VXDIAG user review on Volvo XC90 2007 using VIDA 2014D scanner:
As a Volvo XC90 owner, I’ve always been on the lookout for a cost-effective yet efficient diagnostic tool that helps me better understand and maintain my car. After some research, I found many people praising the original Volvo DiCE tool, but its high price really made me hesitate. At the same time, there are quite a few cheaper knock-off versions out there, but I’ve heard that their functionality is incomplete and they’re not very stable. That’s when I came across the VXDIAG VCX SE 3 in 1 (also drives a Toyota and Renault). It claims to have more features than the knock-offs, yet costs a lot less than the original DiCE. The price-to-performance ratio was too tempting to pass up, so I decided to give it a try. Now, I’m sharing my experience to help others who might be in the same boat as me and looking for a reliable diagnostic tool.
I opted to purchase the device directly from the VXDIAG official website (www.vxdiagshop.com) for two main reasons: first, the website provides detailed product descriptions and guides, which reassured me that I was getting a genuine product instead of a third-party imitation. Second, they have warehouses in Europe and the US, so shipping was fast and convenient. I received the device in just five days. Now, let me walk you through my experience.
1. Installing the Device
When I received the device, the packaging was compact and well-designed, with a clear installation guide inside. Following the guide, the first step was to install the dedicated software. The 2014D version of the diagnostic software is easy to find online, and plenty of Volvo owner forums have detailed installation instructions, so I had no trouble downloading and installing it.
The installation process was smooth, and the interface was simple and easy to navigate. In addition to the main software, I also needed to install a program called “VX Manager,” which manages the device drivers. This program is free, and I downloaded it directly from their official website. The download process was quick, and installation went without a hitch. One thing that impressed me was how frequently VX Manager gets updated, which gave me confidence that the device would continue to be supported for a long time.
During installation, my antivirus software did flag a warning, but it didn’t cause any real issues. I suppose this could be annoying for some users, but if you’re concerned, you can temporarily disable your antivirus software during the installation. Overall, everything went smoothly.
2. Setting Up the Software
Once the installation was done, I opened VX Manager, and the interface was clean and straightforward. I followed the manual’s instructions to ensure the key drivers, especially the Passthru and Volvo drivers, were properly installed. These drivers are crucial for the device to communicate correctly with the car. The interface responded quickly, and everything went according to plan.
If you’re just using it for basic diagnostics and simple feature activations, the default settings will suffice. So, after verifying everything, I closed the software and prepared for the real-world test with my car.
3. Connecting the Device to the Vehicle
Next, I connected the VCX SE unit to my Volvo XC90 via the OBD-II port. The device fit perfectly, and the indicator light confirmed a successful connection. I powered on my laptop and launched the Volvo-specific diagnostic software. Everything worked smoothly. In the software settings, I selected the VCX SE as the diagnostic tool, and I was ready to begin testing.
4. User Experience
I have to say, I’m really impressed with how well the device performs. It runs smoothly, and in terms of user experience, it’s almost identical to the original Volvo DiCE tool, but at a much more affordable price. Functionally, it quickly identified the car’s systems and displayed detailed diagnostic information. I was even able to successfully activate the automatic window-closing function, and the process was seamless, with no delays or glitches.
What really surprised me is that the device may offer even more advanced features beyond basic diagnostics. I’m planning to explore further over the next month and see what else I can unlock. So far, the VXDIAG VCX SE Volvo has exceeded my expectations and is perfect for car owners looking for a high-value diagnostic tool.
I hope this review helps other car owners find the right tool for their needs!