Drive your Volvo long enough and you're going to end up seeing it. The little yellow icon on the dash that means one thing: Something is wrong under your hood. Or with your gas tank. Or with one of a hundred other vehicle sensors. There are two things you can do to find out what the problem is: Go to your dealer and spend an hour's labor to find out or get your own check engine scanner and figure out the problem on your own.
An OBDII scanner - named for the On Board Diagnostic II protocol used on every vehicle in the U.S. since 1996 - taps into the secret computer network in your Volvo. Every bit of information from air intake temperature to water pump action is sent along that network for the ECU to figure out and adjust as needed.
The right scanner can read all of that data along with standardized Diagnostic Trouble Codes. The codes that set off your check engine light. The best scanners can go beyond standardized codes to read OEM-specific codes and give you even more information. That, of course, costs more money. That’s why we asked the SwedeSpeed.com community to tell us what OBDII scanners are worth investing in. We’ve highlighted some of your choices below.
Lead photo courtesy of LightFoot Studios/Shutterstock
1. Foxwell NT530
As recommended by Swedespeed.com members norbab and DeanBranson, and we tend to agree. The NT530 is a dual-direction scanner that can communicate with a wide range of vehicle sensors and modules. Foxwell says that it offers OEM levels of connectivity and diagnosis to help you narrow down exactly what the problem with your Volvo is and get it fixed. While the NT530 can support basic functions on all vehicles, it comes with one software module that is manufacturer-specific. You can pick which module, so for use on your Volvo you'd pick the Volvo software. That gives you enhanced access to the modules and systems of your Volvo. Foxwell offers lifetime updates for no extra charge as well, making sure that if you upgrade to a newer car, then you can still handle all of your diagnostic needs.
The iCarsoft scanner received several mentions from the community including Island_V70, Stu70 and JimF. It has your brand in the name, so it must be the right system! Ok, there's more to it than that, but it's a good start. The i906 is a powerful diagnostic scanner that can handle OBDII and the more modern CANBUS networks. The i906 can read and erase codes. It can also show you a live data stream, freeze frame instant data, and give you a specific oxygen sensor test to help you do diagnostics more quickly and more easily. With Volvo/Saab-specific software, it can retrieve manufacturer-specific codes and data that other scanners can't. It can also reset service interval warnings, another really handy feature lacking from many scanners. Short of finding a dealer scanner, something not commonly available for Volvo, this is one of the best options you can get.
OBDLink offers a wide range of scan tools, some of which were recommended by you. We like the MX+, which offers a very fast Bluetooth radio to help you get real-time live data from your engine's computer systems. While it requires you to use your phone or a tablet, OBDLink offers a free app. More importantly, it has apps for Apple's iOS as well as Android and Windows. Many low-priced Bluetooth scanners can only talk with Android devices and won't work with your iPhone or iPad. It works with all OBDII-compatible vehicles including your Volvo, and can give you basic and manufacturer-specific codes. It also offers a three-year warranty and is safe to leave plugged into your vehicle at all times.
The Innova 5610 will handle basic and manufacturer-specific trouble codes like most of our list. Because that's really the bare minimum you need from one of these scanners. The 5610 has a large color screen that makes reading data and trouble codes easy, along with the ability to watch graphs of what your Volvo is doing. It scans nearly every module of your Volvo, even tire pressure sensors. What makes it a step above, though, is that it can handle bidirectional control of modules and sensors. So just like a dealer tech, you can disable a module for testing, or even command a module like an EGR valve to open and close to help test its functionality when you're diagnosing and solving problems. It's advanced stuff, but for the more advanced home wrench, it can be extremely helpful.
BlueDriver Pro is another highly recommended scan tool. Like all of the scanners on our list, it can read, identify, and clear all standard OBDII trouble codes. It goes beyond that and can give you freeze frame data, a look at exactly what was happening when the trouble code was triggered. It can show you live data to let you see what every sensor is saying right now. It can also let you know if your vehicle is ready for a smog or emissions test inspection. Resetting codes makes the vehicle not ready to be tested, and it can be impossible to guess when it's completed all of the internal tests to know it's ready again. Another great feature is that it can give you a repair report for each trouble code. This report lets you know likely causes, fixes reported by other owners, and other information that helps you lock down the problem.
