dash instruments haywire when lights are on

chj · Post by **chj** » 09 Oct 2008, 17:09

Hi - 1988 240 dl (wagon) 180 k mi. overall great shape. just bought it, did no electrical work.

When driving with the lights on (running or full lights) the temperature guage goes to the red zone and the gas guage goes to full. Turn the lights off - all reads normal.
I have a Childson manual.
Any ideas on the crossed wire or ground that causes such a thing ?
Thanks chj

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 09 Oct 2008, 17:35

moving this to the 240 section of the forum.

Post by **billofdurham** » 10 Oct 2008, 11:44

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

The instrument panel of this model is fitted with a voltage stabiliser or temperature compensation board which is designed to stop the problem you are experiencing. As it ages it stops working efficiently.

You can either replace the unit or fit a bypass which you can obtain from IPD. This link shows the bypass: http://www.ipdusa.com/version.asp?strPa ... 1&V_ID=613

Bill.