I only got one key with a 2008 C30 I bought and the display indicates it has two. If I buy a new key and the software, can those $60-$70 clone DICE machines make the key work? Can used keys be make to work? None of the remote functions work on the existing remote even though it checks out good, so can DICE diagnose the receiver?
Will Chinese DICE be able to program a new key?
atikovi
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I only got one key with a 2008 C30 I bought and the display indicates it has two. If I buy a new key and the software, can those $60-$70 clone DICE machines make the key work? Can used keys be make to work? None of the remote functions work on the existing remote even though it checks out good, so can DICE diagnose the receiver?
Unless someone who knows better wishes to correct me, I'm pretty sure that homebrew VIDA/DICe setups can't program keys
Not sure what you mean by homebrew but I'm asking about the clones on Ebay or Alibaba like http://www.ebay.com/itm/Newest-Vers...-/291739150374?hash=item43ed022826:g:2u0AAOSwiYFXEacI&item=291739150374&vxp=mtr
I was using "homebrew" as a euphemism for pirated - so no, you can't program keys with them, as far as I know
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So here's the deal, I bought the $100 Dice sold on Amazon by a store named "Generic" so I think it's pretty straight forward that it's a clone.
That being said it came with a copy of VIA 2014D in the package with it. I never used that though. I downloaded and installed VIDA 2015, paid my $77 for a three day license, and $23 for the key software to program in my wife's key. If I am not mistaken support for legally owned copies of 2014D is over if not now then soon. They can only be used for diagnostic purposes. If you want to update, install or modify the software in your car in any way, you need to have a live internet connection and VIDA 2015. But VIDA 2015 will work with the clone. I updated all the modules in my car with their latest software upgrades, installed the keys, and did some work with calibrating my CCM with my $77 three day license.
Where do you download VIDA 2015 and how much is it? Do you need the $77 3 day subscription every time you use the DICE with VIDA 2015?
WOW! This is a major change!
I ASSUMED that earlier reports showed that Volvo would not allow programming from clone DiCE units. You have shown that it's the VIDA side causing the trouble.
To answer atikovi's 2nd question, a licence is only needed for software mods - all information and diagnostic functions stay 100%.
Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk
I ASSUMED that earlier reports showed that Volvo would not allow programming from clone DiCE units. You have shown that it's the VIDA side causing the trouble.
To answer atikovi's 2nd question, a licence is only needed for software mods - all information and diagnostic functions stay 100%.
Sent from my GT-P3113 using Tapatalk
OK good to know. I'll pull the trigger as soon as I find a compatible laptop on Ebay. My 12 year old XP machine won't cut it.
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Here's the link: https://www.volvotechinfo.com/index.cfm?event=info.vida.thisIsVida
VIDA is not user friendly in an official capacity, and while it's easy to navigate once it's operational, you'll have to get your VIDA login, activate your 3 day license for use, authorize the computer you're on to access VIDA, and then you can log in and start getting to work. It's a big pain in the ass.
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First, Avenger, how did you get a $77 three day license? When I purchased mine it was substantially more than that. Maybe its priced according to platform. I used it on my P3.
Second, so long as the tool being used is an authentic tool, you shouldn't have an issues.
Third, once you register/purchase, VIDA overnights you the newest version of the software. You can then install it. This is why I did not bother to try using the cloned software. The time doesn't start ticking on the three day rental until you log in again and initiate the program from VIDA's server.
Second, so long as the tool being used is an authentic tool, you shouldn't have an issues.
Third, once you register/purchase, VIDA overnights you the newest version of the software. You can then install it. This is why I did not bother to try using the cloned software. The time doesn't start ticking on the three day rental until you log in again and initiate the program from VIDA's server.
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When you login to the website I linked above, you can purchase your VIDA subscriptions. I don't know why yours was significantly more, as Year Make and Model are not on the required list of info you have to give... I just logged in and here's the screenshot of their current prices:
Also, I am not sure what you mean by the last statement. The time NEVER starts ticking until you confirm you want to use the credit you purchased when you login I think is where it asks, but otherwise if you click it and then don't log in for 4 days, it's used up and gone. #volvodontgivea****
So am I understanding that once you buy a subscription you then still have full access to the parts lists and diagnostics after the subscription period expires? Can anyone confirm this?
Not after the subscription period on the Volvo site. But you get all that with the clone Dice anyway.
