trip computer add-on for '95 850?

nedro018 · Post by **nedro018** » 02 Jun 2013, 22:29

is there an option for adding trip computer features to my 1995 volvo 850? it doesnt have to be volvo brand add-on.

i primarily want instantaneous/avg fuel consumption rate values....not the rest.

if someone has another way around this im all ears. i think it may --NOT- be possible as these values must (have to) come from the engine computer installed on the car at production.

but i may be wrong. thx all.

-ned

Post by **jimmy57** » 03 Jun 2013, 07:52

Junkyard harvest of the TC module from cluster plus the switch. Plug n play once it is installed. The wire harness for switch is stored snapped to the back of the blank where switch installs to the right of steering column.

nedro018 · Post by **nedro018** » 04 Jun 2013, 20:21

thx jimmy. so to final clarify....all the internal wiring for the TC features are -already- going to the the car computer/fuel pump/etc?

is this what you mean by plug and play? what you are saying is that all internal wiring is in place, and, that i dont need a new car computer, correct?

if yes on all i will "harvest" from salvage yard.

lastly....are there any years constraints on which models i cann pull from? i think 2005 would be max.

thx again jimmy.

Post by **rmmagow** » 05 Jun 2013, 11:34

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Volvo-850-Turbo ... a6&vxp=mtr

But Hurry!

Post by **jimmy57** » 05 Jun 2013, 11:54

Yes, all the info is already wired to cluster and all that was done to add TC back when new was to pull ot the blank, insert the TC and plug in the switch harness and then plug in the switch on other end.
It would be safe to get the switch harness as I think some years may not have had that on every non-equipped car.

The EBAY listing is complete, I second what RMMagow said.

nedro018 · Post by **nedro018** » 05 Jun 2013, 19:58

ok thx guys. i bought your ebay TC rmmagow. thx for all.

Post by **rspi** » 06 Jun 2013, 11:17

Don't think that was rmmagow's but it should work as long as you have the proper cluster. Volvo had 2 clusters, Yazoo and the VDO clusters. I'm pretty sure the VDO clusters were made for the trip computers.

How to tell the difference? Well, here is a pic that I have put together. The VDO has the numbers on the otter edge of the dial.

The '93 and '94 have a different connector on the back of the cluster, not easy to plug in.

When you connect it, it may take a few tanks to properly calculate the "distance to empty".

Post by **rspi** » 06 Jun 2013, 11:19

Oh, another option is the Scan Gauge type of OBD-II tool that can be purchased. I have a use a www.ScanGauge.com all the time. Mine is the Scan Gauge II. There are other similar tools that are less expensive.

nedro018 · Post by **nedro018** » 06 Jun 2013, 20:46

rspi...would this be -the- robert with the most excellent youtube vids? man your instructional videos ROCK. nice work.

i think i have a VDO, mine looks like the left cluster with odom at the bottom. for now, i only have a clock there. im pretty sure that TC will work.

nedro018 · Post by **nedro018** » 08 Jun 2013, 21:00

all,

so i bought a trip computer on ebay that supposed to be compatible with 95-98 volvo with VDO clusters. i havent taken my cluster out yet, but i was looking at the trip computer i received.
on the back, it has 2 connectors. one for the switch, the other connector says "ABS" which i assume means antilock braking system (?). if so, then how does the trip computer talk to/communicate with the car computer to get fuel usage data? i haven't taken the cluster out yet, im just asking the question. does the "ABS" connector on the TC connect to the car computer? or to the braking system? thx.