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Adding Adaptive Cruise Control

25K views 53 replies 18 participants last post by  domukasccx  
#1 ·
Hi

Anyone know if Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) can be added at some point after vehicle manufacturing/delivery? The camera/radar is present for Lane Keep Assist and City Safe so I am wondering what else would be needed beyond a software upgrade. I have emailed Volvo USA to see what they say given the dealership was pretty dismissive of my request.

The back story is we bought the T8 a week ago as a CPO. 2017 with 17k miles on it. Inscription trim level but for some reason the original owner didn't select the Convenience Package. What was odd was the dealer advertisement clearly stated it had the Convenience Package so I just assumed all was good in terms of Pilot Assist, etc. I know, big mistake on my part. It only dawned on me when we got the car home and I went to program the Homelink and discovered the rear view mirror was missing the compass and Homelink buttons. The dealer was happy to install the Homelink rear view mirror free of charge so that solved that but we are still missing the Pilot Assist features. While it would be great to have all of that installed the piece we really want is the ACC.

So, anyone have any experience in this regard or advice? Looking on the web I can see that outside of the USA a Pilot Assist retrofit looks like a possibility.

Thanks
 
#2 ·
I'm pretty sure the answer is a no. If it was sold to you with convenience package and you have proof they advertised it with that package, I'd push to get out of the vehicle. Different states have different laws regarding this, but if it was just a few days ago I would think the dealer should be willing to unwind the deal. A week is a long time in the paperwork world, it would have been better if this was all just yesterday. That being said, are you sure the website didn't say "Convenience features"? Volvo hands down the website design with a few variation options and I find the used car portion to be inadequate with listing features and the very top "detailed specifications" drop down says "Convenience features" and that could be mistaken as "convenience package" by a customer who knew to look for that package.

As for not being added, it's truly amazing to me how many people don't care about ACC and PA in this segment. I am very much a driver, and still consider these must haves in today's luxury cars. But I've greatly toned down my pitch on them with customers as many view it as an unnecessary expense. To be fair, I found the same resistance with back up cameras when they first started coming out.
 
#3 ·
Thanks for the response. Volvo USA just came back with a 'no' as well. So I am dead in the water I think.

I brought it all to the attention of the dealer the very day after delivery and they admitted fault in the advertisement, hence getting the Homelink/compass rear view mirror added for free. I had saved both their website ad and the Edmunds page so had good proof. We could have returned the car (three day limit) but my wife was already completely in love with it. She actually doesn't care about PA and ACC but I have a Model S and I absolutely love Autopilot. It is a game changer for road trips in my opinion.

I was really hoping it was possible to retro fit....
 
#4 ·
Technically it would be possible as there is Pilot Assist accessory listed. And for T8 all hardware could be on the car already and it could be just software update to get PA.

The dealer should install it for you if it is advertised as including PA.

Sent from my Z978 using Tapatalk
 
#6 ·
I think (not 100% sure, but I am 100% guessing) the pilot assist accessory is to upgrade the '16s that had a 25 mph speed limit up to the highway speed version. These cars still had full ACC so it was just a software upgrade to increase the top speed of pilot assist.
 
#8 · (Edited)
The upgrade from 25mph limit to Pilot Assist 2 with 80mph limit is only $200 upgrade, and many people get it for free.

The "Intellisafe Assist" accessory (it is an installation, not upgrade) is this one (for 2016, 2017):
https://accessories.volvocars.com/en-us/XC90(16-)/Accessories/Document/VCC-515663/2017/all/all/all
https://accessories.volvocars.com/en-us/XC90(16-)/Accessories/Document/VCC-515670/2016/all/all/all

For T8, it is just software. No hydro unit is needed. Price seems to be around $1k or so.

IntelliSafe Assist

Op. No.: 36513

"IntelliSafe Assist" makes it easier and safer to drive where you want. "IntelliSafe Assist" consists of "Adaptive Cruise Control" (ACC), "Pilot Assist" and "Distance Alert".

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

This is cruise control with an additional function that adapts the speed to a slower car in front. If the car in front slows down, the adaptive cruise control ensures that your car follows the car's speed and stops it if necessary. If the car in front is stationary for less than three seconds, your car will follow the car as soon as it starts again.

