Vehicle communication tools

For vehicles using D2 and GGD protocol for diagnostics, a vehicle communication tool is needed. This article provides an overview of vehicle communication tools supported and not supported by VIDA.

Note

For VDS protocol-based vehicles, VIDA does not need to be connected to the vehicle through a communication tool.

DiCE

DiCE (Diagnostic Communication Equipment) is a tool used to communicate with D2 and GGD protocol based vehicle's control modules and to download software from VIDA to those vehicles. DiCE is used for Volvo models from, and including, model year 1999. DiCE transfers messages from VIDA to the control modules in the vehicle. It can also be used to read out and erase DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) and other diagnostic services in the various control modules. DiCE units communicate with VIDA workstations via USB or Bluetooth.

J2534

Vehicle communication is based on J2534. J2534 is an interface common to all vehicles for reprogramming control modules. There are two different versions of J2534.

J2534-1 can be used to download software to vehicles from, and including, model year 2004. J2534-1 manages software to control modules on CAN HS (Controller Area Network High Speed) that are emission related. J2534-1 cannot be used for diagnostics.
J2534-2 manage software download to control modules on both CAN HS (Controller Area Network High Speed) and CAN MS (controller area network middle speed).

The hardware used to validate VIDA's compliance with J2534 can be purchased separately from third-party suppliers. The validation was done using the following J2534 pass-thru devices:

J2534-1: Actia Passthru+ XS and CarDAQ2534
J2534-2: CarDAQ Plus

Volvo System Tester

For model years up to and including 1998, VST (Volvo System Tester also known as Volvo Scan Tool) is used instead of VIDA to read off diagnostic trouble codes. After reading off diagnostic trouble codes with VST, the diagnostic trouble codes must be searched under the vehicle's Information tab.

Note

Do not connect VST to a PC, always use DiCE.

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Vehicle communication how-to's (D2 and GGD)