VolvoTech.eu CANBUS extender review

[a lex]

This is a review I originally wrote on the Volvo.org forums a while ago.

I thought some on here might appreciate seeing it.

Its a nifty wee gadget and its backed up by great customer support from Bob @ Volvotech. Not cheap by any means, but adds some really useful functionality - to be honest the kind of stuff that should have been there from the factory (yes, folding mirrors I am talking about you!)

Anyway, here it is:

http://www.volvotech.eu/Function-Extender/cfe?filter=1

Its a VolvoTech Canbus feature extender - what's that you say......?

Well, its a trick little box that connects to the onboard computers and allows you program in some neat features common in newer cars (like the XC60 for example), but otherwise missing from the XC90.

It can connect via the OBD port (with a special slimline connector) or via the RTi system in the rear of the car, depending on what options your 90 is specced with. I plumped for the OBD connector, as it offers the most painless and quickest install option.

Delivery from Volvotech took about 10 days, but it did warn on the website that they were on holidays, so the wait was justified.

The unit itself is very sturdy and looks well made, about the size of a wallet with a serial connector on one end, and a USB input on the other.

To program the device, you need to download the desktop Sw from the Volvotech website and then download the latest Fw. They seem to release new Fw quite regularly, fixing bugs and offering new functionalities all the time.

The device will fit various Volvo models from over the years, and will offer different options dependant on your car - its neccessary to input your VIN so that the device knows what it can program.

I have chosen the following, (over what you can normally do on a '90):

-Global window opening from the key fob
-Global window closing from the key fob
-Extra courtesy lighting from the reverse lights
-Mirror dipping on reverse
-Remote diesel heater start from keyfob
-Dial sweep on ignition on
-Mirror auto-fold on door lock/unlock
-Extra DIM info, including:
--Fuel remaining in L
--Speed in kph and mph
--Engine revs, coolant temp, cabin temp
--0 to 60 speed logger

So as you can see, it can do quite a lot. Some more gimmicky than others!

The mirror dip and extra speed info is worth its weight in gold to me. The mirror fold is also a useful thing to have.

I had one small problem with the Fw, meaning that my drivers window became unresponsive after global open, but a quick email to Volvotech and I had an updated (unreleased) Fw in my inbox 10mins later with the bug fix.

Its not exactly cheap, but it brings some great added functionality to the car, the customer support is top notch, its easy to install and its got a certain 'geek factor' :thumbs_up:

I hope the above can be of use to someone

Some quick photos:

Device



Example of desktop Sw config. page



Extra DIM functions