Autel makes professional-level diagnostic computer systems. Watch any YouTube mechanic show, and this is probably the system you'll see in use. While the company makes very high-end systems, it also makes some that are much more accessible for the average DIY mechanic. That includes stand-alone tools, handy if you don't want to deal with Bluetooth or wireless phone connections and apps, and instead just want to plug and know. Its MaxiSys models can do nearly anything the factory computer can do, even reprogram advanced driver assistance systems, but that comes at a cost. For a more DIY-friendly option, we like the AL329. It has a color screen with an easy-to-read display. The 329 can retrieve generic and manufacturer-specific codes, see emissions status, and view freeze-frame data. It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles, but it gets the basics done to help you get your Volvo running right at a very affordable price.
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.
I got Foxwell NT530 last month. The Foxwell NT530 accurately told me to check the engine light code and helped me find a solution myself. A tool like nt530 digs deeper into the check engine light code and provides a working solution that not only works for that specific code, but also narrows down the solution that works for my specific vehicle.
Drive your Volvo long enough and you're going to end up seeing it. The little yellow icon on the dash that means one thing: Something is wrong under your hood. Or with your gas tank. Or with one of a hundred other vehicle sensors. There are two things you can do to find out what the problem is: Go to your dealer and spend an hour's labor to find out or get your own check engine scanner and figure out the problem on your own.
An OBDII scanner - named for the On Board Diagnostic II protocol used on every vehicle in the U.S. since 1996 - taps into the secret computer network in your Volvo. Every bit of information from air intake temperature to water pump action is sent along that network for the ECU to figure out and adjust as needed.
The right scanner can read all of that data along with standardized Diagnostic Trouble Codes. The codes that set off your check engine light. The best scanners can go beyond standardized codes to read OEM-specific codes and give you even more information. That, of course, costs more money. That’s why we asked the SwedeSpeed.com community to tell us what OBDII scanners are worth investing in. We’ve highlighted some of your choices below.
Lead photo courtesy of LightFoot Studios/Shutterstock
1. Foxwell NT530 View attachment 158296
As recommended by Swedespeed.com members norbab and DeanBranson, and we tend to agree. The NT530 is a dual-direction scanner that can communicate with a wide range of vehicle sensors and modules. Foxwell says that it offers OEM levels of connectivity and diagnosis to help you narrow down exactly what the problem with your Volvo is and get it fixed. While the NT530 can support basic functions on all vehicles, it comes with one software module that is manufacturer-specific. You can pick which module, so for use on your Volvo you'd pick the Volvo software. That gives you enhanced access to the modules and systems of your Volvo. Foxwell offers lifetime updates for no extra charge as well, making sure that if you upgrade to a newer car, then you can still handle all of your diagnostic needs.
The iCarsoft scanner received several mentions from the community including Island_V70, Stu70 and JimF. It has your brand in the name, so it must be the right system! Ok, there's more to it than that, but it's a good start. The i906 is a powerful diagnostic scanner that can handle OBDII and the more modern CANBUS networks. The i906 can read and erase codes. It can also show you a live data stream, freeze frame instant data, and give you a specific oxygen sensor test to help you do diagnostics more quickly and more easily. With Volvo/Saab-specific software, it can retrieve manufacturer-specific codes and data that other scanners can't. It can also reset service interval warnings, another really handy feature lacking from many scanners. Short of finding a dealer scanner, something not commonly available for Volvo, this is one of the best options you can get.
OBDLink offers a wide range of scan tools, some of which were recommended by you. We like the MX+, which offers a very fast Bluetooth radio to help you get real-time live data from your engine's computer systems. While it requires you to use your phone or a tablet, OBDLink offers a free app. More importantly, it has apps for Apple's iOS as well as Android and Windows. Many low-priced Bluetooth scanners can only talk with Android devices and won't work with your iPhone or iPad. It works with all OBDII-compatible vehicles including your Volvo, and can give you basic and manufacturer-specific codes. It also offers a three-year warranty and is safe to leave plugged into your vehicle at all times.
The Innova 5610 will handle basic and manufacturer-specific trouble codes like most of our list. Because that's really the bare minimum you need from one of these scanners. The 5610 has a large color screen that makes reading data and trouble codes easy, along with the ability to watch graphs of what your Volvo is doing. It scans nearly every module of your Volvo, even tire pressure sensors. What makes it a step above, though, is that it can handle bidirectional control of modules and sensors. So just like a dealer tech, you can disable a module for testing, or even command a module like an EGR valve to open and close to help test its functionality when you're diagnosing and solving problems. It's advanced stuff, but for the more advanced home wrench, it can be extremely helpful.
BlueDriver Pro is another highly recommended scan tool. Like all of the scanners on our list, it can read, identify, and clear all standard OBDII trouble codes. It goes beyond that and can give you freeze frame data, a look at exactly what was happening when the trouble code was triggered. It can show you live data to let you see what every sensor is saying right now. It can also let you know if your vehicle is ready for a smog or emissions test inspection. Resetting codes makes the vehicle not ready to be tested, and it can be impossible to guess when it's completed all of the internal tests to know it's ready again. Another great feature is that it can give you a repair report for each trouble code. This report lets you know likely causes, fixes reported by other owners, and other information that helps you lock down the problem.
