Instrument Cluster conversion with installation instructions

bnzlva · Post by **bnzlva** » 12 Mar 2007, 12:20

I recently found out I needed to replace the instrument panel on my 95 850. I picked one up from a junk yard for $100 and took it home to install. This was about the easiest things I have done in a long time, I was honestly shocked. Anyways, what I failed to notice was that the instrument panel I bought has the information panel display (mine just displayed the time and temp). This doesn't really bother me, but I was curious if it was difficult to add what would be needed in order to make the information display work. I'm crossing my fingers that it is something which won't be too difficult. Also, the car that this instrument panel came out of is still at the salvage yard, so I can get any additional parts I would need. THANKS!

larryh · Post by **larryh** » 12 Mar 2007, 19:25

i don't know for sure, but i'll bet you a dollar you if you look, you will find a wire harness and plug in there and you can just plug it in.

i've found similar "options" for my car, like heated seats!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 12 Mar 2007, 20:19

I have not tried to modify the lower information center so what I have is based on the word of others at the scary site.

My understanding is that you need to have an ECU change or a chip change/firmware alteration in the ECU, I can't remember, to make the enhanced system work. You of course also need the info switch and its wiring to the display.

The lower display snaps out with a couple of tabs and you could always take the old lower information panel from the old cluster and put it into the new cluster and be back at par.

Let us know what you find so we know for sure.

...Lee

bnzlva · Post by **bnzlva** » 12 Mar 2007, 23:03

Well, as to the first reply to my original message, I have looked high and low, following every wire with no luck finding a plug. I'm thinking that the plug may be attached to the info switch, just a thought. I'm going to go back to the yard tomorrow and check it out.

As to the second reply, I was thinking the same thing. If not upgrades, then an additional computer which reads the info. I might try to get the ECU out of the wrecked one, that should do the trick. Also, the owner of the wrecking yard told me the same thing, to switch out the display units, but my old one plugs into the cluster whereas this one is soldered directly to the circuit board, so no luck there. I'll update this post when I get back from the yard tomorrow.

bnzlva · Post by **bnzlva** » 15 Mar 2007, 18:20

*NOTE* I wouldn't recommend doing this unless you are already replacing the instrument cluster as the standard lower unit with time and temp is simply plugged into the cluster whereas the optional lower unit with information system is soldered directly to the cluster's circuit board.

To change a standard instrument cluster to an optional instrument cluster with info computer, it's very simple. You will need:

Instrument Cluster with trip computer
Information system switch

To install:

1.Remove instrument cluster using the following link - (http://www.seawinds.ws/volvo/instrument_cluster.htm)

2.Pop out one of the dummy covers to the right of the ignition and feed the wiring harness and plug through the hole. Start to install the cluster so that the back of the cluster is facing upward toward the ceiling (this will make it much easier to plug in the rear wiring harness). Plug in the wiring harness into the back of the new instrument cluster.

3. Finish installing the new instrument cluster.

It's really that easy!

It seems that one of two things is true: Either all of the 850 ECU's are programmed for the optional system or the programming is in the optional lower unit itself. Whichever is true, mine works perfectly.
Now, of course, it is highly recommended that you replace the commonly used bulbs before installing any used cluster. Hope this helps someone else with the same idea!

dimvolvo · Post by **dimvolvo** » 13 Nov 2008, 09:45

bnzlva wrote: 1.Remove instrument cluster using the following link - (http://www.seawinds.ws/volvo/instrument_cluster.htm)
Hope this helps someone else with the same idea!

1. This link doesn't work now and search doesn't help. Better to say it works but there's nothing related to the instrument_cluster is on the page instrument_cluster.htm.
2. Could you help me with opposite problem, I want to disconnect my info center but get a message on the display "dISC"?

bugeye58 · Post by **bugeye58** » 06 Feb 2009, 15:28

Try this link:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/odometer_fix.php

Jeff

Cubes · Post by **Cubes** » 30 Dec 2009, 06:41

How similar is this procedure to that needed for an 02 C70? I have a new set of dials I want to fit.

Alecw81 · Post by **Alecw81** » 28 Mar 2011, 19:11

Can an 02+V70R gauge cluster be swapped in to a 98?

Post by **jblackburn** » 28 Mar 2011, 19:16

No. Totally different communications bus.