Hi,
I'm looking for recommendations for a code reader for my 98 V70. If I can re-set the service light, that would be a plus. I'd happily go with a stand-alone unit, but also have access to an older Windows laptop or an Iphone, if that helps.

Thanks

Brent
--
GSP in Chilliwack, BC, Canada

If you are talking about the windows XP type little programme that connects your laptop to the OBD it seems very good. I managed to do a demo connecting laptop to OBD. I could see the boxes for analysis and how it works.
I have a 99 and it is not made for that year. In this case you are lucky to have a 98. The only thing is you might have to connect with an OBD plug.
I have a scanner that is vital for my understanding of the problem, and also resetting (erasing codes) as I have needed to. It's a plastic hand held device. The only thing is I would prefer one that does the SRS airbag as well, and that is one thing that little XP programme may have had.
I'd check that out.

Most of the ELM327 units are made in China - sometimes low quality and unreliable operation, but for the price they are hard to beat.

I have a Bluetooth-OBD2 interface and a USB-OBD2 interface from scantool.net. They cost more but are high quality and come with free apps for PCs, smart phone and tablets.

1998 V70s have a unique diagnostic system. The commonly available scanners and apps can only communicate with the engine ECU on a 1998 V70.

Richard Jones at http://jonesrh.info/volvo850/index.html has done a lot of work on some free software that can communicate with the other ECUs in 850s and 1998 V70s. I have used Richard's software to access the auto transmission, instrument cluster, ABS, ECC, airbag and power seat controllers in 850s and 1998 V70s.

Internet Explorer is needed to run Richard's software - I use an older laptop with Windows XP.

Mike

I ended up going with the OBDLink + OBD Wiz and ScanXL software. I'll see how it goes--was easy enough to pull a code and reset the CEL.

I'll try to use some of the other features to see if I can figure out why the mileage has dropped off.

I could have gone with some of the cheaper options, but I just don't have the time to deal with more involved software--maybe at a later date, though.
--
GSP in Chilliwack, BC, Canada

Second vote for the ELM327-- I have an e-bay-sourced Chinese Bluetooth OBDII dongle knockoff ($10 shipped) and use Torque (free) on my Android phone (iPhone options are more limited because of Apple's control-freak tendencies when it comes to apps). Others use the ELM327 with XP laptops.

So far, I really like mine-- it does a lot of tricks that standalone scanners won't do.

An ELM327 should work, google it and see if it works on your car. At $20, it could be worth the effort as there is a LOT of functionality and a lot of 'hidden' features. Someone has documented a lot of things on Matthews volvo site.