Vida/Dice whats what??

[mattievrs]

Ive come from the world of Skodas where i used vagcom/vcds to program the car and turn stuff on and off.
Is vida the volvo equivalent to this ie diagnostics and give the ability to turn trip computers on etc?

Im not after buying a version or anything im just trying to learn about what does what.

Thanks

[100K+]

Vida is Vehicle Information & Diagnostics for Aftersales and is the Volvo software that gives the "details/info" about Volvo cars from about 1999 to present day.

DICE is another accronim (can't remember what) but is the hardware used by the laptop computer on which VIDA runs to connect to the car via the comms port.

A better discription can be found here:-

https://www.volvotechinfo.com/vtiSha...hInd/index.htm

Cheers

Bob

[SonyVaio]

VIDA is software - displays info/settings gained from DICE and acts as part number catalogue and drawings etc...
Dice is Hardware - Connects to vehicle and talks via the ODB Port

You can use VIDA as standalone program on a desktop/laptop as a good reference tool to look up parts/numbers, how to instructions, drawings and recall info and bulletins.

Dice is pointless without VIDA.

[Chesh740R]

Not sure about the ins and outs of vag com as havent properly played with it.

But regarding the DICE (interface box) and VIDA (infomation and software that drives Dice box) you will not be able to switch on items like trip computers, or tell the car that you've now installed the mechanical components of say Cruise Control. For that you'd need the software download that i believe you'll only get from dealers who will do it with there own kit.

But the Dice box will let you read and clear fault codes, do data logging of engine paramaters and any other feature (heater flap postion say for example)

You can programme certain functions, like headlamps allways on(regardless of switch position) timer delay on interior lights when locking etc etc. Heated seat hotness.

[SonyVaio]

Anyone can do software updates if they so wish, what stops people is the very expensive subscription costs to be able to connect. Of course I'm sure it helps if you have a Genuine Volvo VIDA/DICE too though. You need a registered VIDA which is then tied to a specific machine.

Just want to highlight the ability is there for anyone but it is not financially viable that's all. The process is you would have to call a dealer who orders the software and it is allocated to your specific machine, who then connects via VIDA online and can download and subsequently update the vehicle with VIDA/DICE.

Basically it still needs a dealer intervention but as said anyone can theoretically conduct updates and turn components on/off enable/disable etc...