2002 xc70 Dash Problems

Donnaxc70 · Post by **Donnaxc70** » 25 Sep 2014, 12:35

I have a 2002 XC70 with 93000 miles. Lately the dashboard has been doing some really odd things. The trip meter resets itself randomly back to 0 or will reset to something outrageous like 850 miles. The clock changes time on it's own, and the high beam indicator only works intermittently (bulb was replaced recently). It seems to do this wacky stuff when I have turned the car off and then restart the car, which could be a day or two later. Has anyone else ever experienced this and if so, what is the fix? A Volvo dealer told me a new dash would cost about $1000 plus the labor. Not sure I want to spend that much but I sure would like to know what is causing this and what the fix is. Thanks very much!

Post by **chrism** » 25 Sep 2014, 14:15

This is a common failure on these cars. It's not "if" it fails - it's "when" it fails.

This is probably the most popular fix to the problem (About $450 + core charge):

http://www.xemodex.com/technologyimprov ... for-volvo/

Or anther possible fix, the way I chose to go, is to source a used replacement from a knowledgeable Volvo wrecking yard like Erie Volvo or Southern Vo-vo. They know how to match the code numbers on the back of the DIM to work with your car. The drawback with this option is that the odometer will likely set to that of the donor car (mine did) and the warranty will be limited. (About $125-150)

Remove/replace videos are available on Youtube or the Xemodex website. Tip: Do NOT turn on the ignition switch when there is no DIM connected or it will trigger the SRS warning light which can only be extinguished by the dealer or someone with the proper diagnostic computer. Please don't ask me how I know this.

Post by **oragex** » 26 Sep 2014, 17:25

Xmodex got terribly expensive, but there are also plenty of ebay sellers for the fix
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VOLVO-INSTRUMEN ... c9&vxp=mtr

Donnaxc70 · Post by **Donnaxc70** » 13 Oct 2014, 07:35

Thank you to chrism for his post regarding xemodex. This the route we took and we couldn't be happier. Yes, they are pricey but the customer service was great, the part was received quickly, works perfectly, and when they received our DIM they refunded the core charge almost immediately. Thanks again for the info, you saved us a lot because our next move would have probably been the dealer which was going to be over $1000 plus labor.

Post by **hansenjg** » 13 Oct 2014, 20:04

In addition to the dashboard acting kind of funny (clock runs away, sometimes can't dim the dash) my radio has a mind of its own sometimes. Changes channels. Bang on it, changes channels. Try to adjust channel, nothing! etc. Is this all related to the DIM? If I fix the DIM will it fix my radio? How about my very strangely acting automatic windshield wipers? Sometimes run when dry, sometimes don't run when raining, etc. Love my XC70, but a little confused by it at times.