Autel makes professional-level diagnostic computer systems. Watch any YouTube mechanic show, and this is probably the system you'll see in use. While the company makes very high-end systems, it also makes some that are much more accessible for the average DIY mechanic. That includes stand-alone tools, handy if you don't want to deal with Bluetooth or wireless phone connections and apps, and instead just want to plug and know. Its MaxiSys models can do nearly anything the factory computer can do, even reprogram advanced driver assistance systems, but that comes at a cost. For a more DIY-friendly option, we like the AL329. It has a color screen with an easy-to-read display. The 329 can retrieve generic and manufacturer-specific codes, see emissions status, and view freeze-frame data. It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles, but it gets the basics done to help you get your Volvo running right at a very affordable price.
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.
I want to preface this comment by saying that I'm a retired Volvo master technician.
Living on a budget, I wanted to get the best bang for my buck. I was looking for a scanner that could access engine diagnostics along with abs/srs compatibility.
I settled on the Autel AL619. It's a no frills scanner that's capable of real time data capabilities. It was very reasonably priced and offered access to most of the systems. Also, it scans all major auto manufacturers with OBD II capabilities. It does not have diagnostic tips or repair procedures. Just straight forward scan info.
If you're looking for a tool that walks you through diagnostic and repair procedures, look elsewhere. But, if you're looking for a tool that gives you the basic codes and data, the AL619 will deliver.
Good luck.
If your only vehicle is a Volvo ,yes a factory VIDA/DICE is the way to go. However if the wife has the 2010 XC70 and I have a 2005 F150, 2016 Honda Accord and the kids have a Buick and an S40 then I need something a bit more versatile. I have a Autel MD 808 This is a basic but pretty impressive scanner which is reasonably priced and comes with free lifetime software updates and looks to have most vehicles from A to Z. It reads all the modules on the XC70 and can display a lot of real time information. You can service and reset the electric parking brake. and also reset SRS codes if you happed to unplug something in that circuit. You can reprogram Steering Angle and read ABS system . And of course OBD II IT DOES NOT DO TPMS
Vdash is helpful for diagnostics. It's free for that basic stuff. Can also do parking brake service mode.
I used it to 'renumber' my clone dice the other day to get it to work with vida too. That was great.
Aside from the basics though, if you want to use it for configuration changes, they are too expensive.
I just ordered this Thinkcar Platinum S8 Scanner for my 2016 Volvo XC60 T6 from Costco, after trying a couple of other higher priced scanners around $500 USD, Hopefully this scanner will work out well.
I haven’t had the luxury to try out the Dice.
I have an older Mac Tool Mentor. If you know what your looking at or for using datastream its fantastic. Of course it does the code checks and clears. Some manufacturers and models more than others are way user friendly with many tests available to user. But other for sure like a 06’ Subaru forget about it. All you see is a knock sensor Thats it. Duty cycles % with things that modulate fast it great to get that info bi-directional with the p2 models each module some with much to say and test others hardly nothing. I just wish it had a bit more power, programming privileges as programmers and illmobilizers do. It really helps me navigate as to looking in the proper places for current issues during the diagnostic process
Drive your Volvo long enough and you're going to end up seeing it. The little yellow icon on the dash that means one thing: Something is wrong under your hood. Or with your gas tank. Or with one of a hundred other vehicle sensors. There are two things you can do to find out what the problem is: Go to your dealer and spend an hour's labor to find out or get your own check engine scanner and figure out the problem on your own.
An OBDII scanner - named for the On Board Diagnostic II protocol used on every vehicle in the U.S. since 1996 - taps into the secret computer network in your Volvo. Every bit of information from air intake temperature to water pump action is sent along that network for the ECU to figure out and adjust as needed.
The right scanner can read all of that data along with standardized Diagnostic Trouble Codes. The codes that set off your check engine light. The best scanners can go beyond standardized codes to read OEM-specific codes and give you even more information. That, of course, costs more money. That’s why we asked the SwedeSpeed.com community to tell us what OBDII scanners are worth investing in. We’ve highlighted some of your choices below.
