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Hello there, I have a 2016 Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum. My maps one day started going wack and couldn't find me. Took it to the dealer and they couldn't connect to the car because the VCM was bad. Which also does maps etc. from my understanding. I bought a used one from Ebay and installed it matching part numbers. I was going to try to update it via VIDA but it's like impossible to get working on my laptop. Orbit looks so much easier to use, and I can activate things like adaptive cruise with it. Will Orbit also do software updates, and can I flash my VCM? Dealer quoted me over $2K for a new VCM and reload. I can try to get VIDA to work again but after downloading and creating an account it won't even let me sign in. Thanks
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You'll need to purchase 3 day subscription for VIDA. You cannot log in without subscription.
Having said that, VCM is one of the main ECUs like BSM (ABS) module which means most likely VIDA wouldn't reload a used unit from another car.
However, in some cases it is possible to replace eeprom chip that stores the VIN from original unit to used replacement and then reload.
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Orbit can flash some ECUs like HCM, AUD if you have the correct unencrypted and correct (SBL, DATA and EXE) VBF files. Not sure if Orbit supports flashing VCM. Contact support team, they might be able to help you with flashing.
Here is the thing with VIDA and Software reloads,
All volvo service centers will tell you the same thing because they want to sell parts and charge extra for software reload labour hours. "VIDA will not reload any used parts from another car even if the part number matches" That is not entirely true though.
VIDA wouldn't reload used security and safety ECUs such as BSM, ABS, SRS, CEM and etc. On the other hand, I reloads, other ECUs such as seat, door, climate ECUs if the part number of the replacement is listed in the parts catalog of the VIN.
But no one can tell you for sure it will or will not. It worked for me for used HCMs. You will need to try to reload yourself. The risk is the cost of the reload software and asking for refund. Volvo might or might not issue a refund.
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VBF is just a container that has different parts in it. Like SBL, DATA and EXE.
All the downloaded software (VBF files) from VIDA are encrypted. Before writing the software on the ECU, VIDA decrypts and divides it to several smaller VBF files and installs them one by one.
Some ECU such as SWM, HCM reloads requires calibration or configuration procedures run by the VIDA. Some ECUs requires different procedures for software reload like ECM that has a PIN.
FYI protected levels on the ECUs like BSM, CEM, ABS, SRS are written only ones on a brand new ECU that ties ECU to the VIN.
