Volvo's Vehicle Information and Diagnostics for Aftersales (VIDA) provides service information and diagnostic workflows. Access for independent workshops is described in Volvo's Technical Information Shop. Vehicle communication depends on the vehicle's diagnostic protocol and selected service operation.
VST and VIDA
Volvo's vehicle communication guidance states that for model years up to and including 1998, Volvo System Tester (VST, also called Volvo Scan Tool) is used to read fault codes. For D2 and GGD protocol vehicles, Volvo describes DiCE (Diagnostic Communication Equipment) as an interface that communicates between VIDA and vehicle modules and supports software download.
DiCE, VDS and J2534
For VDS-protocol vehicles, Volvo describes direct Ethernet or wireless LAN vehicle communication and states a DiCE-type interface is not required. The Volvo communication guide notes that implementation of those connection methods was incremental. Volvo's protocol guide identifies the XC90 model year 2016 as the start of its new electrical-platform example; other models must be checked individually.
Volvo's published workshop requirements describe specific J2534 software-download support and limitations; in that guide J2534-1 is not used for diagnostics. Do not assume any pass-through interface gives full VIDA functions. Confirm present requirements, subscription and vehicle compatibility with Volvo.