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XC90 '02–'15 General Forum for the P2-platform XC90 model |
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VolvoTech CFE Canbus feature extender review.Views : 41183 Replies : 154Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Sep 6th, 2013, 18:48 | #1 |
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VolvoTech CFE Canbus feature extender review.
Hi all,
I have recently purchased one of these: 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' I hope the above can be of use to someone Some quick photos: Device Example of desktop Sw config. page Extra DIM functions
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2007 V70 P3 2.0 Ex: 01 V70 T5, 04 S60 D5, 05 V70 D5, 09 XC90 D5 Other cars: MINI Clubman Cooper S, GMC Yukon XL Denali 6.2L, Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Supercharged 735bhp. |
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Sep 7th, 2013, 08:48 | #2 |
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I have been looking at these as well. Think you may have convinced me to buy. Roll on next pay day!!
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Sep 7th, 2013, 09:53 | #3 |
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Last Online: Oct 6th, 2022 09:40
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looks fun but expensive
cant do any of this in VIDA? |
Sep 7th, 2013, 10:01 | #4 |
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Sep 7th, 2013, 10:02 | #5 |
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AFAIK.....no
I have VIDA/DiCE and havent seen any of these functions.
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2007 V70 P3 2.0 Ex: 01 V70 T5, 04 S60 D5, 05 V70 D5, 09 XC90 D5 Other cars: MINI Clubman Cooper S, GMC Yukon XL Denali 6.2L, Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Supercharged 735bhp. |
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Sep 7th, 2013, 10:12 | #6 |
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No
mike
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2012 volvo xc90 Executive Buccaneer Bermuda 2021 |
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Sep 7th, 2013, 10:16 | #7 |
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been looking at these myself thanks for buying one Alex, not sure i can justify the price to what it can do at the moment.
if there are any add ons from the company do you get the updates as and when free mike
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Sep 7th, 2013, 10:19 | #8 | |
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Quote:
Its a Dutch company and they have an open thread on the Dutch Volvo forums that is 100s of pages long. Members who have the device are invited to provide requests and feedback etc, and then they go and work on it. So in that respect, they are extremely open to ideas etc. It is expensive, but when you start to consider the amount of work that goes in to these, I can see how it ends up costing so much. The desktop software is very polished, the device itself looks extremely well made and I think they are hand-built to order too.
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2007 V70 P3 2.0 Ex: 01 V70 T5, 04 S60 D5, 05 V70 D5, 09 XC90 D5 Other cars: MINI Clubman Cooper S, GMC Yukon XL Denali 6.2L, Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Supercharged 735bhp. |
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Sep 7th, 2013, 10:36 | #9 |
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does the box stay plugged into the OBD port when in use, or just used as a 'loader' that can be disconnected?
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Sep 7th, 2013, 10:37 | #10 | |
Premier Member
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Quote:
You can also connect via the AEM and RTi I belive, but you would need to double check on the website. All the user and installation manuals are available to download if you are curious.
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2007 V70 P3 2.0 Ex: 01 V70 T5, 04 S60 D5, 05 V70 D5, 09 XC90 D5 Other cars: MINI Clubman Cooper S, GMC Yukon XL Denali 6.2L, Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Supercharged 735bhp. |
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