Engine: D5: ELM327 adaptor - Car won't start!

[robertfleckney]

A fortnight ago I purchased my first V70. A 2006 D5, which i'm chuffed with.

So far it is running lovely, and i'm slowly working out what 'might' need doing (engine mounts look to be shagged for example).

Anyhow, I purchased an ELM327 adaptor from ebay in the hope of doing some basic diagnostics but when I plugged it in, the car would not start. In fact, it wouldn't turn over, but a message of 'anti-skid service required' popped up on the dash. After removing the dongle, the car started fine. I tried plugging it in again and the same message appeared.

Anyone heard of these adaptors causing issues? Could anyone recommend a decent obd2 adaptor which would be more reliable.

Thanks in advance.

[100K+]

If you can juggle the spanners and intend keeping the car the best option is VIDA+DICE. Its the "cloned" Volvo software/hardware. Takes a bit to get used to, and is better run on a dedicated laptop ( but not necessary)

Check out Cheshire5 here :https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=164

Cheers
Bob

[Zebster]

I have an ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 interface... Never any issues on my Honda Accord, but always causes the ABS warning light to come on when used on our MR2 Roadster. If I leave it plugged in to the Volvo, start up and drive off then sometimes it brings up several dash warning lights.

[petey]

Even VIDA will cause the ABS light to come on, depending upon what it's looking at, presumably because the overhead of interrogating various systems potentially interferes with the processing requirement of looking at wheel speeds.

VIDA is the only real sensible solution. Simon (ChesireD5) does sterling deals on used laptops. Everything else just isn't VIDA.....

[cheshired5]

I've had no issues with my ELM327 in 5 years.
It's one of the cheapest (under a fiver) blue plastic mini Bluetooth dongles.
I can even use the ELM327 on my motorbike for data and fault codes.

Like everything cheap though (and usually Chinese), quality is hugely variable so getting something that's tested and known working is always preferable.

I use the ELM327 for quick live data beamed to my phone and love its simplicity and surprising usefulness but the fact that it can only communicate with engine and auto transmission modules is a huge limitation so as suggested, there's nothing like Dice and Vida for a Volvo.
Dice and Vida pays for itself then you recoup a lot of your outlay again when selling it on once you're done with it.

[robertfleckney]

Thanks for the really helpful replies folks, much appreciated.

Wasn't aware that the Volvo software could be purchased. is it a standalone code reader, or is it software that requires a computer to run?

[Clan]

Originally Posted by robertfleckney

Thanks for the really helpful replies folks, much appreciated.

Wasn't aware that the Volvo software could be purchased. is it a standalone code reader, or is it software that requires a computer to run?

It can't but there are a lot of doctored counterfeit copies going around ...

[robertfleckney]

Originally Posted by cheshired5

I've had no issues with my ELM327 in 5 years.
It's one of the cheapest (under a fiver) blue plastic mini Bluetooth dongles.
I can even use the ELM327 on my motorbike for data and fault codes.

Like everything cheap though (and usually Chinese), quality is hugely variable so getting something that's tested and known working is always preferable.

I use the ELM327 for quick live data beamed to my phone and love its simplicity and surprising usefulness but the fact that it can only communicate with engine and auto transmission modules is a huge limitation so as suggested, there's nothing like Dice and Vida for a Volvo.
Dice and Vida pays for itself then you recoup a lot of your outlay again when selling it on once you're done with it.

Attempted to send you this as a PM Si, but haven't made 30 posts yet.

First I wanted to say that I have appreciated all the great videos you have posted on youtube, they're incredibly helpful as I get to know my new V70.

Secondly, I wondered if you could give me a little more info on the diagnostics you sell. Do you they work standalone, or will they need a laptop to run them? When using a laptop, are there any particular operating systems it won't work on? I have an old windows laptop but am unsure what operating system it runs. I have only ever used it with VAGCOM diagnostics on my old passat estate.

Thanks

[robertfleckney]

Thanks for the PM Simon, unfortunately, still can't reply by PM.

I'll be in touch soon about purchase, cracking prices as well.

Regards,

Rob

[cheshired5]

Originally Posted by robertfleckney

Thanks for the PM Simon, unfortunately, still can't reply by PM.

No problem.
You can use the email address I gave in the pm or just let me know when you're ready on the main sales thread here.