recommend a diagnostics app please??
Discussion
my Volvo xc40, 2018 T5, has an annoying error message on the dash I would like to delete.
it relates to the Volvo SOS help call function and states it needs a service. online research indicates it will be the backup battery in the boot for the unit that provides this SOS function. I really don't need this as it's a subscription service and I don't subscribe, and even if I did need it the system runs off the main car battery I understand and the backup battery is just in case the car battery is not available to it -for example if the battery went flat or the car was in a crash and the battery was disconnected. and even then the backup battery is probably fine because apparently the service message is because the dealers change them at eight years just in case they are failing. so the message on the dash is because something that probably doesn't need changing has an automatic date related switch out and it's for service I don't even subscribe to.
I could change the backup battery although it is a bit of a faff to get to it. but from what I've seen online even if I change the battery the message will stay on the dash unless deleted by dealer.
someone told me I can download a diagnostics app and buy a cable to plug into the car that would give me some basic diagnostics including the ability to delete this and possibly other messages.
any advice on what might help me with this and where I can get it apart from obviously just booking it in with the dealer would be gratefully received.
it relates to the Volvo SOS help call function and states it needs a service. online research indicates it will be the backup battery in the boot for the unit that provides this SOS function. I really don't need this as it's a subscription service and I don't subscribe, and even if I did need it the system runs off the main car battery I understand and the backup battery is just in case the car battery is not available to it -for example if the battery went flat or the car was in a crash and the battery was disconnected. and even then the backup battery is probably fine because apparently the service message is because the dealers change them at eight years just in case they are failing. so the message on the dash is because something that probably doesn't need changing has an automatic date related switch out and it's for service I don't even subscribe to.
I could change the backup battery although it is a bit of a faff to get to it. but from what I've seen online even if I change the battery the message will stay on the dash unless deleted by dealer.
someone told me I can download a diagnostics app and buy a cable to plug into the car that would give me some basic diagnostics including the ability to delete this and possibly other messages.
any advice on what might help me with this and where I can get it apart from obviously just booking it in with the dealer would be gratefully received.
You could try https://v-tool.app/ or https://www.carscanner.info/ but whether they will allow you to code out the SOS stuff I have no idea, both are cheap enough, with a recommended dongle. You could try something far more expensive but again I am not sure it will allow you to code this out. If you fix the battery, the fault will most likely go away, or you can then turn off the warning with one of those apps or any number of free apps.
I can't help thinking you'd be better paying a Volvo specialist to deal with it.
Even if you delete codes they will re-set if the fault is still there. It's conceivable the thing can be "turned off" somewhere inside the computery but I'm not sure you'd achieve that with an inexpensive consumer App. Sounds like a job for a specialist who's got all the professional gear.
If you replace the battery yourself I think you'll still either need to re-set the system or get somebody else to do it for you.
Even if you delete codes they will re-set if the fault is still there. It's conceivable the thing can be "turned off" somewhere inside the computery but I'm not sure you'd achieve that with an inexpensive consumer App. Sounds like a job for a specialist who's got all the professional gear.
If you replace the battery yourself I think you'll still either need to re-set the system or get somebody else to do it for you.
https://www.xtoolglobal.com/products/xtool-anyscan...
I have one of these, no annual fees. It can also do coding. Have a look to see if your car is supported for coding.
I have one of these, no annual fees. It can also do coding. Have a look to see if your car is supported for coding.
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