Had a recent vehicle health check by Volvo. They said rear brake pads are 90% worn (34k miles). They didn’t offer to replace them there and then and only informed me when I collected the vehicle.
I dropped the car off at a mechanic today who tried to replace them but said he couldn’t because he didn’t have access to some software from Volvo that was required. He got quite technical at this point so I can’t remember the details but has anyone else had this experience? He said his own software was fully up to date and even borrowed a laptop from another mechanic but still no luck. Said he would need to sign up for a certain package from Volvo and pay them a day rate to be able to the job (and other things like service).
Mechanic couldn’t change brake pads due to not having access to latest Volvo software
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Chris John
- Posts: 500
- Joined: Mon Jul 20, 2020 9:08 pm
Sounds about right. Designed to stop any old mechanics doing jobs like that. Everything is software driven these days
Volvo XC40 T5 R-Drive Pro. Thunder Grey with lots of extras
Probably like VW, the software is required to wind back the rear pads via the parking brake motors. Releasing the handbrake will wind them back a little, but not far enough to fit new full depth pads.
B4 AWD Inscription , Fusion Red, Blond interior. Drivers Assist, Climate, Tinted rear windows and Towing pack.
Ordered 14 Dec 20, delivered 10 March 21
Ordered 14 Dec 20, delivered 10 March 21
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Deleted User 4296
@Chris John - Don't think it's "designed to stop any old mechanics doing jobs like that" as changing the brake-pad's, especially on disc-brakes, used to be, and still should be, one of the easiest jobs to do - perhaps designed for other reasons - and the cost to replace them may offer a clue??
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Chris John
- Posts: 500
- Joined: Mon Jul 20, 2020 9:08 pm
Used it be……not anymore. What home or back street mechanic is going to purchase software from Volvo to change brake pads? They’d rather stick to Ford Fiesta’sJohn wrote: ↑Sat Dec 31, 2022 9:27 am @Chris John - Don't think it's "designed to stop any old mechanics doing jobs like that" as changing the brake-pad's, especially on disc-brakes, used to be, and still should be, one of the easiest jobs to do - perhaps designed for other reasons - and the cost to replace them may offer a clue??
Volvo XC40 T5 R-Drive Pro. Thunder Grey with lots of extras
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Deleted User 4296
Well, in my limited view, you would think a decent manufacturer would allow their software to be used by at least independent and reputable specialists - and thought they had to when it comes to certain things like general servicing? - changing pad's is still just a few hrs afternoons work (both sides) , but made impossible to do these days for other reasons??
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Deleted User 3359
You need to remember that brake systems now are much more complex than they used to be. I could easily change pads and fluid on my 2003 Kawasaki GTR 1000 motorcycle, but the minute you add ABS, traction control, and in this case EPB it becomes a whole different game.
A few years back, I was a Ford owner and tried to get hold of their ETIS info package, and had to register as a trader, and if I wanted more than basic info would have had to pay a monthly subscription of (IIRC) about £50...
A few years back, I was a Ford owner and tried to get hold of their ETIS info package, and had to register as a trader, and if I wanted more than basic info would have had to pay a monthly subscription of (IIRC) about £50...
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Deleted User 4296
Don't think it's the mechanic's ability - think it is to do with not being able to obtain the software to complete the task?