Lead photo courtesy of LightFoot Studios/Shutterstock
1. Foxwell NT530 View attachment 158296
As recommended by Swedespeed.com members norbab and DeanBranson, and we tend to agree. The NT530 is a dual-direction scanner that can communicate with a wide range of vehicle sensors and modules. Foxwell says that it offers OEM levels of connectivity and diagnosis to help you narrow down exactly what the problem with your Volvo is and get it fixed. While the NT530 can support basic functions on all vehicles, it comes with one software module that is manufacturer-specific. You can pick which module, so for use on your Volvo you'd pick the Volvo software. That gives you enhanced access to the modules and systems of your Volvo. Foxwell offers lifetime updates for no extra charge as well, making sure that if you upgrade to a newer car, then you can still handle all of your diagnostic needs.
The iCarsoft scanner received several mentions from the community including Island_V70, Stu70 and JimF. It has your brand in the name, so it must be the right system! Ok, there's more to it than that, but it's a good start. The i906 is a powerful diagnostic scanner that can handle OBDII and the more modern CANBUS networks. The i906 can read and erase codes. It can also show you a live data stream, freeze frame instant data, and give you a specific oxygen sensor test to help you do diagnostics more quickly and more easily. With Volvo/Saab-specific software, it can retrieve manufacturer-specific codes and data that other scanners can't. It can also reset service interval warnings, another really handy feature lacking from many scanners. Short of finding a dealer scanner, something not commonly available for Volvo, this is one of the best options you can get.
OBDLink offers a wide range of scan tools, some of which were recommended by you. We like the MX+, which offers a very fast Bluetooth radio to help you get real-time live data from your engine's computer systems. While it requires you to use your phone or a tablet, OBDLink offers a free app. More importantly, it has apps for Apple's iOS as well as Android and Windows. Many low-priced Bluetooth scanners can only talk with Android devices and won't work with your iPhone or iPad. It works with all OBDII-compatible vehicles including your Volvo, and can give you basic and manufacturer-specific codes. It also offers a three-year warranty and is safe to leave plugged into your vehicle at all times.
The Innova 5610 will handle basic and manufacturer-specific trouble codes like most of our list. Because that's really the bare minimum you need from one of these scanners. The 5610 has a large color screen that makes reading data and trouble codes easy, along with the ability to watch graphs of what your Volvo is doing. It scans nearly every module of your Volvo, even tire pressure sensors. What makes it a step above, though, is that it can handle bidirectional control of modules and sensors. So just like a dealer tech, you can disable a module for testing, or even command a module like an EGR valve to open and close to help test its functionality when you're diagnosing and solving problems. It's advanced stuff, but for the more advanced home wrench, it can be extremely helpful.
BlueDriver Pro is another highly recommended scan tool. Like all of the scanners on our list, it can read, identify, and clear all standard OBDII trouble codes. It goes beyond that and can give you freeze frame data, a look at exactly what was happening when the trouble code was triggered. It can show you live data to let you see what every sensor is saying right now. It can also let you know if your vehicle is ready for a smog or emissions test inspection. Resetting codes makes the vehicle not ready to be tested, and it can be impossible to guess when it's completed all of the internal tests to know it's ready again. Another great feature is that it can give you a repair report for each trouble code. This report lets you know likely causes, fixes reported by other owners, and other information that helps you lock down the problem.
Autel makes professional-level diagnostic computer systems. Watch any YouTube mechanic show, and this is probably the system you'll see in use. While the company makes very high-end systems, it also makes some that are much more accessible for the average DIY mechanic. That includes stand-alone tools, handy if you don't want to deal with Bluetooth or wireless phone connections and apps, and instead just want to plug and know. Its MaxiSys models can do nearly anything the factory computer can do, even reprogram advanced driver assistance systems, but that comes at a cost. For a more DIY-friendly option, we like the AL329. It has a color screen with an easy-to-read display. The 329 can retrieve generic and manufacturer-specific codes, see emissions status, and view freeze-frame data. It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles, but it gets the basics done to help you get your Volvo running right at a very affordable price.
We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.
Like others, I have multiple cars and therefore don't want something Volvo-specific.
Considering the Foxwell NT630 Plus which appears to be compatible with multiple vehicle brands and appears to have at least some level of bi-directional functionality. Has anyone used this one before? Seems to be a good price on Amazon right now.
Like others, I have multiple cars and therefore don't want something Volvo-specific.
Considering the Foxwell NT630 Plus which appears to be compatible with multiple vehicle brands and appears to have at least some level of bi-directional functionality. Has anyone used this one before? Seems to be a good price on Amazon right now.
I have that scanner. It’s… decent. Maybe I just haven’t figured out its quirks, but I can’t really get live data to work (at least on my Land Rover). Other than that its been good. Never used it on the Volvos as I have VIDA for that
I have that scanner. It’s… decent. Maybe I just haven’t figured out its quirks, but I can’t really get live data to work (at least on my Land Rover). Other than that its been good. Never used it on the Volvos as I have VIDA for that
Just did a little more research and looks like the NT630 is ironically less featured/capable than the NT530. You'd normally think "higher number better." Go figure.
