I'm gonna start looking at replacing the 850, and will probably make the jump into something with OBD II, unless I convince my wife that an 1800 would be a suitable replacement, so you can guess, whatever I get will be newer.

As I check cars out, is there either a decent (and cheap) generic code reader or software (I do have a USB OBD II cable for my laptop which is loaded with VW specific software) that I can use to help check potential cars out?

I just googled "obd2 software volvo" :

http://www.ecufix.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=181

Klaus
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Praying for Cynthia Amendt, heaven bound

Tht's good through 2000...I've googled from there and don't find anything for newer Volvos.

BTW the VAG-COM is the VW software I run, apparently from the same developer. It's good.

Still, if I'm checking out something newer than 2000, what's teh best route? What do those who have newer Volvos use for diagnostics, or is it pretty much High $$ or dealer only?

Although I don't yet have a vehicle of this vintage, it seems that the electronics standard moved to a new system called CAN (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controller_area_network#Automotive)

Most newer systems will give you the option to purchase OBD-II compatibility, CAN compatibility, or both in the same system.

FWIW I am currently using CarCode (http://www.obd-2.com/) and while it's not the greatest looking piece of software in the world, it does the trick.

My dad is using VOL-FCR (http://www.ilexa.co.uk/content/category/2/2/19 with his car and it seems like it can talk to more computers but costs more money?

I think the cables from each are compatible, so maybe your VW one is compatible too?

Both our cars are 1998 OBD-II.



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1998 V70 AWD->FWD Turbo 200k+

Code readers for '97 850's have always been about $179 -so I don't have one :)
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'97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's