More details on speedometer malfunction. (1995 940 turbo)

okeetee · Post by **okeetee** » 12 May 2008, 05:10

So, if my odometer is working fine, and my trip-o-meter is working fine....but
my speedometer sometimes works and sometimes doesn't, is it a cluster problem or the device that is attached to the transmission? The speedometer will sometimes work as soon as you take off...and other times it won't start working until the car or engine warms up! Weird, huh?

Post by **jonesg** » 13 May 2008, 01:46

The problem is in the head, not yours.
It could be the gear that drives the needle.

In mine the whole head died.

http://www.brickboard.com/FAQ/700-900/E ... Fluctuates

girlbunny · Post by **girlbunny** » 07 Jun 2008, 03:51

I've been having sporadic problems with the speedo in my '90 940... it either doesn't go at all, sits on 40, or sits on 80 (no matter the speed)... I've traced it to humidity inside the cab of the vehicle. I've managed to get the car to NOT have problems with the speedo on humid days by keeping the cab open and the fan on as much as possible, although as winter approaches I know that this won't work for long!

Talking to some local Volvo repair places, they believe it's a problem with the circuit board that controls the speedo. According to them (and I'm aware that they're asking $400 to repair the problem, so it could just be a way to get money from a gullible female!) the problem is common in the 940s, and is a known error in the Volvo standard circuit board, especially in the first few years that the 940 itself was released.

I've picked up a manual for the car, and will be looking at cleaning the circuit board in case it's a problem with dirt or dust on the circuit board - as dust/dirt can cause problems with humidity and shorting.

As to whether it'll work or not, no idea - I'll have to try it out first, and that may take a while! However, there is a possibility that there may be an issue with the circuit board itself needing replacing, so I thought it may be an idea to let you have a heads up, and let the more knowledgeable few here throw in their own two cents

Sam

okeetee · Post by **okeetee** » 09 Jun 2008, 14:35

.....I've had it diagnosed and it's definitely not the Speed sensor...so the problem is in the cluster. My question now is this: how difficult is it for an amateur with some skills to remove the cluster from this model car? I had a 1983 Volvo and it wasn't too bad at all....but this one looks buried in there pretty good! I've gotten an estimate of $320 dollar to remove, fix and reinstall the cluster and am wondering if this is the easier pain than tearing it out myself and then sending it off to get fixed? Can I install an external speedometer as an alternative? Would that be cheaper? Any observations out there would be appreciated!!!

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Jun 2008, 17:55

How about a Pull-a-Part and just replace the cluster with another one?

okeetee · Post by **okeetee** » 09 Jun 2008, 20:59

....well, that's certainly an option, however, this 1995 volvo of mine is in mint condition and looks like a 2005! If I got another cluster from a junk yard, how would it look in my dash? I might be better off sticking with the one I've got and just getting the dio replaced or whatever it is that is causing the problem. I understand it's a common problem with these model volvos. I wonder if there was a recall on it or if volvo dealers are giving any breaks because of it's poor design in this area???

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Jun 2008, 21:20

You can always call and ask and the worst thing they'll tell you is "no." I would still be tempted to get a junk yard one and just change the innards of your cluster. You can also call (don't email...they are slow to respond with email) www.erievovo.com and see if they have one...they guarantee their parts to work.

wojeepster · Post by **wojeepster** » 10 Jun 2008, 12:10

try www.car-part.com I got a speedo for my volvo 240 go to the page with the asterisk for the lowest priced part.

okeetee · Post by **okeetee** » 13 Jun 2008, 10:19

Trying to figure out how to remove the cluster from my 1995 940 Volvo...and after a careful review it seems like there are just two "indentations" one on one side and another on the other side that you just stick a screwdriver into and it should unsnap the unit and then you just pull it out??? At first I thought you would have to tear up the entire dash board to get to it....but now, if I'm reading this correctly, it looks like a 10 minute job! Once you get the cluster out you just disconnect the 5 wires which should pretty much be snap connectors and then have the thing fixed! So I guess what I am asking is where can I get specific instructions on how to pull out the cluster in a 1995 940 Volvo! Got to be some manual or instructions on how to do it available on the internet! You guys have been great so far! Help me out here just alittle bit more!