If your current OBDII reader won't clear codes read this ...

[CharlesStevenson]

I posted back in Oct '18 about my car, a 1.6 manual X reg 2000 V40, which appeared to be a mk 1.5 since whilst the reader would report I had an error code it wouldn't show me the exact code nor let me clear it.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=287414

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=287546

The reader I'd purchased was a cable connected model but having recently discovered a possible issue with the car's idle control valve I decided to try to read the codes again and this time I bought a bluetooth OBDII reader, "just in case", and was pleased to find it worked perfectly.

So I was able to read and clear all codes.

I found an old code from months ago P0420 (catalyst / O2 sensor related) which had kept the CEL on, and discovered P0102 too which seems to suggest the issue is with the MAF rather than the IACV.

So if you've tried unsuccessfully to read and clear fault codes on your car I can recommend you try one of these Bluetooth readers. I got mine for £4.09 delivered from the UK in 3 days.

Details as follows
OBD2 ELM327 Car Scanner V2.1 Bluetooth Android Torque Auto Diagnostic Scan Tool

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/OBD2-ELM3...72.m2749.l2649

FYI the one that would read but not clear the codes cost £10.95, as below

EOBD OBDII OBD2 Car Fault Code Reader Vehicles Scanner 2 CAN BUS Diagnostic

I've attached a pic of the two readers, you'll find them both on ebay.

HTH someone else

[oliverpervasive]

Thanks for the mention of this reader which might work with my model also.

Can you tell me which software worked and where you downloaded it from?

I had a quick look and got confused.

I assume you downloaded it to a phone and connected to this reader via Bluetooth?

Many thanks

OP

[CharlesStevenson]

Sure.

The red bodied cable connected reader comes with its own (useless software).

For the bluetooth connecting plugin I downloaded Torque (lite) to my Android phone.

Once I'd selected the pass code it connected and immediately showed me the error codes, which I could then clear.

AFAIK there's a premium version of the Torque, but the lite one was perfectly ok for my low-level requirements.

I believe there are quite a few apps available and no doubt people have their own preferences, but this one worked for me.

[CharlesStevenson]

I noticed your car's a 1998 model, which makes it a S1, so perhaps there might be some issues with reading all the data?

If you look back through some of the posts on here there's been discussions as to what can be read for a S1, S2 etc.

But for the cost of the bluetooth reader it's certainly worth a go.

[oliverpervasive]

Thanks for the reply.
I ve been round the houses on this before.

I use to have a V70 TDI 98 ( my baby) - and eventually borrowed the VOL =VCR off Bigfella66= as my cable and laptop would not work but his did for both the 98 V70 and the S40 x reg. You need a XP windows laptop and not just the freeware /software etc

FYI I found a variant on the red one would clear certain codes but not read them on the S40 - a friend of Kev (Bartlett) ( a legend in the V70 world of help) lent his.

It is a bit of a minefield as far as (correct) cables and software and XP laptops so I am bit dubious if this reader overcomes all previous hurdles.

If I spend my fiver I will confirm for others to follow.


Thanks for taking the time to reply.

OP

[CharlesStevenson]

Good luck with the bluetooth reader, hope it works for you & remember to post back on here to say how you got on so others can benefit too.