Hi, about 3 weeks ago, I mentionned that I ordered a PC based Scan-tool to reset the check engine light (ligh was ON because the gas cap was not closed properly after refill).

I waited to post my experience with this software, because first I had a lot of trouble with the software (not ready for prime-time). I was not able to get a reliable connection to the engine ECU (address $17) because the transmission ECU (address $1F) is on the same bus (ISO-9141 bus). There was some conflict or packet collision.

To solve this, the software has an address filter that allows communication with the proper ECU. But I think the software had a bug and it was not filtering at all. Alex Pepper (the software developper) did work with me to resolved these issues. I also asked him if it is possible to add a function to reset the "Service Light".

Here is the good news. He added a non-documented sequence in the software to reset the "Service Light". This function works on my car (850 1997 with OBD-2 connector). Now I can reset this stupid light after I changed the oil.

Another good news, the software did allows me to read the code and reset the "Check Engine Light".

Conclusion, this software allows me to check for malfunction and reset both light (Service and Check Engine Light) for less than any other tools I know ($122 US for the ISO-9141 interface not counting the price of a laptop PC).

However, there is still fews bug in the software. The DASH function and live DATA did somewhat work in the previous software release but in the most recent release, I have not been able to make it work yet. Hopefully, Alex will be able to fix it soon.

see: http://www.obd-2.com/

If someone in this board decided to acquired this tool for their Volvo, Email me and I will send you the required software setting and special key sequence for Volvo car (that will saved some time and experimentation)

The usual disclosure. I have no relationship with Alex Pepper or obd-2.com. I just want to share my experience.

Thank you

montr@bellsouth.net

Hi LM,

Thank you very much for coming back and reporting your experiences with this software, I'll order a copy and start playing too.

If you look deeper on this forum's previous years' "archived posts", you will find previous input from OBD-II activists and codes listed, albeit the standard SAE ones, I seem to recall.

With regard to the 'proprietary' codes, of course this is the area which earns other bespoke scanner vendors their extra money. I have found another such tool;

www.autotap.com

at US$290 it is more reasonable, but still a factor more expensive and is essentially the same approach as Alex Peppers design.

Presumably, the only definitive way of obtaining the additional data for the ABS, Auto-transmission, etc. is to 'sniff' the bus with a real volvo scanner unit, or alternative vendors unit, while connected and in operation.

Cheers,

Ian Wheeler (UK)

855 August 1996 2.5 20V

Is your car a 96? In the US the 96 model does not need an OBD-II code scanner to retreive the malfunction code from the ECU. There is a diagnostic plug in the engine bay.

The software OBD-2 from Alex Pepper, will get all the standard OBD-II codes plus it will send the VOLVO code to reset the service light. As for the other proprietary Volvo codes to communicate with the AC, transmission and ABS, I do not think this software has this capability yet. If someone had a list of code and their meaning, it is possible to send them in manual mode. Is there a document with this info?

Where does one find the software OBD-2 from Alex Pepper. Some time prior to March 1 there was discussion about a $122.00 tool. Can anyone help locate where it can be purchased.Thanks, Jot

http://www.obd-2.com/

Hi LM,

Yep, definately 1996. Nothing under the bonnet (hood) ha ha, I mean no little handy dandy sockets, which is why all this started, I looked and there was a gap ! Thought the dealer had ripped them out at first.

Its got OBDII written on the neat coin-holder cover in the middle next to the cigar-lighter and the ISO connector beneath.

What we need is a seperate OBD-II section on this forum, with full details of all the tools, the codes, the protocol etc.

My interest has been increased because the USA is ahead of Europe on this, the EU (European Union) has just, Jan 1st 2001 introduced its version of OBD-II via an EU Directive (memo to nation states) called ECD-3 (I think).

The upshot is that those engine manufacturers here who have ignored the US market are now forced to catch-up, equally after-market car modifiers are for the first time facing this issue. We have a very healthy selection of replacement ECU manufacturers in the UK, that is they offer totally new units to swap-out which are very flexible and can be applied to many engines. These are not upgrades or re-chips, but an entirely new unit, some have 32bit RISC processors and a vast selection of A/D inputs etc. to apply these one needs a rolling road and patience.

I also have a strange little car called the Lotus Elise; OBD-II and the requisite regulations are one of the reasons the car is not available in the USA, moreover much is done here by after-market tuners to the Rover Powertrain K-Series engine which is bought-in by Lotus Cars UK, the engine a 1.8 litre DOHC 16v 4 cylinder is intact and fitted without modification to the Elise. So you can see why the subject is uppermost in my mind.

Cheers,

IanW. (UK)

I was so glad to find this information. I'm going to go to the website you mentioned next but wanted to ask in case I can't find info there. Can I use that tool for my '98 V70? And, would it help tell me what's wrong with my AC? I have the blinking lights telling me there's a fault somewhere.

It should work to retreived engine and emission related codes. For the Service reminder light (oil change), it may work. I have not tested it with a V70 yet. I know the software send 3 messages to reset the light. I am assuming this is to cover the various year and model.

As for the AC (or ABS, power seat, etc), the sotware may not do anything for you there. Maybe it could be modified to communicate with the other computer in your car. I think the difficulty there is to get all the proprietary code from the manufacturer (Volvo here). As it is for the engine and emission system, the code are standardized and the same for all OBD-II cars.

BTW, this software has few bugs still. Anyway, I found way to get around it. If you decided to get it, I can EMAIL you few tricks and the non-documented way (yet) to turn off the Volvo service light.

LM - Your timing is excellent... I'm contemplating the purchase of some sort of OBD-II equipment as we speak. I'll definitely be looking into this setup.