12 replies to this topic

[AutoX47]

when I first got the volvo a local shop told me that their reader was not compatible with volvos ... maybe the harbor frieght tool has the same problem. You should ger a P code

[Vitor]

On a previous post somebody asked about the reader.
I put my $0.02 and it went like this.

I was not able to make it work on my 98 V70, 96 850 or 95 850.
Not compatible with Volvos, at least not mine or the ones I have worked on.

[RajDog]

I just got the Creader from Harbor Freights and I'm having the same problem as Todd exactly. Does anyone have any experience with this obdII reader? Does anyone know what the E means?
Thanks

[T5BRICK]

i get an error with mine if i don't have the key in the ignition on, engine off position. i believe it is position 3.

"E" sounds like a simplified way of saying "error."

i've got an Actron unit though, so i'm not positive what the problem could be.

Edited by felix88, 16 March 2005 - 02:54 AM.

[550]

Hey when you guys do this the car isnt running is it? If it is just leave it in accesory and do it.

[brick8]

So I buy the ObdII reader from Harbor Freight tools knowing that being a Volvo requires this.  Anyway, I used it first on a Toyota with a CEL light on and it gave me a number on the display.  However, today I tried to use it on my 855 T-5 when I got a CEL and I get an "E" along with flashing lights.  Is this thing working right or am I just not smart enough to figure it out?  I plugged it in and tried it in a variety of conditions (ignition off, position 2, car idling) and I get the same thing.  The directions are not any help.  I get 4 flashing horizontal bars, then a flash at position 1 then at position 2 then at position 3.  Am I to assume that this is 1-2-3 ?  It is a Creader brand.  If anyone has any experience with this unit, could you please help me out.  I guess my question is:  does this reader work differently with different cars and why would the unit give me a number display on the LED like it did on the toyota?

Thanks in advance,

Todd

What year is it? Even though the port is there, I don't think OBDII works on pre-1996 850s. I have a 1995 with the port and the OBDII is useless there, but the reader works great on my 1997.

[Kawazar]

Your right, OBDII is 1996 and newer. OBDI is prior to 1996 I beleive.

[billr99]

So I buy the ObdII reader from Harbor Freight tools knowing that being a Volvo requires this.  Anyway, I used it first on a Toyota with a CEL light on and it gave me a number on the display.  However, today I tried to use it on my 855 T-5 when I got a CEL and I get an "E" along with flashing lights.  Is this thing working right or am I just not smart enough to figure it out?  I plugged it in and tried it in a variety of conditions (ignition off, position 2, car idling) and I get the same thing.  The directions are not any help.  I get 4 flashing horizontal bars, then a flash at position 1 then at position 2 then at position 3.  Am I to assume that this is 1-2-3 ?  It is a Creader brand.  If anyone has any experience with this unit, could you please help me out.  I guess my question is:  does this reader work differently with different cars and why would the unit give me a number display on the LED like it did on the toyota?

Thanks in advance,

Todd

Does your reader support the ISO standard (should say on the box, yes?)? If so, its possible you are running into the same thing; I did which is that I have the OBD2 plug but its not pinned for any of the standards and you have to build a "gizmo" to pull the codes in a manner similiar to the old under-hood A-box method.

Neither my generic reader or my indie's Volvo OBD2 reader will pull my codes. I thought it was becuase I have one of the few Cdn-spec 5-speed Rs which is really closer to a Euro-spec. But my research on the net indicates that '95s and apparently some '96s have this interim code spec that is neither OBD1 or OBD2 compliant.

[DashingDaryl]

I read the codes on my C70 once. Then after that, all I got was the "E" on an Acura Integra and a S-10.

I took it back to Harbor Freight and they gave me a new one with no problems at all.

I haven't plugged it into my Volvo again, but so far it's working for more common cars.


You can check their website, but it is no help at all cnlaunch.com

They do have a $3k machine that is tested on the Volvo and can do ABS/SIR codes. (Kinda a long way from the $43 creader though)

Edited by DashingDaryl, 16 March 2005 - 08:05 PM.

[RajDog]

I have tried it again with the ignition in postition 0, I, II and with the engine running (position III) and all I have ever got is the E code which I read is a communication problem. The car is 98 s70 5sp. I have been scouring the internet for info and some people have said that it doesn't read codes for their volvo but it does clear check engine lights, it has worked for some and just stop working and for most it has not worked for volvos, subarus, ford windstars, and a bunch of other cars. I just don't know, I don't want to ship this thing back but I might have to.