Rating The Top 3 Diagnostic Software for Volvo Trucks

Jan 21

Looking to avoid unnecessary downtime with your Volvo trucks? Choosing the right diagnostic software for Volvo trucks makes the biggest impact on faster turnarounds. In this article, I’ll be rating three of the top diagnostic software for Volvo trucks in Canada — what they can and can’t do, where each fits, and why more techs are shifting to third-party diagnostic options like Jaltest.

What Is the Best Diagnostic Software for Volvo Trucks?

Nothing tops Jaltest. Jaltest is the best diagnostic software for Volvo trucks by far, especially for independent shops and mixed fleets working with Volvos. Here are some reasons why it’s the best choice for me:

It covers Volvo engines, transmissions, ABS, and body systems with OEM-level bidirectional control. This matches the built-in capabilities of Volvo-branded diagnostic systems, while also providing the same functionality for competitor truck brands (Mack, Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth.etc).
It has clear troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams, and repair procedures that many shops say are easier to follow than Volvo’s own documentation.
Because it’s multi-brand, you won’t be stuck buying a separate diagnostic tool for every truck in your yard. Jaltest can do it all.

I’ve been in this industry for a long time, working on all kinds of makes and models, and since using Jaltest for the first time — it has quickly become a go-to. I highly recommend it for mixed fleets and anyone looking for something more advanced than their current system.

The Top 3 Diagnostic Software for Volvo Trucks

Now, let’s dive into my top 3 diagnostic software for Volvo trucks, which, of course, includes Jaltest.

Jaltest Volvo Diagnostic Software

I’ve made it clear already that this is my favourite, and in my opinion the best choice for Volvo truck diagnostics, so I’ll keep this brief. If you can’t afford multiple OEM subscriptions and tools, Jaltest diagnostics is a great solution.

With full-system scanning across engine, transmission, braking, suspension, and body controllers, it enables same-day repair in-house, reducing downtime significantly. You basically get the OEM capabilities of a brand tool, while not being exclusively limited to Volvo brand equipment.

Additionally, the software updates every 3-4 months with new Volvo functions and new model coverage.

Book a Jaltest Demo

Who It’s Best For

Mixed fleets
Independent repair shops
Mobile diesel techs
Any operation avoiding OEM licensing costs

Volvo Premium Tech Tool (VTT / PTT)

The Volvo Premium Tech Tool, also known as the Premium Tech Tool (PTT), is the official OEM Volvo diagnostic software used at dealerships. It’s available for sale in North America.

It offers access to proprietary Volvo functions, the ability to change PTO settings, idle shut-down timers, road speed limits and clutch adaptations, and obviously strong coverage of Volvo and its systems. This level of support is exclusively for Volvo vehicles and doesn’t work with other brands.

Volvo Premium Tech Tool licensing requires annual renewals and can get very expensive, especially when you have other OEM licenses to maintain. If you happen to have a Volvo-only fleet, this tool will have everything you need, no more, no less.

Volvo VCADS Pro

VCADS Pro is the older OEM diagnostic software that came before the Volvo Premium Tech Tool. It’s still used in many shops for legacy Volvo trucks.

While old, VCADS Pro is super reliable with pre-2008 Volvo models. It empowers techs to be flexible with parameter changes and calibrations on older Volvo models.

The main disadvantage of VCADS Pro is that it’s no longer supported by Volvo, and most likely will become obsolete in the near future. It can’t do as much with newer Volvo models. Shops that consistently work on older Volvos (pre-EGR and early EGR models) will get the most value out of using it.

Kevin Vieth

Kevin Vieth founded VieTech Training & Consulting Inc. in 2016 out of a passion for empowering heavy-duty and automotive service technicians through technical training. Due to the fast pace of technological advancements, he believes that on-going knowledge and skill development is imperative. With the operational pressures applied to business managers, skills training can be inconvenient, inaccessible and costly. This motivated Kevin to develop the Diesel Engine Technology Fundamentals in-class training curriculum to provide relevant and realistic diesel technology diagnostic training that is on-site, on-time and on-budget.

As a former technical Training Instructor for Cummins Western Canada, Kevin has delivered over 125 Cummins engine certification courses to over 500 heavy-duty technicians. Prior to his time with Cummins, he worked as a journeyman 310S automotive technician and then spent 3 years as a technical lead for Westport Innovations, a world leader in natural gas fuel system development. Kevin’s experience as a service technician, combined with his knowledge of fuel, emissions and engine controls acquired at Westport, helped him excel as a Cummins trainer and in diesel engine fault troubleshooting.

In addition to delivering on-site diesel engine diagnostic training to fleets nation-wide, Kevin also provides on-going remote troubleshooting and technical support to his clients.

https://www.vietech.ca