Volvo V90 (1998) & OBDII

[greatdaneuk]

Which OBDII reader would volvoforums users suggest I use to be able to diagnose the Volvo specific fault codes on my Volvo V90 (1998) YV1KW9604W1047578 and then clear them?

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by greatdaneuk

Which OBDII reader would volvoforums users suggest I use to be able to diagnose the Volvo specific fault codes on my Volvo V90 (1998) YV1KW9604W1047578 and then clear them?

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=285498

[classicswede]

Most generic OBDII readers will work. I use my AEB one all the time but a simple cheap reader will do. Readers with live data are best.

[greatdaneuk]

I do really want to read/clear the Volvo specific codes and NOT just the generic codes. Does anyone with a late model 960 or V90 (1998) know of a OBDII device that will do this? I have tried the cheap OBDII readers and they just bring up the generic codes and do not even clear them.

[martin calva]

Originally Posted by greatdaneuk

I do really want to read/clear the Volvo specific codes and NOT just the generic codes. Does anyone with a late model 960 or V90 (1998) know of a OBDII device that will do this? I have tried the cheap OBDII readers and they just bring up the generic codes and do not even clear them.

I have a program "VOL-FCR" that, in conjunction with an antiquated Windows XP laptop, can read specifically Volvo codes (on my 1998 V90) and was able to reset the one and only error code I have ever experienced.

Not long ago I lost the OBD2 - RS232 (car - computer) adapter that I use with the program. I bought another (specifically for Volvo) on Ebay and it came complete with a CD to install VOL-FCR.

It had the title "OBD2 16Pin to DB9 Serial Port Diagnostic Interface Cable Connector for Volvo" but I do not see it listed at present.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by martin calva

I have a program "VOL-FCR" that, in conjunction with an antiquated Windows XP laptop, can read specifically Volvo codes (on my 1998 V90) and was able to reset the one and only error code I have ever experienced.

Not long ago I lost the OBD2 - RS232 (car - computer) adapter that I use with the program. I bought another (specifically for Volvo) on Ebay and it came complete with a CD to install VOL-FCR.

It had the title "OBD2 16Pin to DB9 Serial Port Diagnostic Interface Cable Connector for Volvo" but I do not see it listed at present.

Is this the sort of thing you mean?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_o...Volvo&_sacat=0

There is one in there for Volvo trucks, not sure how compatible it would be though!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-Pin-to-...s/263276770214

Maybe you can compare all/any of those to what you've got?

[martin calva]

Originally Posted by Laird Scooby

Is this the sort of thing you mean?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_o...Volvo&_sacat=0

There is one in there for Volvo trucks, not sure how compatible it would be though!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/8-Pin-to-...s/263276770214

Maybe you can compare all/any of those to what you've got?

Many of these are not what is needed. Note that many of these state (in red letters):
Note: This is an adapter cable not an interface cable. It should not be attached directly to your laptop - you will need an interface between your cable and laptop
These obviously lack the electronic circuitry needed to change the OBD2 signals into RS232 signals that the computer can read, so steer clear of these. The signal format and speed need to be changed; it is not as simple as connecting an OBD2 plug to a 9-pin computer serial plug which is what these seem to be doing.

An adapter for Volvo trucks is almost certainly completely irrelevant.


To read OBD2 fault codes on a V90 (or other Volvos of similar period) with a computer you will need:

1. An interface with a plug that will plug into the car's OBD2 port and either a serial plug (normally 9-pin) to plug into the computer's serial port, or else a USB plug to plug into a USB port on the computer. It must contain the correct electronics to change OBD2 signals into RS232 signals that the computer can receive (and send).

Here is an interface that states it is compatible with VOL-OCR software:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KKL-COM-p...8AAOSwXrdaHnfU



2. You will also need Software to read (and reset) error codes on the Volvo.

Because the Volvo's codes are not industry standard, this will need to be specialised software. The only program that I know of is VOL-FCR. There may well be others but VOL-FCR is the one I found and use. Mine was supplied on a CD along with an OBD2 interface. It is also available (quite expensive) from https://www.ilexa.co.uk/shop/VOL-FCR Mine seems to work ok except that it does not communicate with the car's electric seats.

On the V90, the ABS and cruise control systems do not use OBD2. They use the older flash code system but they can be accessed by using pins on the V90's OBD2 port which are dedicated to these two systems. Flash codes can be read by rigging up a circuit with a push button and a 12V LED. You push the button and you then count the flashes to figure out what fault codes (if any) have been set. There are examples on Youtube with people explaining how to do this. VOL-FCR also explains how to do it, along with scary messages about it being at your own risk.

I hope this is helpful. Please let me know if anything needs to be added.

[greatdaneuk]

Thank you very much for this valuable information. This subject seems like a mine field with cheap OBD2 readers reading just generic codes, expensive OBD2 readers maybe just reading generic codes too and all sorts of leads and software like VOL-FCR and VADIS. All I really wanted to do was find out which speed sensor is stopping my speedo from working so I can order and fit it myself without having to wait 3 weeks for a Volvo technician in the Bath area and paying out plenty of ££££.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by greatdaneuk

Thank you very much for this valuable information. This subject seems like a mine field with cheap OBD2 readers reading just generic codes, expensive OBD2 readers maybe just reading generic codes too and all sorts of leads and software like VOL-FCR and VADIS. All I really wanted to do was find out which speed sensor is stopping my speedo from working so I can order and fit it myself without having to wait 3 weeks for a Volvo technician in the Bath area and paying out plenty of ££££.

Probably none of them!

I'm not certain the 960 does things the same way as the earlier 7/9xx cars but on those there is one sensor in the diff that provides wheel speed not only to the speedo but to the ABS system as well.

If your ABS warning light is behaving as it should, chances are it's the speedo head itself. I know on some early cars it's down to the capacitors getting old and swelling (blowing) and causing a problem in the circuit that drives the speedo needle.

If the ABS warning light is behaving as it should, do the odometer and tripmeter still work as they should?