The driver can at any time choose to switch off the adaptive cruise control and instead engage the normal cruise control. The system uses a radar unit in the window. When the vehicle is following another vehicle at a speed above 70 km/h and the driver notices an imminent overtake by the vehicle's direction indicators, the adaptive cruise control assists. The adaptive cruise control allows you to follow another vehicle at speeds from standstill up to 200 km/h

Pilot Assist

Adaptive cruise control is supplemented with "Pilot Assist". It not only assists the driver to keep a certain distance from and speed of the vehicle ahead but also, via steering assistance, helps keep the vehicle in the middle of the lane.1 This occurs by the camera and radar unit in the window reading off the vehicle's position in relation to the visible road markings and the vehicle in front. "Pilot Assist" can provide steering assistance from standstill up to 130 km/h.

Distance Alert

"Distance Alert" alerts you if the time distance to the vehicle ahead is too short. The function is active at speeds above 30 km/h and only reacts to vehicles in front of your vehicle, driving in the same direction as you.

Application2

Part. No. Description
31650423 17-, AUT, Excl. Twin Engine
31650470 17-, AUT, Twin Engine
+ Hydraulic unit
Part. No. Description
31664657 Excl. Twin Engine Installation Instruction
Facts and advantages
Convenient, relaxing and safe because you do not have to constantly adapt your speed to vehicles in front.

Convenient thanks to automatic support, even when passing.

Pilot Assist helps the driver stay in the lane in the event of monotonous driving situations.

Technical data
Photo:

VCC08684

Note!
Only suitable for vehicles with automatic gearbox.

A hydraulic unit is not needed for Twin Engine as it comes as standard in the vehicle.

The instructions for replacing the hydraulic unit state that the VDDM RELOAD software must be downloaded. This step is not necessary if the unit has been replaced in order to activate IntelliSafe Assist and it should therefore be skipped.

Note!
"IntelliSafe Assist" is standard on all vehicles except for in the "Americas" region.

Only for countries with radar approval.

Important information about "IntelliSafe" Assist and its functions as well as restrictions can be found in the vehicle's owner's manual.

Note!
The driver must always be observant of current traffic conditions and be prepared to intervene if necessary. It is always the driver who is responsible for how the vehicle is controlled and that the correct time distance and speed is maintained, even when "IntelliSafe Assist" is used.

If the driver lets go of the steering wheel, steering assistance disengages.
Ordered according to separate procedures and downloaded using VIDA.
 
#13 ·
I don't think so.

The US site has a link that looks like: https://usparts.volvocars.com/Volvo_2017_XC90-20l-4-cylinder-Turbo.html

Yet the link from FusionRedXC60 looks like: https://accessories.volvocars.com/en-us/XC90(16-)/Accessories/Document/VCC-515663/2017/all/all/all

Given the dealer here in CO said no and I got the below from Volvo USA this morning I think it isn't possible.

Thank you for contacting Volvo!

The adaptive cruise control cannot be added once the vehicle has been manufactured, we apologize for any inconvenience that may have been caused in this matter.

I have attached a 30% mail in rebate coupon which is valid for six months. The rebate coupon can be used towards any genuine Volvo parts or accessories and has a maximum rebate of $200.00!

If you have any additional questions feel free to contact us.

Med vänliga hälsningar!
Yours Sincerely,

Paris
Volvo Customer Care


Perhaps I need to drive down to the dealership and show them the website that FusionRedXC60 linked me to.
 
#14 ·
I don't think so.

The US site has a link that looks like: https://usparts.volvocars.com/Volvo_2017_XC90-20l-4-cylinder-Turbo.html
This link doesn't show any other software upgrade like Intellisafe Assist Update (that supports collision avoidance, etc).

This accessory is/was listed with a price on other parts website. But maybe they changed to not offering it recently?

https://www.volvooempartsdirect.com/oem-parts/volvo-intellisafe-as-31650470

https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-parts/volvo-intellisafe-as-31650470
 
#15 ·
Well, I have an update. Went down to the dealer who is close to me on the way home from work. Asked the service desk to see if #31650470 was available. She came back 5min later saying 'yep'. $1620.03. Only a software update for the T8 since the hydraulic pump is installed already (gave her my VIN as well). None of the techs were still there to verify but I am booked in for this Sat @9am so will update after that to see if it will actually happen. Promising progress so call me 8/10 in terms of this actually working.
 
