Garmin EcoRoute HD Review

Whats in the Box

OBD-II probably isn't a term too familiar to users of GPS devices, but most of the cars we all drive these days are equipped with an OBD-II diagnostic socket so lets start by looking at what OBD-II is and what it can offer a car owner. In Europe, all petrol engined cars made since 2001 have to comply with the OBD-II standard, all diesel cars made since 2003 are also compliant, however, some manufacturers fitted the socket earlier than required.

It offers a diagnostic capability where faults logged by the car can be read to assist the garage/ home mechanic to troubleshoot a car that's not performing correctly. Ever had the 'MIL' or 'Check Engine Light' illuminate while driving and had to take the car to a garage to have a computer plugged in to the car to read codes and reset the light? Typical costs for this can vary between £25 and £75 just to turn the light off which is a very simple job in itself assuming you have the equipment.

In addition to fault code reading and resetting the Check Engine Light the OBD-II port offers access to a huge array of data from the car whilst it's being driven.

The Garmin ecoRoute HD accessory plugs in to the cars OBD-II socket and employs Bluetooth technology to transmit data from the car to a compatible Garmin Sat Nav (a list of compatible models is available at the end of this write up). Of note is the physical size of this accessory, in the picture below is the Garmin unit sat next to my OBD-KEY scanner which performs nearly the same functionality, albeit employing a laptop to display the information.

Installation

Depending upon the location of the OBD-II socket in your car, this could make securing the accessory quite a challenge, you need it to be well away from interfering with any of the cars controls, especially the pedals and steering wheel. The device is supplied with double sided sticky tape and some tie wraps and the body of the main unit has a number of holes through which you can secure the tie wraps.

Please examine your car for suitability when fitting this accessory prior to purchase, as it won't suit all cars due to the location of the diagnostic socket.

Once the box is unpacked you need to locate the car's OBD-II socket, it is often found inside the car near to the drivers side either under the dash or as part of a fuse box. In this instance for my Volvo V70 it's under a small cover within the cubby box under the centre arm rest.

Help me find my Radio Code please ... - Volvo Forums - Volvo ...

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost , you will have access to start new topics, reply to conversations, privately message other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join Volvo Forums today ! Calling them will not help you, they want to see the title in person and they will enter the VIN# off of the title into there computer and pull your radio code. The dealers have never asked me for money when giving me my codes, this is something they offer for free. If you have your book that came with the car, there should be a small card the size of a credit card in the book and it will have a four digit code on it and that will be your radio code.Good luck.