S80 instrument cluster (dim) dead

raving · Post by **raving** » 08 Dec 2011, 10:18

Hi all, I'm new here so treat me gently please! 2003 S80 D5 with no clocks working at all, none of the back lights work at all.
the only thing that works in the dim is the engine managment light which goes out when engine running.
I had the dash repaired a few years back and been fine until a few weeks ago when it died completely. I sent dim off for repair again, fitted back on the car yesterday and still nothing. after speaking to the repair man he is confident that the dim is working correctly and the problem now lies in the car somewhere......but where.
any help and guidence would be appriceated

Beachbum · Post by **Beachbum** » 08 Dec 2011, 20:31

Make sure your battery connections are tight and the battery has a full charge with no dead cells. Could be the culprit. You can check for dead cells with a battery hydrometer available at any auto parts store. They are cheap.

I had another car (non-Volvo) where all the lights/guages on the dash went out but the car still ran. Replaced the (weak) battery and everything came back.

Good luck.

Post by **jimmy57** » 08 Dec 2011, 21:19

If the low speed network is down all the things you list quit working. It is not something easily fixed without a lot of knowledge and some special equipment (VIDA).
If the DIM only was off then the DIM might be it but if windows, power seat, much of rear lighting, door locks, climate control, all quit working then either a wiring fault or a problem with one of the many modules has taken down the communication between those modules. This requires reading complete car codes at the least but a trained person using VIDA is the best way.

raving · Post by **raving** » 09 Dec 2011, 12:00

Thanks for your replies guys (beachbum and jimmy57), but only the dim went down. I can't see the battery being at fault as the car has been stood for two weeks whilst dim was repaired, when it was replaced it cranked over and started fine. However I will check these items over in the morning. There hasn't been any other electrical fault as in windows and door locks etc.
My problem now is this......... It isn't actually my car, it my fathers. And after reading some of problems other users of this forum have had (ABS or SRS) could it possibly be one of these? I have asked my father (70!) if any of these warning lights were on before the dim died and my reply was....wait for it....."ah.. there was a light on somewhere, but which one it was I couldn't tell you"! Wolud normal diagnostic bring one of these faults up, if the light is no longer illuminated, or will it need VIDA?
Again, thanks for your replies and I look forward to hearing from somwone soon!

raving · Post by **raving** » 09 Dec 2011, 12:16

raving wrote:Thanks for your replies guys (beachbum and jimmy57), but only the dim went down. I can't see the battery being at fault as the car has been stood for two weeks whilst dim was repaired, when it was replaced it cranked over and started fine. However I will check these items over in the morning. There hasn't been any other electrical fault as in windows and door locks etc.
My problem now is this......... It isn't actually my car, it my fathers. And after reading some of problems other users of this forum have had (ABS or SRS) could it possibly be one of these? I have asked my father (70!) if any of these warning lights were on before the dim died and my reply was....wait for it....."ah.. there was a light on somewhere, but which one it was I couldn't tell you"! Wolud normal diagnostic bring one of these faults up, if the light is no longer illuminated, or will it need VIDA?
Again, thanks for your replies and I look forward to hearing from somwone soon!

Sorry if I misled you on my first post, I quoted back lights not working, I meant the clock illumination lights on the dim.
Thanks again