Are you looking to buy a suitable Volvo scan tool for your vehicle? You’ve come to the right place.
Using the right Volvo OBD2 scanner is almost magical. You get special access to some Volvo-only repair functions other generic scanners can’t offer. Moreover, they work seamlessly with Volvo cars, SUVs, and light trucks without any issues.
However, choosing the right Volvo scan tool can be tricky since many diagnostic devices claim to support Volvo vehicles.
In this review, we’ll examine the best diagnostic tools for Volvos based on our research and expert recommendations.
Based on your skill level and budget, here are the best Volvo OBD2 scanners in 2021!
Table of Contents
Best professional Volvo OBDII scan tools
The scanners in this category are best for professionals, DIY repairers, and auto shops. They offer more than the basic OBD2 diagnostics, with at least some system diagnostics. Foxwell NT630 Plus also offers more functions, including bi-directional controls, ABS bleeding, and other advanced service functions.
Foxwell NT630 Plus
FOXWELL NT630 Plus is a very affordable device, but that isn’t the only reason it is in-demand. It is hard to find a scan tool that offers ABS services, including ABS bleeding and ABS test, at this price range. If you’re stuck in a no-start situation, Foxwell NT630 Plus can help as well. Whether you’re a driver or a car technician, Foxwell NT630 Plus is a great tool to debug your vehicle. Either way, you’ll find it easy to use with its nice display, responsive buttons, and a user-friendly menu.
It can read live data so you can see where the issue may be originating from in real-time. It can perform all OBD2 tests functions and check all the systems in your Volvo for enhanced codes. It also has some professional reset functions to clear any warning lights and calibrate SAS after completing your repair.
Design-wise, the Foxwell NT630 Plus body is sleek and ergonomic. At only 3.25 pounds, it passes as a lightweight tool, so you can use it effortlessly or store it inside your car.
Although the Foxwell NT630 Plus is a great device with an easy-to-follow user interface, the speed reportedly drops with certain functions. Also, it lacks an inbuilt power source and doesn’t run on MAC systems.
AUTOPHIX ES610
Autophix ES610 is a professional full-system tool for Volvo vehicles made since 1996. It provides reliable access to all the control systems, from the engine to the chassis systems. All the codes it gets, both OBD2 and enhanced codes, are displayed in detail so you can understand it. Apart from system diagnosis, it can read live data and show freeze frame data in real-time. It can also reset the service indicator to turn off warning lights.
Autophix ES610 supports all OBD2 Volvo vehicles, including those made in China, US, and Europe – all three locations where Volvos are built. It can help you detect the cause of your Check Engine Light (MIL) without having to go to a mechanic. Even if you do visit a mechanic shop, you’ll be seeking a specific repair to fix your vehicle instead of being at the mercy of some sneaky mechanics who seek to exploit uninformed drivers.
Autophix ES610 can be slightly slow at times during operation. This shouldn’t affect you much, if at all, and you will still get accurate scan results. The more concerning weakness is that it doesn’t support most new Volvo models, so please check with the manufacturer before purchasing.
iCarsoft i906
iCarsoft i906’s job is to read and clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) for primarily Volvo and Saab vehicles. This means it can access manufacturer-specific codes that are only found in Volvo vehicles. All the systems in your Volvo will have their own trouble codes, and iCarsoft i906 will read them so you can see the origin of your car problems.
iCarsoft i906 covers all major OBD2 test functions including, O2 sensor tests, EVAP test, checking VIN, freeze frame, and live data stream. You can also use it to check the emission test readiness of your vehicle, so you know the result before you take the test. If there are any issues, it will let you know what to fix beforehand.
iCarsoft i906 keeps your Volvo healthy all-around and is backed by impressive customer service if you run into any issues. Do you prefer another language? No worries. iCarsoft i906 comes in multiple languages non-English speakers can benefit as well.
iCarsoft i906 could use a slightly larger display for the amount of information it provides from its test. Upgrading the device can be a little tricky as well. With more advanced service functions, it would have been even better for Volvo owners.
Top 3 professional Volvo OBD-II scan tools comparison chart
Editor's Pick FOXWELL NT630 Plus |  AUTOPHIX ES610 |  iCarsoft i906 | |
| Customer Rating | | | |
| Price range |  |  | |
| OBD2 functions | 10/10* | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| System functions | 10/10 | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Advanced service functions | 5/10 | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Bi-directional tests | 7/10 | 0/10 | 0/10 |
| Vehicle Covered (cars, SUVs, light trucks) | All cars, SUVs, and light trucks with reset functions. | All Volvo cars, SUVs, and light trucks with enhanced diagnostics on 28 Volvo models produced between 1996 and 2019. | All Volvo cars, SUVs, and light trucks, but is most compatible with 2005-2014 Volvo models. |
*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2
Which to Buy: iCarsoft i906, AUTOPHIX ES610, or FOXWELL NT630 Plus?
