Flying Blind

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 11 Apr 2020, 11:43

Heh guys. How is everyone? Hope you all are well.
I left the house a couple of hours ago to run a few errands and all was well. When I cam out of a store and started the car, the whole dashboard went dark. All gauges are to the left and not working. The radio still works fine and the headlights and turn signals work also. Any idea what this might be? Is it a bad fuse?

Post by **E Showell** » 11 Apr 2020, 12:58

Could it be DIM (Driver Information Module) failure? Never experienced it myself, but it is a thing.

Post by **SuperHerman** » 11 Apr 2020, 14:23

Agree with E Showell - DIM failure is pretty common. Most shops speedometer repair shops can fix your unit. Do some digging and you will find places that repair them locally. DIM unit easy to remove, there are videos out there on the process. Just unplug your battery first or you will have an SRS airbag light.

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 11 Apr 2020, 14:27

Thanks guys! Have not heard yet of a "DIM" unit. Would it be cheaper to buy a used one that has been tested for workability?
Not sure if this unit is a "plug 'n play" type thing.

Post by **E Showell** » 11 Apr 2020, 15:05

I think XeModex up in Canada may do a refurb service, but I don't know relative cost. They usually guarantee their work though. They are also a forum sponsor (props to XeModex).

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 11 Apr 2020, 15:21

Doesn't look good for me if it is indeed the DIM. ($450)

https://xemodex.com/us/product/driver-i ... 473-10-20/

Post by **oragex** » 11 Apr 2020, 15:49

Look up for Ebay DIM repair services $150 but keep the battery disconnected so you don't get an SRS message

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 11 Apr 2020, 18:12

Thanks oragex for that suggestion. I just found this place in California, but not sure yet if they can help me with my '02 v70.

https://www.germanaudiotech.com

Post by **darrylrobert** » 11 Apr 2020, 21:24

Check online for information, like all electronics get hot and joints expand (google Volvo dim dry solder) thats why yours worked until it got hot and after many years need to be re-soldered. Anyone that does electronics can do this easily.

If you buy a used unit it needs to be same year vehicle, ive heard should work or might need to be programmed to the car.

NOTE if your not confident with fixing electronics pay someone else to do it

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 12 Apr 2020, 06:23

You guys will laugh at this one. I was actually enjoying the info window on my instrument panel as it has not been working for awhile and it looked like the matrix from the same movie. Lots of skewed numbers and letters constantly moving. Darn now I have to fix it!
Happy Resurrection Day to you all!