Onboard Computer....

**Happygilmore78** · Tuesday 2nd February 2010, 14:49

Ok, only reason i ask this is because this was possible on my mates car (not Volvo), so wondered if it was the same across the board.

He wanted to purchase the upgraded onboard computer that told you MPG, how many miles left in tank etc etc, but when he asked about it he was told it was already in the car, all he had to do was buy the replacement indicater stalk in his case and bingo, he could now access this extra through the extra switches on the hardware. (not sure if he got a software update though)

So would this be the same? does my dash and car possess the onboard computer, but just lacks the hardware to use it? maybe with a software download also?

Just interested to know thats all - as he ended up buying the stalk and it all worked, in my case it would be the switch on the dash.

Cheers

**p fandango** · Tuesday 2nd February 2010, 16:37

i believe you do need to change the dials for ones which has the computer function, you also need the dash switch as you've already mentioned & the external temp probe from behind the bumper/fog light

only P2's get robbed for software updates

**MIKESC70T5** · Tuesday 2nd February 2010, 19:42

I enquired about this at Volvo sometime ago. You just need the switch and the software downloaded onto your car from Volvo iirc about £240. The software was the expensive bit about £215. This is for the me7 engine models,not sure how the earlier models work.

Ive got a spare instrument cluster from an me7 v70r which has the trip computer on it but the only issue is if you plug it in it comes up with the mileage from the car it came out of and that's showing 175000 miles lol.

**p fandango** · Wednesday 3rd February 2010, 07:51

Originally Posted by MIKESC70T5

I enquired about this at Volvo sometime ago. You just need the switch and the software downloaded onto your car from Volvo iirc about £240. The software was the expensive bit about £215. This is for the me7 engine models,not sure how the earlier models work.

Ive got a spare instrument cluster from an me7 v70r which has the trip computer on it but the only issue is if you plug it in it comes up with the mileage from the car it came out of and that's showing 175000 miles lol.

i thought the C70 was closer related to the 850/P1's than the S60/P2 models, learn something new everyday lol

**Rufe** · Thursday 4th February 2010, 11:39

1999 on models (ME7) use software in the same way as P2 models, C70's and V70's and S70's alike. Some parts for pre ME7 P1's also require software, and the trip computer is one of them.

We can supply the installation parts to do this, but the chunk of the bill is for the software. If your car does not have outside temperature reading at present, then you would also require the outside temperature sensor to make that function work.

To give you an idea of prices, the installation kit [pn 9166768] for all S/V/C70 model years retails at around £30, we sell this for about £25 plus postage, but then there is the expensive software to make it work.

Trip Computer Software:
S/V/C70 <1998 = [sw 9166768] £192.72 including Vat, plus labour.
C70 1999> = [sw 9438427] £253.04 inc vat, plus labour.
S/V70 1999> = [sw 9438259] £224.84 inc vat, plus labour

The labour charge to carry out this software application will vary at different dealers, as there is not a set price to do this. It will have to be done locally as the car is connected to the workshop computer to carry out the software application. Some independent volvo specialists will also be able to do this, if they have the right equipment (VIDA), not just main dealers.

Simon

**ncarnall** · Thursday 4th February 2010, 12:14

I wouldn't mind this upgrade myself but the software is just plain silly money. Where is the software uploaded to and can the parts from donor car be used as in ecu if thats where it is stored?

Regards

**Rufe** · Thursday 4th February 2010, 14:49

I wouldn't have thought so as the software is programmed to the chassis number when ordered. I can't help with the price of the software i am afraid, not unless you brought the vehicle here, but then it would be 10% which wouldn't justify that.