OBD2 functions and system diagnostics
Since they are professional tools, all three scanners support all ten test modes. iCarsoft i906, Autophix ES610, and Foxwell NT630 Plus supports all OBD functions, including live data, freeze frame data, O2 sensor tests, and IM Readiness. They can also check vehicle information, read pending, permanent, and stored DTCs, provide access to on-board monitoring test results, and access control of on-board systems.
iCarsoft i906, Autophix ES610, and Foxwell NT630 Plus also come bundled with advanced system diagnostics. They are powerful system diagnostics devices that will conveniently diagnose every system in your Volvo vehicles. This is a great feature for checking for faults on other parts of your vehicle apart from the engine system.
Please note that the iCarsoft i906 and Autophix ES610 can only do this on Volvo cars and works as a regular scanner on other OBD2 cars, while Foxwell NT630 Plus works with other cars as a regular scanner.
iCarsoft i906 performs these OBD2 and system diagnostics on a colorful TFT screen with intuitive silicon keys. Your diagnosis should be easy with its hardcopy user manual and its comprehensive Help and mode explanations. Autophix ES610 is also reliable, easy to use, and displays detailed definitions for the resulting DTCs at a great price.
Foxwell NT630 Plus is also reputable due to its innovative user interface and extremely powerful and fast system diagnostics. It also upgrades free for life, saving you money, unlike other similar devices.
Of all three devices, AUTOPHIX ES610 is best for Volvo since it is engineered for Volvos specifically.
Advanced service functions
The iCarsoft i906 and Autophix ES610 don’t have any other service function apart from turning off the Check Engine Light (CEL).
If you’re looking for more advanced service functions, you should buy the Foxwell NT630 Plus. In addition to oil reset, it offers airbag reset, ABS reset on 60+ vehicle makes, and SAS calibration on 30+ select makes.
Foxwell NT630 Plus is the best diagnostic tool with the right set of service functions for Volvo vehicles.
Coding/programming
Neither the iCarsoft i906, Autophix ES610, and Foxwell NT630 Plus can do any coding or programming. These features usually come with more expensive scan tools like Launch X431 V+, which supports offline and online coding as well as key programming.
Read more: Launch X431 V+ Vs. X431 V PRO Vs. Launch CRP Touch Pro Elite: Which I shouldn’t buy?
Bi-directional control
Bi-directional controls allow you to manually and temporarily control different modules in your vehicle. This allows you to recreate vehicle failures in the garage and detect the source of the problem.
Only Foxwell NT630 Plus supports bi-directional tests, and it offers ABS manual control tests, actuator tests, lamp tests, gear tension relief tests, etc.
If you want bi-directional testing capabilities on your Volvo vehicle, your best bet is the Foxwell NT630 Plus.
FOXWELL NT630 Plus
Vehicle coverage
All three devices support the main OBD2 protocols, including KWP2000, ISO2000, ISO9141, J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW, and CAN. This means they support OBD2 diagnostics on all vehicles made after 1996, but some of their enhanced diagnostics are reserved for specific car models.
For instance, Autophix ES610 works best with XC90(2003-2019), XC70(2008-2016), XC60(2009-2019), XC40(2018-2019), V90(2017-2019), V90 Cross Country(2017-2019), V70(1997-2016), V70 XC/XC70(2001-2007), V70 XC/XC70(1997-2007), V70 XC(1997-2000), V60(2019-), V60(2011-2019), V50(2004-2012), V40(2013-2018), V40(1996-2004), S90L(2018-2019), S90(2017-2019), S80(1999-2016), S70(1997-2000), S60L(2019-), S60(2019-), S60(2001-2019), S40(1996–2012), S40(1996-2012), C70(2006-2013), C70 Coupe(1998-2002), C70 Conv(1998-2005), C30(2007-2013). By and large, it covers all cars, SUVs, and light trucks with enhanced diagnostics on 25+ Volvo models produced between 1996 and 2019.
iCarsoft i906 is also most compatible with 2005-2014 Volvo models and works best with S60, S60(11-15), S70, S80(-06), S80(06-15), S90, V90, V40（13-15), V50（-12), V70(-00), V70(00‐08), V70(08-15), XC90, XC90(V8), S40(04‐12), C70 Coupe, C70 Conv, V70 XC(01-)/XC70(-07), XC70(08‐15), V70 XC(‐00), C30, C70(06‐15), XC60, V60.
Foxwell NT630 Plus also supports cars, minivans, SUVs, and light-duty trucks sold globally and made after 1996. It supports ABS and SRS maintenance in over 60 car makes, SAS calibration in more than 30 car makes, and 02 sensor tests in car models from over 50 manufacturers.
