db, Frank, thanx for your help... other contributions still welcome.

Frank - help - I am all about saving money, and not blowing cash! You state that I do not need the scan tool, and that I can read the codes myself on a '95. - I know this is true for some things... codes were set when my turbo hose broke, I reset them, and I have had the occassion to reset the service light (yesterday.

It appears that my 95 has both the A/B do-it-yourself boxes attached to the ECU, as well as being OBD2 equipped (I don't know if any other year models have both, or if even all the 95s are like this).

But, my understanding is that with a OBD 2 Scanner, I will be able to access more codes, and more detailed info than I can with the A/B plug system. Obviously, Auterra is an extensive tool with graphs and all, but that is not what I am referring to.

For instance, I have the electronic climate control, and understand that is operated by a second computer. If I should start the car one day, and see the REC and AC lights flashing, then that computer will have stored a fault code. Will I be able to read codes like that without the OBD2 Scan Tool?

Also, the scan tool will show codes that either start with a "P0" (generic), or a "P1" (Volvo proprietary). But, when I pulled the fault codes from the A/B switch, I got a list of codes I could not find explanations for {A2 TCs; 414, 543, 545, 454, 554, 452, 451, 455, 453 in that order}. The Auterra software explains all codes, but in the P1 or P0 format.

I surmized that my mom's 98 V70 could benefit from the Auterra (gonna try and get her to split the cost) as well as my Dodge PU and my Chrysler convertible. But the main reason I am getting it is for my Volvo.

Can I do just as much without the scan tool as I could with it in terms of reading codes from the various computers on board?
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1995 850T Wagon 101k
1998 V70 GLT Wagon 85k