De-japanify my Volvo

[Gekkofrog]

Right essentially I’ve figured out the problem. But I don’t yet have a solution. Japanese Volvos use VICS (Vehicle Information Communication System) to receive data about navigation. (Korea uses a different system too) NZ/Aus/USA/EU and so on (except Brazil) use the INRIX system for RTI (Real traffic information/navigation). (This will also allow digital radio I believe too)

Now I don’t know if this requires a software change, hardware change (antenna for the vehicle in SPA/CMA models) or both! I’ve no idea how to go about this yet but I’ll do my best to attempt to figure it out. I hope someone can attempt this as-well (orbit please! ?) A change of market settings doesn’t seem enough to change from VICS to INRIX.

One thing I haven’t done is unplug the VICS system (I believe it’s on the front windscreen) to see if it would self revert to a local setting however I’d imagine the INRIX system is already programmed in if it’s a world wide system and just VICS is added for Japan.

I’ve tried researching everywhere but to no avail. Sorry if this thread is dead but I’ll continue to post when I have more information.

Cheers

Adam

Thank you for this. Looking forward yo your findings.
Orbit's creator had mentioned this should be possible. I hope this comes to his attention.

Hi there,

Just a quick update (well no news on my front so far as life has been in the way!) Have you removed the VICS unit/receiver from your car? I’ve not done it yet myself however I’m led to believe that the the VICS receiver overrides any other signal and attempts to keep seeking out the Japanese radio signal. 

I don’t know if anyone has removed there VICS receiver and then attempted to get EU radio signal on there Volvo (I’m not sure you would have to, I believe it would already be programmed in.

Volvo itself say

https://www.volvocars.com/lb/support/car...14d66e590/

in the note box at the bottom that explains that the map might need to be replaced.

im going to give the above ago incase nobody has tried it.