AUTOPHIX ES610
iCarsoft i906
FOXWELL NT630 Plus
Read more: FOXWELL NT630 Plus: Full OBD2 scanner with ABS SRS review
Best cheap OBD2 code readers for Volvo
As it turns out, budget-friendly OBD2 scanners are perfect for beginners since they offer the essential features to reveal the source of the problems in your vehicle. They are also much easier to use, and there is little chance of damaging your vehicle or ECU with highly advanced features like coding or programming.
Basically, the scanners in this category make your scanning easier with standard OBD2 functions, some system diagnostics, and some advanced maintenance functions. They cover all Volvo vehicles and can be used by drivers with little to no experience with car diagnostics.
The best cheap OBD2 scanners for Volvo are Foxwell NT301, BlueDriver, and Autel MS309.
Let’s examine them further to find which one is the best for you.
BlueDriver
BlueDriver has great features for Volvo users, but perhaps its most distinguishing feature is that it does not need any cables to work. It connects to your smartphone or tablet over Bluetooth and uses it as the screen to show live data, freeze frame data and many other diagnostics. The app itself is absolutely free and very easy to use. It even has a flashlight button within the app for when you’re working in the dark.
Not getting all the right codes can make for an incomplete repair. BlueDriver provides vital info that is super accurate and encompasses all of your vehicle’s systems. On top of that, it offers a way to take advantage of confirmed and expert-vetted fixes for different vehicle issues. Millions of repair data from across the world are aggregated in the app, which is all at your fingertips. It performs all OBD2 tests and can get enhanced codes on most cars with its extensive vehicle coverage.
BlueDriver connects seamlessly with Android and iOS smart devices, but it needs to add support for Windows OS phones. This device has the potential for more service functions and even some advanced capabilities like ECU coding and reprogramming. Lastly, the scanner is mostly limited to its default app, and connecting it to other apps is difficult.
FOXWELL NT301
Popular as one of FOXWELL’s most thorough engine scan tools, FOXWELL NT301 delivers a lot of information to work with. It is an advanced car engine fault sensor that helps check how well your Volvo engine is doing. I think I should clarify that, unlike BlueDriver, it can’t perform complete system diagnostics. It can only get codes from the engine. However, what it does do, it does very well.
In real-life use, you’ll find that it is a nice-looking device overall as it has a unique patented design. The buttons are simple to use, and the device itself is sturdily-built and will survive a few drops. FOXWELL NT301 doesn’t need a battery to work, so you won’t have to spend extra on replacing batteries from time to time.
It also has a built-in speaker and a unique 8-inch TFT color screen. To crown it all, it offers lifetime free software upgrades and a one-year product warranty.
Foxwell NT301 is easy to use, but it does take some learning. This is mainly because the instructions aren’t very straightforward, but you’ll find its menu quite intuitive once you understand it. The manufacturers need to protect the device better with an actual case since rubber protection can only do so much if dropped.
Autel MS309
Autel MS309 is a great pick for checking your health status by accessing and defining DTCs on all OBD2 compliant vehicles, including all Volvo models. It is relatively small, but it packs a lot of features into that portable build. Some of them include checking I/M readiness, freeze frame data, and retrieving VIN and O2 sensor tests.
The screen is backlit, making it incredibly easier to use than other average non-backlit code reader screens, especially in dark-lit garages. Autel MS309 fits well into a grip, and since it doesn’t require a battery, it is plug and play and will start working once you get your hands on them and plug them into the OBD2 DLC.
It sits comfortably at an affordable price point, making it a good entry-level code reader for first-time buyers. Regarding protocols, it supports J1850 VPW, ISO2000, J1850 PWM, KWP2000, ISO9141, and CAN.
Autel MS309 has only two buttons, but they are loud when in use. It is very cheap, which might explain why it lacks many non-OBD2 diagnostics functions like system diagnostics and more reset functions.
Top 3 cheap Volvo OBD2 scanners comparison chart
 BlueDriver - Editor's pick |  FOXWELL NT301 |  Autel MS309 | |
| Customer Rating | | |  |
| Price range | | | |
| OBD2 functions | 10/10* | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| System diagnostics | 10/10 | 4/10 | 1/10 |
| Advanced service functions | 5/10 | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Vehicle Covered (cars, SUVs, light trucks) | Cars, SUVs, and 12V trucks 1996 or newer. | Cars and SUVs from 1996 and newer. | Cars, SUVs, and 12V trucks 1996 or newer. |
*Notes: Excellent: 9-10; Good: 7-8; Fair: 5-6; Poor: 3-4; Very poor: 1-2
Which to Buy: FOXWELL NT301, BlueDriver, or Autel MS309?
