Downloading software and replacing the control module

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2006 Volvo S80, 2005 Volvo S80, 2004 Volvo S80, 2003 Volvo S80, and 2002 Volvo S80. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

New software can be downloaded into the SRS (supplemental restraint system). When ordering software, the hardware and the software in the car is compared to the Volvo central database. If the comparison is OK the software is downloaded to the control module.

If the comparison between the car and Volvo central database is not OK, the database is updated with the car configuration. When this is complete the software is downloaded. The software file will contain different types of information depending on the car's date of manufacture.

In S80s manufactured before structure week 9950 the control module is pre-loaded with the parameter settings file and only the signal configuration file need be downloaded.

The Structure weeks can be read off using VIDA.

After structure week 9950, vehicles have the same hardware but different software. When the control module is replaced the new control module will not have any preprogrammed software.

The type of information which will be downloaded are parameter files containing:

Car type
Right / left hand drive
Parameters unique to this model
If the car has a passenger airbag or not
And a signal configuration file.