Yes, Chinese DICE does Keys.... with qualifications
In answer to the OP;
Yes, a modern eBay Chinese DICE Clone can indeed program keys, as well as reprogram any and all of the ECUs in the car. Presumably, any industry standard J2534 tool can at least program the ECUs, though I didn't try one of those.
Here's the Qualifications:
This has been tried and verified on my 2005 XC70.... using a LEGIT version of VIDA 2015 downloaded from Volvo.
Unfortunately, this means that you have the privilege of paying about $35 to program immobilizer keys to the CEM, and about $55 to program remote keys to the UBM... this is of course, in addition to the $70 3-day license fee.
And in case you're wondering, these are "per-use" charges, good for one session, though I think at least one of them allows a re-download within 1 day.
Programming the immobilizer is straightforward. You have the choice to either add a key(s), if space is available, or delete all keys except for the one in the ignition.
Deleting keys you do not posses is a good security measure, plus it makes room available for more new keys.
Programming the remote function is a little more complex, as you have to enter the seed numbers (there are two) supplied with the new key. No seed numbers, no programming, so used keys or previously deleted keys are of no use unless someone can extract the seed numbers for you.
The remote key program has a nice feature - all available key spaces are graphically illustrated, as 1 - 6 (or was it 5?) Keys can be identified by pressing a remote button, so you can easily see which key is programmed to which space.
This allows you to delete individual keys, unlike the immobilizer. Delete with care, making sure that you don't accidentally delete keys that you posses, but lack the seed numbers for.
So far as doing the total CAN update, which reprograms all computers in the car with the latest version of software, I rolled the DICE, so to speak and the Chinese DICE Clone performed flawlessly.
I do, however do this routinely at work, though on a different brand.... so here's my professional advice for successful automotive ECU reprogramming:
1- Make certain that the VIDA computer is plugged into its charger, no other programs are running and that Windows is fully updated.
2- Make sure that the car battery is fully charged, not cold and in good condition. Generally, no more that 3 years old, if an expensive OEM or equivalent battery, and no more than a year old for the "cheapest I could find" variety.
3- Make sure the car is kept powered with a well-regulated power supply. It is unwise to use a non-regulated battery charger for this, as programming can be ruined by high voltage as well as low, or even excess "noise" aka "ripple". A good (expensive) battery reduces the risk from this.
4- Don't Panic! As VIDA programs ECUs, the whole car will appear to "go dead" and VIDA may appear unresponsive. Leave it alone! It will do its thing and after a seeming eternity, the lights come back on and it moves on to the next ECU. It is most important that the programming process is undisturbed. Unplugging anything, having a windows update begin, turning the key off, or losing battery power is likely to "brick" the relevant ECU.
VIDA 2015 appears to have a tool for updating DICE. Don't even try! At best it will probably say something like "unsupported device" and at worst it will brick the DICE Clone, or maybe something on the car as well.
While you have the subscription, download everything you can! The Electronic Wiring Diagram alone is worth the $70 subscription.
So far as using the included pirated VIDA 2014D software... What? are you crazy? You want to use pirated software on a Windows computer?
Why not just post your credit card numbers on your Facebook page and turn yourself in to the Piracy Police?
If you intend to do this, do it on a spare, expendable computer with no internet connection and no personal data of any kind anywhere on the machine. After you're done, don't use the machine, or at least its hard drive, for anything else ever again.
From what I can tell by reading stuff online, the pirated stuff doesn't do stuff that requires software downloads like keys, changing settings or ECU updates, though it might be useful for resetting maintenance, doing transmission adaptation mode, or any of the few settings Volvo lets you change without paying for software downloads.
Good Luck, and hope this helps someone...
In answer to the OP;
Yes, a modern eBay Chinese DICE Clone can indeed program keys, as well as reprogram any and all of the ECUs in the car. Presumably, any industry standard J2534 tool can at least program the ECUs, though I didn't try one of those.
Here's the Qualifications:
This has been tried and verified on my 2005 XC70.... using a LEGIT version of VIDA 2015 downloaded from Volvo.
Unfortunately, this means that you have the privilege of paying about $35 to program immobilizer keys to the CEM, and about $55 to program remote keys to the UBM... this is of course, in addition to the $70 3-day license fee.
And in case you're wondering, these are "per-use" charges, good for one session, though I think at least one of them allows a re-download within 1 day.
Programming the immobilizer is straightforward. You have the choice to either add a key(s), if space is available, or delete all keys except for the one in the ignition.