OBD2 functions
Foxwell NT301, BlueDriver, and Autel MS309 all run complete OBD2 tests on Volvo vehicles. With these scanners, you can read error codes and prepare your vehicle for an emissions test. They provide industry-standard live data readings so you can see how your car is performing. You can view that live data in graph mode on the Foxwell NT301, and BlueDriver allows you to view it as a graph, gauge, or digital display.
Apart from displaying live data, they all support all other OBD2 test modes. Some of the ten OBD2 tests you can perform on this scanner include live powertrain data readings, checking freeze frame data, accessing stored, permanent, and pending DTCs, and clearing and resetting emissions diagnostic information. The others include performing O2 sensor tests, accessing on-board monitoring tests results, controlling said on-board systems, tests, or components, and checking vehicle information.
Autel MS309 lets you do all that on a backlit screen with a fast processor and without any battery. Essentially, it is a small and light device with all the standard OBD2 functions you could need, and it remains one of the cheapest code readers with such functionality.
Foxwell NT301 also has its perks. Its well-organized menu makes it easy to use for OBD2 diagnosis. Unlike Autel MS309, NT301 has a colored screen that conveniently displays the OBD2 error codes. Using it is as easy as plugging it into your OBD2 DLC and hitting the big “Read” button.
BlueDriver is even more convenient since you can perform these tests from your smartphone or tablet over a free app. If you buy the BlueDriver, you also get access to over 30 million confirmed fixes on other cars, including Volvos. It might be cheap, but it packs a punch.
We recommend BlueDriver for anyone looking for a powerful yet cheap OBD2 scanner for Volvos.
System diagnostics
System diagnostics allow you to check manufacturer-specific, non-OBD2 vehicle systems. Different OBD2 scanners have different reach when it comes to the number of systems they can diagnose. In this case, BlueDriver can diagnose all systems in your Volvo vehicle, but neither the Foxwell NT301 nor Autel MS309 can diagnose these systems.
In essence, the BlueDriver can read codes from your SRS systems, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), braking system, Steering, and Suspension (SAS) system, electrical system, cooling and lubrication, and so on, name it!
The other devices are only OBD2 code readers, so they can’t serve you when it comes to system diagnostics.
BlueDriver is a no-brainer if you want a cheap, full-system diagnostic tool for Volvo vehicles. Nothing comes close at this price range!
BlueDriver
Price range: $109-$129
Advanced service functions
BlueDriver can perform up to 3 advanced service functions for better vehicle maintenance, while Autel MS309 and Foxwell NT301 only have one service function. BlueDriver’s service feature allows it to reset the oil light, reset TPMS, and register new batteries.
Autel MS309 and Foxwell NT301, on the other hand, can only turn off the Check Engine Light (CEL). The CEL is a common problem for many drivers, so clearing CEL or oil reset is a very handy feature to have under your belt.
If you want the best range of service functions from a cheap Volvo scan tool, buy BlueDriver.
Vehicle coverage
All three devices have been selected because they support all Volvo OBD2 cars, but they also support most other brands. For instance, Foxwell NT301 supports almost all worldwide cars, SUVs, 12V diesel, and hybrid (except motorhome) made after 1996. Its coverage can even be extended to some older OBD1 vehicles made between 1994 to 1995 as long as you have the right adapter, such as the MOTOKU Ford OBD1-OBD2 cable.
The other scanners also have similar extensive coverage beyond Volvo vehicles. BlueDriver covers all OBD2 cars, light trucks, SUVs, and 12V heavy-duty trucks made after 1996.
Autel MS309 can also support all cars and light trucks built after 1996. In general, all three scan tools support all OBD2 protocols, including KWP2000, ISO2000, ISO9141, J1850 PWM, J1850 VPW, and CAN.
FOXWELL NT301
Price range: $59-$79
BlueDriver
Price range: $109-$129
Autel MS309
Price range: $19-$39
Read more: Never Buy BlueDriver Bluetooth Professional OBDII Scan Tool Before Reading This Guide
Final thoughts
We’ve covered the best Volvo scan tools in the cheap budget category with the Foxwell NT301, BlueDriver, and Autel MS309 devices. All three budget scan tools offer comprehensive OBD2 diagnostics and will help you turn off your CEL, although BlueDriver offers additional reset functions like TPMS reset.
We considered iCarsoft i906, Autophix ES610, and Foxwell NT630 Plus in the professional category, each with its own unique offering. However, they all support complete OBD2 and system diagnostics on most vehicles. Foxwell NT630 Plus offers some useful service functions and bi-directional testing, making it a great value for money at its price.
Here is a breakdown of which scan tool is best for Volvo drivers and mechanics:
- Best Cheap Volvo OBD-II scanner: BlueDriver
- Best professional Volvo diagnostic tool: FOXWELL NT630 Plus
BlueDriver
Price range: $109-$129
FOXWELL NT630 Plus
Price range: $129-$149
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