VolvoTech CFE Canbus feature extender review.

[A lex]

Hi all,

I have recently purchased one of these:

http://www.volvotech.eu/Function-Extender/cfe?filter=1

Its a VolvoTech Canbus feature extender - what's that you say......?

Well, its a trick little box that connects to the onboard computers and allows you program in some neat features common in newer cars (like the XC60 for example), but otherwise missing from the XC90.

It can connect via the OBD port (with a special slimline connector) or via the RTi system in the rear of the car, depending on what options your 90 is specced with. I plumped for the OBD connector, as it offers the most painless and quickest install option.

Delivery from Volvotech took about 10 days, but it did warn on the website that they were on holidays, so the wait was justified.

The unit itself is very sturdy and looks well made, about the size of a wallet with a serial connector on one end, and a USB input on the other.

To program the device, you need to download the desktop Sw from the Volvotech website and then download the latest Fw. They seem to release new Fw quite regularly, fixing bugs and offering new functionalities all the time.

The device will fit various Volvo models from over the years, and will offer different options dependant on your car - its neccessary to input your VIN so that the device knows what it can program.

I have chosen the following, (over what you can normally do on a '90):

-Global window opening from the key fob
-Global window closing from the key fob
-Extra courtesy lighting from the reverse lights
-Mirror dipping on reverse
-Remote diesel heater start from keyfob
-Dial sweep on ignition on
-Mirror auto-fold on door lock/unlock
-Extra DIM info, including:
--Fuel remaining in L
--Speed in kph and mph
--Engine revs, coolant temp, cabin temp
--0 to 60 speed logger

So as you can see, it can do quite a lot. Some more gimmicky than others!

The mirror dip and extra speed info is worth its weight in gold to me. The mirror fold is also a useful thing to have.

I had one small problem with the Fw, meaning that my drivers window became unresponsive after global open, but a quick email to Volvotech and I had an updated (unreleased) Fw in my inbox 10mins later with the bug fix.

Its not exactly cheap, but it brings some great added functionality to the car, the customer support is top notch, its easy to install and its got a certain 'geek factor'

I hope the above can be of use to someone

Some quick photos:

Device



Example of desktop Sw config. page



Extra DIM functions

[dilksie]

I have been looking at these as well. Think you may have convinced me to buy. Roll on next pay day!!

[racingclub]

looks fun but expensive

cant do any of this in VIDA?

[Shadeyman]

Originally Posted by racingclub

cant do any of this in VIDA?

Good question, can any of this be done using VIDA/DICE ?

[A lex]

AFAIK.....no

I have VIDA/DiCE and havent seen any of these functions.

[outnumbered]

Originally Posted by Shadeyman

Good question, can any of this be done using VIDA/DICE ?

No
mike

[outnumbered]

been looking at these myself thanks for buying one Alex, not sure i can justify the price to what it can do at the moment.
if there are any add ons from the company do you get the updates as and when free
mike

[bandit1200s]

Great information thank you

[Bigun37]

This a warning to all members!
I've had lots of problems with my extender.
The first was a week after installing, passenger mirror failed. I had it replaced and put it down to a bad motor!
The second problem happened yesterday and totally ****ed me off!
Tried to get into my car and the mirrors did not open and only the back doors opened.
Opened with the key and started, all okay but the mirrors would not open and the doors would not operate. I removed the two fuses and replaced but still nothing. I then removed the extender and removed the fuses again and replaced. Hey presto, door locks okay again but no mirrors. Reinstalled the extender again and the locks stopped operating. Repeated the above and all good again with the locks but no mirrors. I used my code reader and no mirror signal and mirror signal low stored in TDC.
I am totally ****ed off and very angry because the first occasion obviously was caused by the extender but bob at volvo tech said it wasn't . I've tried emailing him today but I've had no reply as yet. That's £750 worth of mirror motors in three weeks!!!
I am running the latest firmware if anyone is interested

[Bigun37]

I've spoken to bob at volvo tec today, nice chap. They have agreed to allow me to return the cfe. To be honest after talking to him that my cars software must be well out of date and the cfe is not functioning correctly as a result. Mine was in for a service a couple of weeks ago. I said to bob that the software should have been updated but apparently dealers don't bother because updates fail a lot and it's time consuming to keep attempting reloads. Volvo tech are a great company, just a pity I've had a rather bad experience.