Follow on From VADIS Statement in Support forum

[Simon J]

Does anyone have a rational explanation as to why US owners can buy from Volvo dealers the kit necessary to download software to their cars (VCT 2000 part number 9512858) and can buy the relevant software from the volvotechinfo site and yet we can't do this in the UK? Is this service available elswhere in Europe?

[Wentworth Man]

Simon,
Would love to be proven wrong but suspect the rational is down to the relationship between Volvo and its dealers. In the US, as you say, they are a little bit more empowered. Over here - and I am guessing - Volvo are treating it as something that keeps us going to the dealers and is therefore a 'value add' for the dealer rather than elsewhere (although there are a few independents with VADIS I dont know if they can all link back to the factory or only use it to diagnose and sell parts).

What happens in Europe folks? George what happens in Be and do we have anyone from Germany on this forum?

Tony

[Simon J]

Tony,

I think there are two different issues here: VADIS is the Volvo Aftersale Diagnostic and Information System which, to quote VolvoTechInfo "combines service manual information and parts information with enhanced diagnostic functions." And the VADIS CD that people refer to on this board and elsewhere is presumably simply an enhanced parts book since I have never heard of anyone using it for diagnostic purposes other than those who pay for the full caboodle from Volvo.

But in addition, US owners can buy the VCT2000 machine (from their dealer) to connect their PCs to their car and then use the WSDA (Web Software Download Application) to download software direct to their car. So this is quite separate from VADIS. But wouldn't it be neat if we could get our hands on it? But no doubt entering a UK VIN (and you have to enter the VIN to activate the download) would preclude getting a download that wasn't approved for a UK car and I can't see any way round that.

Anyone any experience of WSDA?



Simon J

[Peter Milnes]

Simon, I think that the VIN bit is specific to EACH car not country. I hope I'm wrong but think that I may be right. I have been told that any software downloads are vehicle specific and meant for that particular car that the download is instigated for. Thus each download will be matched to one car and not the next one in the chassis number sequence.

All the best, Peter

[Simon J]

Peter, thanks for this but if you are right that there aren't country specific VINs, how can Volvo say that any particular software download isn't appropriate for any particular car which is what they seem to be saying in the UK, i.e. that the download necessary to make the mirrors fold electronically as on the Japanese models isn't, or can't be made, available for my UK car. All very strange. I'm still waiting to see if I can get any further info from a forum in the US but I may just also try emailing a US Volvo dealer and see what he comes up with.

Rgds,

Simon

[Wentworth Man]

Peter,
Don't know how they know which country the car is configured for but I do remember at a recent visit to someone with the kosher factory on line VADIS that they could tell and that they reconfigured a car (think it was a V70) from one country configuration for another. Maybe the master database knows which country a car was exported to but then how do they handle cars which are re-exported or you need to get something fixed when a UK car is in France say??
But I do agree that they could control the software load by VIN as that uiniquely identifies that vehicle and its build standard configuration - well, apart from ringers and clones.

I've read the first few posts on this subject, and I would like to add my little bit to all this US vs UK stuff.

It all comes down to greed in my opinion. Why is it that a volvo part, made in France, is shipped to the US, and is cheaper to buy there, allowing for postage and customs, than it is to buy here???

We are told that we are part of Europe?????

It's just the old old story in my opinion. Us brits pay through the nose for absolutely EVERYTHING. The standard of service (Not just in the car industry) is awful in the UK. As was said earlier, true craftsmen are fading away. We have, so called, skilled people who rely on a computers diagnosis to repair a fault, with no real thought being expended.

ie:- My recently purchased 854T5 had just been in the dealer to sort out a rough running problem. They replaced a couple of hoses and the MAF, total cost £494!!!!! I bought the car from Big JC, and found four more airleaks, which cost nothing to repair, and a sticky EVAP valve. Ask yourself.....did it need a MAF sensor at all????

Anyway, I digress....basicaly, this must be the most expensive place in the world to buy, service and run a car. If we all got together and bought our service parts and spares from overseas, the manufacturers would be forced to drop prices, just as they have with their cars.

I have a copy of Vadis, used only for exploded diagrams and part no's. My dealer thinks it's great that I phone with a list of numbers, and collect the next day. He says it gives him more time to do other chores!! Thats a benefit for Volvo UK!!