#16 ·
Update. Software part #31650470 installed and working. Now have Adaptive Cruise Control and Pilot Assist. Talked to the tech who did the work and he had to try four times before the car/system took the software update. But it all works. $1799 lighter in the pocket but glad to have it installed.
 
#17 ·
Congrats! Hope you enjoy the fun T8. PA is great help on long trips if you use it with cautions.

The dealer doesn't compensate anything as the ad said it has PA/ACC?
You can ask Volvo customer support for a coupon of up to $200 off future accessory purchase.
 
#18 ·
Yeah, using it on the way home from the dealer was fun if not a little different to what I was expecting. Given I normally drive a Tesla with Autopilot I am completely at ease with that system so PA was very different I have to say.

I ended up using a different dealer to do the PA/ACC install since they are closer, and as it turns out, not as lazy. The dealer we bought the car off said it wasn't even possible. The same answer I got from the Volvo USA support rep via email. I plan on emailing Volvo USA to give them some feedback. I would imagine >50% of the folks who got the 'no' answer from Volvo USA would have stopped there which means Volvo USA are missing out on extremely high margin sales opportunities.

In terms of 'comp' from the dealer we bought it from...they installed the Homelink/Compass rear view mirror for no charge so I am good with that.

We are almost three weeks in now and still have over half a tank of gas and are sitting at 45.2 mpg.

Electrician is coming back next week to put 240v NEMA 6-20 outlet on the ceiling above the car so we can juice it up faster.
 
#20 ·
I live in Seattle area and I have an XC60 T8 inscription. After several calls and emails volvo always said '' not possible, it needs to come from factory''. I decided to book an appointment and drove to Volvo Tacoma, provided my VIN and now I have an appointment to install Pilot Assist for 2222 USD. 1737.98 Parts 31650423 & 30795868 / Labor $484 .

I thought T8 version would come with 30795868,



wish me luck!
 
#21 ·
I live in Seattle area and I have an XC60 T8 inscription. After several calls and emails volvo always said '' not possible, it needs to come from factory''. I decided to book an appointment and drove to Volvo Tacoma, provided my VIN and now I have an appointment to install Pilot Assist for 2222 USD. 1737.98 Parts 31650423 & 30795868 / Labor $484 .

I thought T8 version would come with 30795868,



wish me luck!
year is 2018
 
#23 ·
Hi guys,
I’ve just read this topic and I need to add congrats to vpblur for his perseverance. I’m in a similar situation, I’m a new ower of a xc60 t6 plugin inscription, manufactured in dec2020, it was a showroom car. I’ve noticed too late that this car doesn’t have adaptive cruise control, only a simple cruise control, even if there are buttons on the steering wheel for adjusting distance between the car and another car in front (which are useless in my case). From your experience, is there a chance to upgrade my car with this intellisafe assist accessory? I’ve already asked a volvo dealer about adding ACC, whitout mention of this intellisafe assist (didn’t know before read the topic).
Overall I’m very disappointed about this ‘volvo experience’ due to this lack of basic feature for a premium car. Adaptive cruise control I have on my skoda octavia since 2014, 6 year later, a car which it costs double than a skoda octavia, doesn’t have a basic feature.
 
#24 ·
Hi guys,
I’ve just read this topic and I need to add congrats to vpblur for his perseverance. I’m in a similar situation, I’m a new ower of a xc60 t6 plugin inscription, manufactured in dec2020, it was a showroom car. I’ve noticed too late that this car doesn’t have adaptive cruise control, only a simple cruise control, even if there are buttons on the steering wheel for adjusting distance between the car and another car in front (which are useless in my case). From your experience, is there a chance to upgrade my car with this intellisafe assist accessory? I’ve already asked a volvo dealer about adding ACC, whitout mention of this intellisafe assist (didn’t know before read the topic).
Overall I’m very disappointed about this ‘volvo experience’ due to this lack of basic feature for a premium car. Adaptive cruise control I have on my skoda octavia since 2014, 6 year later, a car which it costs double than a skoda octavia, doesn’t have a basic feature.
ACC is standard on all 90 series cars, option on others. Compared to similar cars (X3, GL300, Q5,RX350) the XC60 has optional ACC, just like every other car in its class. Obviously standard/optional features vary around the world, but this is generally a true statement. Except for some of the first built SPA cars, EVERY Volvo can have ACC added at any time. In the USA, very few cars had ACC in 2014, and if they did it was a very rare option or on a very expensive car. While we don't have the Skoda brand here, most of the similar VW cars in America haven't even had the option of ACC on any trim at any price until just the last year or two. Sorry you were unaware the car didn't have this feature. For most markets, this is the key feature that is contained in the Advanced Package.
 
