics unit.....................................

Thanks very much for all that info Rolling Thunder. It clears up several questions once and for all! The reader info was also helpful.

Bob

[RollingThunder]

Actually I misspoke (to quote Hilary Clinton)

The B prefix on the engine code actually denotes 'benzene' - ie petrol. I'm surprised nobody pulled me up about that lol

Before anyone splashes out on a Carsoft FCR, I'll plug mine in to verify that it does actually check the ABS etc

[bob12]

Ha,ha, when I read it I was surprised by your B interpretation being familiar with the B designation but thought no more of it!. Look forward to the results of your test.

Bob