Deleting keys you do not posses is a good security measure, plus it makes room available for more new keys.
Programming the remote function is a little more complex, as you have to enter the seed numbers (there are two) supplied with the new key. No seed numbers, no programming, so used keys or previously deleted keys are of no use unless someone can extract the seed numbers for you.
The remote key program has a nice feature - all available key spaces are graphically illustrated, as 1 - 6 (or was it 5?) Keys can be identified by pressing a remote button, so you can easily see which key is programmed to which space.
This allows you to delete individual keys, unlike the immobilizer. Delete with care, making sure that you don't accidentally delete keys that you posses, but lack the seed numbers for.
So far as doing the total CAN update, which reprograms all computers in the car with the latest version of software, I rolled the DICE, so to speak and the Chinese DICE Clone performed flawlessly.
I do, however do this routinely at work, though on a different brand.... so here's my professional advice for successful automotive ECU reprogramming:
1- Make certain that the VIDA computer is plugged into its charger, no other programs are running and that Windows is fully updated.
2- Make sure that the car battery is fully charged, not cold and in good condition. Generally, no more that 3 years old, if an expensive OEM or equivalent battery, and no more than a year old for the "cheapest I could find" variety.
3- Make sure the car is kept powered with a well-regulated power supply. It is unwise to use a non-regulated battery charger for this, as programming can be ruined by high voltage as well as low, or even excess "noise" aka "ripple". A good (expensive) battery reduces the risk from this.
4- Don't Panic! As VIDA programs ECUs, the whole car will appear to "go dead" and VIDA may appear unresponsive. Leave it alone! It will do its thing and after a seeming eternity, the lights come back on and it moves on to the next ECU. It is most important that the programming process is undisturbed. Unplugging anything, having a windows update begin, turning the key off, or losing battery power is likely to "brick" the relevant ECU.
VIDA 2015 appears to have a tool for updating DICE. Don't even try! At best it will probably say something like "unsupported device" and at worst it will brick the DICE Clone, or maybe something on the car as well.
While you have the subscription, download everything you can! The Electronic Wiring Diagram alone is worth the $70 subscription.
So far as using the included pirated VIDA 2014D software... What? are you crazy? You want to use pirated software on a Windows computer?
Why not just post your credit card numbers on your Facebook page and turn yourself in to the Piracy Police?
If you intend to do this, do it on a spare, expendable computer with no internet connection and no personal data of any kind anywhere on the machine. After you're done, don't use the machine, or at least its hard drive, for anything else ever again.
From what I can tell by reading stuff online, the pirated stuff doesn't do stuff that requires software downloads like keys, changing settings or ECU updates, though it might be useful for resetting maintenance, doing transmission adaptation mode, or any of the few settings Volvo lets you change without paying for software downloads.
Good Luck, and hope this helps someone...
As of late 2018, Volvo's VIDA 2015 downloaded from Volvo worked flawlessly on an eBay DICE clone. This was on a 2005 XC70. Of course, I paid quite a bit for a 3-day license and for many of the downloads besides as noted in my previous post.
The eBay DICE used was the one with the green circuit board, the copycat DICE external housing, and the bundled pirated copy of VIDA 2014D, which they state should be used offline only.
I don't know if the pirate VIDA works or not... presumably it does the stuff that does not require a software download from Volvo. Stuff like reprogramming keys or software updates do have to be downloaded from Volvo for a fee and I'm sure Volvo doesn't support Pirate VIDA.
You have a couple of variables to take into consideration: your car is considerably newer, Volvo might have changed VIDA in some way and the quality and consistency of cloned devices is an unknown.
If you have misgivings about using a cheap Chinese knockoff of questionable quality, you might want to consider trying an industry standard SAE J2532 device which by federal mandate can reprogram all emissions related systems and probably other systems as well.
Most automotive shops that do diagnostic work have one.
Good luck!
first thank you for your reply and details!
Yes I have the ebay DICE and it have green circuit board (aren't they all green?).
I was able to connect to the all modules on my car using the 2014D Vida (All-in-one).
I wanted to software update some of the modules that why I wanted to see if this CLONE DICE work with the new online-based VIDA.
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Will second. Did all my updates (amazing a dealer had it for almost 60 days doing an engine swap but couldn't be troubled to do the updates during that time) with the chinese clone and 2015 online. Bought a key for my wife and had no issues programming it in.
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