I’m using the Foxwell NT530 for a while now.
Recently I did the Haldex service on my 2012 XC60 T6.
The Haldex gen 4 is a bit tricky because of the filter.
The most difficult part is to remove the white plastic filter cap which has a rubber O ring.
Luckily the Foxwell NT530 has a special function in the diff module to run the pump which creates pressure and push out the gasket cap along with the filter. After this just install the new filter, new pump and reconnect the diff module and refill with new fluid.
This function makes the Haldex gen-4 service pretty simple.
List of functions: Function List_Foxwell Choose Query By Product Model, select NT530 then your car.
I wish there was a easy way to get a hold of vida/dice. I've been mostly working on vw but now I have 2 volvo's in the family. With vw we have 2 companies that make/sell legit scanners OBDeleven and Ross-Tech: Home
its too bad that there is nothing like this for volvo. I'm guessing not enough demand. I bought the iCarsoft v3.0. It can't even tell my why my bliss is not working.
see Access Denied (mouse over the link to see where it really goes, then click it) for one of many easy ways to get a hold of legit vida/dice. Brought to you in part by "right to repair."
see Access Denied (mouse over the link to see where it really goes, then click it) for one of many easy ways to get a hold of legit vida/dice. Brought to you in part by "right to repair."
Thanks. I've figured out the whole VIDA thing. I first did a windows 7 pro install on a HDD. It was too slow. I now have a windows 10 pro build on an SSD. Its faster, but I now need to upgrade it to 8gb of RAM. A few links which were key.
Thanks. I've figured out the whole VIDA thing. I first did a windows 7 pro install on a HDD. It was too slow. I now have a windows 10 pro build on an SSD. Its faster, but I now need to upgrade it to 8gb of RAM. A few links which were key.
Just FYI, I installed Virtual Box on a 'boat anchor' ThinkPad T420 (Intel i7) with 8GB and a ~200Gb SSD. VirtualBox is running W7 Pro in a 5Gb segment for the Volvodiag version of VIDA. I had to tweek the video driver a little (very little - removed a line so it would use default settings). It's quick and I've no headaches from Microsoft software pushes etc.
Thanks for the links, may help if in the future I decide to move to W10.
Just did a little more research and looks like the NT630 is ironically less featured/capable than the NT530. You'd normally think "higher number better." Go figure.
Yes the NT530 considered a professional grade scanner by Foxwell. It's more capable then the more expensive touch screen tools. I was able to use many of its functions: EPB service; trans fluid change reset; activate the Haldex pump gen-4 so it push out the Haldex filter - otherwise it's very difficult to remove the filter; live data.
I like that it doesn't have a battery which would damage and I can keep it in the car all year around unlike a VIDA laptop.
I’m using this Foxwell NT530: Foxwell NT530 OE-Level & Bi-Directional Scanner Upgraded Version Of NT510 Elite & NT520 Pro The price includes one car manufacturer brand, I selected Volvo. It can read Volvo specific codes and reset them. It has live data, service functions. It can even reset the transmission fluid change degradation counter - the main reason I got it and it works. It has EPB service mode. It’s a perfect simple tool.
I was look at getting one of these. It won’t let you program/reset a key though right? Don’t image any scan tool would except Vida/Dice or the dealership. Would it clear an airbag light or
anti-skid light? Please let me know if you can. Thanks!
I was look at getting one of these. It won’t let you program/reset a key though right? Don’t image any scan tool would except Vida/Dice or the dealership. Would it clear an airbag light or
anti-skid light? Please let me know if you can. Thanks!
Never had airbag or anti skid DTC.
It can read/clear SRS DTCs so probably clears airbag light.
Anti skid works together with ABS and differential (Haldex) module, so it should be able clear related codes.
List of functions: Function List_Foxwell Choose Query By Product Model, select NT530 then your car.
@norbab, do you know if NT530 would show issues with parking sensors? I get the "park assist service required" message on a daily basis, and it must be one of the sensors that's gone bad... I just gotta figure out which one though.
@norbab, do you now if NT530 would show issues with parking sensors? I get the "park assist service required" message on a daily basis, and it must be one of the sensor that's gone bad... I just gotta figure out which one.
I had a similar issue, one of the sensors stopped working because of this the rest of the sensors didn’t not work either.
NT530 told me exactly the front right inner sensor is the issue. After I swapped it problem solved.
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