BrickBoard Archives
The files contained in this listing have been automatically archived from the active forums. Because the vast majority of posts are now in one place, this archive is considered legacy. You should use the SEARCH feature OR choose your topic and select date tabs within the forum you choose.
port in center arm rest/center console[S70/1999] posted by Tman on
Monday, 9 July 2001, at 8:32 a.m.
Can anyone tell me all there is to know about the port in my center arm rest. I just bought my volvo and was looking inside the center arm rest (the one that you can pu things in) and saw the little port inside. I was wondering what all I can do with this port and if there is a name for it. Can some one please help me out with this?
Tman
Re: port in center arm rest/center console[S70/1999] posted by Vladimir on
Monday, 9 July 2001, at 11:04 a.m.
Tman, the port is an EPA mandated OBDII port. Every car sold in US after 1996 must have one of these. This port is the access to the computer systems on your car. Volvo (as well as many other car manufacturers) also uses this port for a set of proprietary protocols that only Volvo computers can understand. There is not very much YOU can do with it except read and (possibly) clear the codes stored in the computer's memory. This is useful for diagnosing and troubleshooting, but is primarily a pain in the butt, since most of the codes are Volvo proprietary and the off-the-shelf OBDII scanners can’t read them. up to 1999 Volvo used a so-called VST (Volvo Scan Tool) - a gameboy-like machine that hooks up to the OBDII port to control various functions on the vehicle, like turning off Service Reminder light, programming of the keyless entry fobs, even re-flashing the ECU firmware. From 1999 on Volvo has gone to a much more sophisticated systems that involves an Windows NT machine on a cart (a so-called VADIS cart). Most electronics were re-designed and VADIS cars are drastically different than VST cars, even though the ports look identical. This is about all I know about this. There are people on this board who are professional Volvo techs and are much more educated about this than I am. Maybe they can chime in. I've had to deal with a recurring Check Engine light issue that caused me to learn a little about my 1998 S70 (still VST). I know that there is even a place (they actually OEM this thing to Volvo) where you can buy a VST-like device which will support all the Volvo functions, but it is very expensive ($3,000 or so).
Hope this helps.
--
Vladimir. 1998 S70. Base, 5-speed manual.