Design And Function - Volvo Link System Service Bulletin

Volvo Trucks North America, Inc.
Service Bulletin
System Operation
The Volvo Link System provides satellite communications between the driver and his
fleet home base. The hardware/software that is installed on the vehicle is discussed in
this bulletin. In order for the fleet home base to utilize the system, it must subscribe to
a web based service through Volvo. For information on the web based application and
subscription service, see the Volvo web site at
www.volvotrucks.us.com and look under the "Services" category.
The Volvo Link ECU is programmed differently for Cummins and Volvo engines. At the
time of the original installation in the vehicle, the Volvo Link ECU acquires the Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle in which it is installed. Replacement of the
ECU with one from another vehicle will not work. System checks within the ECU soft-
ware will recognize that the ECU is not in the proper vehicle and generate a notification
message. The Volvo Link ECU is connected to the J1587/1708 Information Data Link.
Incoming and outgoing messages are read on the instrument cluster graphic display
screen. Messages are sent and received through the vehicle's radio antenna system.
The vehicle location is identified through a Global Positioning System (GPS) antenna
located in the passenger side mirror head. The ORBCOMM network of Low-Earth Orbit
satellites relays information between the vehicle and fleet.
Some vehicles may be equipped with a "Volvo Action Service" switch that, when acti-
vated, will send a message to Volvo requesting assistance and providing the vehicle
location.

Design and Function

Date Group No.
397 001
3.2002
Page
3(32)