Vida Vs Vdash – Which is best?

Short Answer… Both Depending on Model / Year and Location on the planet. Yay a simple straight forward answer LMAO.

People often ask what’s the difference between Vida and Vdash, what can Vida do that Vdash can’t? For the purposes of this I’m going to stick to talking about Vida2014D. But I will add some notes about Vida 2015 (Real Vida) at the bottom.

Diagnostics Model support (With a Dice/ VxDiag/Mongoose – Vxdaig are really only compatible for basic code reading with Vida and Vdash, not recommended for programming) :-

Vida2014d has Diagnostics support for models 1999-2015 (2019 with some modifications) .

Now, If you’re in America you can get a Subscription to GENUINE DEALER Vida (Vida 2015) which has 1999-Now model support. But the Rest of the world, only VAT registered Automotive business can have a Vida 2015 Account.

Vdash has model support for 1999-Now.

Vida 2014d isn’t Just a code reader, It has full parts catalogue, Fault trace, live data, can perform calibrations, activate service modes, it has specifications (both mechanical and electrical) , removal and replacement procedures and is often bundled with the Electronic Wiring Diagrams and even more elements.

If you have a supported model, for diagnostics and reference there is no equivalent. Vdash doesn’t come close.

Vdash can read and clear codes, and do some Calibrations and service modes, but has 0 Live data, and no fault trace. It would be wrong to call it a diagnostics tool any more than any other code reader.

However, Vdash can do much that not even a full Vida 2015 subscription can do, for instance Vdash can clone modules i.e. if you need to replace a dying or wobbly module, Vdash can clone yours to a used one from Ebay. No version of Vida will do that. Vdash can allow you to reconfigure the car in ways Vida can only dream of. ….from upgrading the dashboard to TFT screen or automatic to manual conversions, language changes, activating towing modules, retro fitting “upgrades”, Fixed “SRS” crash module, Diesel Injector coding, adding Keys etc etc etc .

Vdash can also do ECU Remaps, EGR Delete, DPF delete the list is endless. However, it varies so much by model year and ECU / CEM type that it’s a real mine field to give a straight answer, and VDASH is continually Evolving.

If you have a p1/p2 model Vdash configuration changes are really limited without the CEM pin code. P3 and later models Vdash can “crack” the CEM pin code, its very time-consuming (taking between 12 and 24hours) , but Vdash “Pros” like myself can get it done in 15 minutes (for a fee of course hahaha), it can even be done remotely if you have a supported Interface cable (Such as DiCE , VxDiag , Mongoose JLR)

Need your P1, P2 or P3 Cem pin code? Check out ModUnlock – the handheld CEM pin decoder

P1 / P2 / SPA models there are ways to get your CEM pin , but its not easy or cheap. PM me for details. Again, I can get it done remotely if you have a supported interface cable, or try ModUnlock

Vdash is Free for personal use, However, car configuration changes / cloning operations have a cost. Typically, around 47euros. There is a price list at https://d5t5.com/wiki/vdash/article-pricelist.

So, For most people with a p1, p2 or p3 Volvo, Vida is the best choice for “fixing” your car.  For newer models without Vida2014d Support Vdash is really the only choice as a fault code reader ..of course there are a hundreds of generic code readers. Generic code readers often lead to wild goose chases and misunderstanding. Icarsoft Vol2 is a great hand-held code reader. Veepeak ODB2 Bluethooth Dongle and Car scanner is a really great too as alternatives.