#27 ·
I asked 2 Volvo dealers, and they confirmed my worries that I can’t have a retrofit for ACC or Pilot assist or intellisafe assit package. Volvo dealer conclusion was my car software is not compatible with this software upgrade. It confuses me because my logic thinking is if you can made a car in the factory with this ACC software, why can you rewrite the software after the car is built. My car is a Volvo xc60 T6 plug in, manufactured in middle of 2020.
I’m hopping that maybe after few years this option can be available to my car model.
 
#28 ·
I asked 2 Volvo dealers, and they confirmed my worries that I can’t have a retrofit for ACC or Pilot assist or intellisafe assit package. Volvo dealer conclusion was my car software is not compatible with this software upgrade. It confuses me because my logic thinking is if you can made a car in the factory with this ACC software, why can you rewrite the software after the car is built. My car is a Volvo xc60 T6 plug in, manufactured in middle of 2020.
I’m hopping that maybe after few years this option can be available to my car model.
There is accessory for MY2020 XC60. But a hydro unit is also needed and total cost could be as high as $3500. It is easier just trade-in your car for a new one.

Sent from my moto g power (XT2041DL) using Tapatalk
 
#30 · (Edited)
First of all, thank you guys for your quick replies and advises.
FusionRedXC60 - because I acquired the car via a leasing company it's harder to give away and buy another. The Volvo dealer didn't mention about a hardware item that it has to be added (hydro unit). Maybe they were not interested to find a solution, it was easier to say impossible. They checked their service application and after enter my car VIN, they saw is no option for it. Thanks for the advice.
*********** - I don't have the 'intellisafe assist' accessory on the Volvo German website (because the car was bought from a German Volvo dealer), I have to choose 2021, because 2020 doesn't have a T6 plugin hybrid. For any XC60 version from 2020 list, the 'intellisafe assist' accessory is available. For any XC60 version from 2021 list, no 'intellisafe assist' accessory is available.
Image


My only hope is writing a mail to the international Volvo center (the highest Volvo escalation point, as they called themselves) and describe my experience, maybe they provide me more interest to my case and maybe a possible solution.

Have a nice Sunday and take care guys.
 
#31 · (Edited)
Anyhow this is the accessory for 2020 T8 in US.

You can ask the dealer to search for the parts number in their system. Hydro unit is not needed for a phev so the cost will be much lower, maybe $1500 and totally worthy it.

But it is true that I can't find this accessory for MY2021 T8. Not sure why Volvo don't offer it. The car should be almost same as MY2020.




Sent from my moto g power (XT2041DL) using Tapatalk
 
#37 ·
Just an example of the accessory page on the USA site including the option code the dealer uses for ordering and installing.

 
#45 · (Edited)
it was expensive, but it can certainly be done as you can see in the link above.
Hi
Anyone know if Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) can be added at some point after vehicle manufacturing/delivery? The camera/radar is present for Lane Keep Assist and City Safe so I am wondering what else would be needed beyond a software upgrade. I have emailed Volvo USA to see what they say given the dealership was pretty dismissive of my request.

The back story is we bought the T8 a week ago as a CPO. 2017 with 17k miles on it. Inscription trim level but for some reason the original owner didn't select the Convenience Package. What was odd was the dealer advertisement clearly stated it had the Convenience Package so I just assumed all was good in terms of Pilot Assist, etc. I know, big mistake on my part. It only dawned on me when we got the car home and I went to program the Homelink and discovered the rear view mirror was missing the compass and Homelink buttons. The dealer was happy to install the Homelink rear view mirror free of charge so that solved that but we are still missing the Pilot Assist features. While it would be great to have all of that installed the piece we really want is the ACC.

So, anyone have any experience in this regard or advice? Looking on the web I can see that outside of the USA a Pilot Assist retrofit looks like a possibility.

Thanks