Volvo's Dirty Trick

DUNE-T · Jun 9, 2024

Wait until the emissions system starts failing apart and other engine problems arrive. You won't be able to fix it yourself and you gonna end up paying a lot of money to someone else who has a diagnostic computer

Grumppy · Jun 9, 2024

ducnut said: ↑

Stop blaming Volvo! It’s a software feature every truck manufacturer have in their software, which allows fleets to setup a truck with whatever restrictions they want in place. Paying a dealership tech to walk through every parameter WITH YOU is how you can get the truck setup to your liking.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's not a Volvo thing. All brands have software that control everything. And just FYI, there's thousands of settings within that software that controls just about every aspect of operation.

As for us giving you tips on what you need to look for, its really going to come down to you driving the truck for a little while & see how it functions. What works & how it works.
I'll mention this, if you've got that I-Shift tranny, see if the "manual" shift button works. Ours are disengaged. Our company opts not to allow drivers to manually select shifting. In other words, It detects load etc & takes off in an appropriate gear for that load. However, if you need to take off in 1st gear for some reason, you can't manually shift down to 1st. It's going to be set to the last diagnosis it made.
generally speaking, with a <20,000 lb load, my 12 speed takes off in 4th.
Its a fuel saving issue. BTW, just like the 5 minute idle issue you have. Its a fuel saver.

You're just gonna have to drive it for a bit & see what you find that you don't like & make notes. Then take it to a dealer & get them to make the changes. But, no way you're gonna be able to get the mechanic to go through all the settings with you. There are thousands. Pages & pages of settings.

I'll add that you may not have those sub or secondary passwords depending on how the company had them set up the software. If all you have is the initial password to get into the system, your locally owned shop can probably get in and make the setting for $100 instead of $250 at the dealer.

toluso · Jun 9, 2024

I do appriciate the input y'all put forward, but I do not think it is appropriate for anyone to tell some one to "stop" my opinion because you have the opposing view. Your view is the only true or right statement? I see. I was inquiring about the 5 min idle feature on an other forum, many have affirmed that the 5 min idle comes stock off the showroom floor courtesy of Volvo, volvo fleet mechs state it as they are the first contact and are running the macro program through them. Have a great day!

AModelCat · Jun 9, 2024

That's why anyone who buys a new truck tells the salesman what parameters they want setup before it leaves the lot. You bought a used truck so you're going to have to get it configured to suit your needs. Nature of the beast.

MIg25 · Jun 10, 2024

toluso said: ↑

I do appriciate the input y'all put forward, but I do not think it is appropriate for anyone to tell some one to "stop" my opinion because you have the opposing view. Your view is the only true or right statement? I see. I was inquiring about the 5 min idle feature on an other forum, many have affirmed that the 5 min idle comes stock off the showroom floor courtesy of Volvo, volvo fleet mechs state it as they are the first contact and are running the macro program through them. Have a great day!
Click to expand...

Toluso,
I think your opinion is what makes these forums going, hence we are here. To ask, to respond to help, if you drive or have a truck, we are on the same boat. One hand helps another on here and on the road.
This brotherhood has to help each other. If I can help someone saving money with correct advise and opinion, I will do it all day long.
As for the truck, most companies regulate the speed, anything emissions related is managed on the federal level, not company level.
I called Penske, the ones that maintained my truck before I bought it, They did give me a password for the system, However, I did not need that password to change the idle parameter or top speed.
You will not find any surprises with your truck other than such parameters. Make sure you bring up to maintenance your truck. Check your transmission oil, if you have an automatic. Volvos are notorious to crack the radiator and mix antifreeze with transmission oil as the cooling lines run on the bottom of the radiator. Look at the site glass on the transmission, if your oil looks milky there is a problem.

Siinman · Jun 10, 2024

toluso said: ↑

When I bought my 2008 VNM, I had no idea of the 5 min shutdown or that it was a parameter that couldn't be disabled in the diag computer yourself. You would figure when you bought a vehicle, put the key in and it starts and that's it. I'm old school and bought a newer (to me) 2008 VNM, it shutdown on me when I was inspecting the engine and couldn't find the problem. I started it again and sat there looking at the dash, then it did it again but this time I seen the warning on the screen. Went through the computer with a fine tooth, couldn't find a shutoff for the shutdown so I called service dept and they told me I'd have to pay to get them to turn off what shouldn't be there in the 1st place. I then tried the OBD2 route, but they want $3-800 for the dongles to communicate with another $2k worth of software. I remember having full control of my truck but now I got pay service to disable idle shutdown. I'm not O&O, I'm a private old guy hauling a 5th wheel trailer. Does anyone have any other hidden things that should be modified for a retired guy not to have any more surprizes? I have to pay the full hour! OR has anyone figured out a less expensive way to navigate that system?
THANX fo listening.
Click to expand...

This is a setting that some fleets want put in the trucks so they cannot be idled. Nothing tricky about it from Volvo as all platforms have that option. Have the Volvo dealer take it out. Will have to pay for connection and will take about 15 -30 minutes max. You may want to see if anything else on it in the perimeters need to be changed to your liking before doing it. Also can bump up the HP or lower at that time.

Siinman · Jun 10, 2024

toluso said: ↑

I do appriciate the input y'all put forward, but I do not think it is appropriate for anyone to tell some one to "stop" my opinion because you have the opposing view. Your view is the only true or right statement? I see. I was inquiring about the 5 min idle feature on an other forum, many have affirmed that the 5 min idle comes stock off the showroom floor courtesy of Volvo, volvo fleet mechs state it as they are the first contact and are running the macro program through them. Have a great day!
Click to expand...

Wrong on that. My 2023 Volvo VNL 860 did not come like that. You have to tell them/dealer what you want when you pick the truck up. They will flash everything to your liking on the spot when you pick the truck up.

roundhouse · Jun 10, 2024

Every company is different

the one my neighbor drives for requires their drivers to leave the truck idling if they are loaded .

Log in or Sign up

Forums

Find Trucking Jobs

Volvo's Dirty Trick

DUNE-T Road Train Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

toluso Bobtail Member

AModelCat Road Train Member

MIg25 Light Load Member

Siinman Road Train Member

Siinman Road Train Member

roundhouse Road Train Member

Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Log in or Sign up

Useful Searches

Find Trucking Jobs

Volvo's Dirty Trick

DUNE-T Road Train Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!

Grumppy Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

toluso Bobtail Member

AModelCat Road Train Member

MIg25 Light Load Member

Siinman Road Train Member

Siinman Road Train Member

roundhouse Road Train Member

Wait, employers can't reach you!