DIM (driver information module) illegible

docLocke · Post by **docLocke** » 02 Sep 2017, 19:54

2007 XC70 standard OEM DIM poor design (front lit; no backlighting) makes it near-impossible to read, day or night. Anyone share the problem and find a solution?
I've not seen this issue raised (search finds DIM functional problems); begin to wonder if something wrong w/ my vision. Or maybe my DIM missing something.
Any wisdom welcome.

Post by **yagger** » 02 Sep 2017, 23:14

What about backlight from radio? The same? In this case replace LSM.

Post by **oragex** » 03 Sep 2017, 08:40

Do you mean, you can't read the messages displayed on the lower left corner of the instrument panel? This panel is back light but the bulbs can burn causing it to be almost impossible to read. Maybe have the bulbs checked - careful to have the car battery disconnected at all time while working on the instrument panel.

Post by **jonesg** » 03 Sep 2017, 09:22

docLocke wrote: ↑02 Sep 2017, 19:54 2007 XC70 standard OEM DIM poor design (front lit; no backlighting) makes it near-impossible to read, day or night. Anyone share the problem and find a solution?
I've not seen this issue raised (search finds DIM functional problems); begin to wonder if something wrong w/ my vision. Or maybe my DIM missing something.
Any wisdom welcome.

My 2004 is impossible to read when driving on sunny days. Very difficult to read, if it's due to bulb failure it can stay that way. At night or overcast days it's ok.

Post by **JRL** » 03 Sep 2017, 12:32

If he has the watch dial gauges, the only light comes from above, a real dumb way of doing this but that's what Volvo did!
(Same as an R)

Post by **mrbrian200** » 03 Sep 2017, 15:27

The analog gauges are lit from the front/top, however, the LCD message/odometer/clock/etc. portions are back lit. If you're having trouble reading these in the daytime then there is likely a bulb problem or as yagger noted possibly an issue with the LSM/dimmer control.

docLocke · Post by **docLocke** » 13 Sep 2017, 07:15

No problem w/ backlit LCD messages, ISO, etc. The analog dials (speedo, tach) are lit by LEDs from above; i.e., they're reflecting and nearly invisible.
I've had the cluster out, confirmed no way to mod. Wondering about swap--assume all kinds of nasty data issues involved.
And yes: lousy design it was. Is.

Post by **mrbrian200** » 13 Sep 2017, 22:12

Reflective glare off the dial face. I understand now. I wonder if a polarizing film might help.