2003 Volvo XC70 Instrument Cluster Issues

whizbang · Post by **whizbang** » 28 Nov 2015, 17:58

I have a 2003 Volvo XC70. Last September I started having issues where my turn signals would not flash on my dash nor would I get any clicking sound. At first it would occur intermittently then they wouldn't work at all until the car had been running several hours. I took it to a dealer and they told me my instrument cluster needed replacement but given the age and mileage I wasn't about to spend the $1500 to fix it. The turn signals were working outside the car just not inside and that was the only problem. Everything else was working. I found a well recommended and reviewed repair place with a lifetime warranty that fully "refurbished" my instrument cluster and had it back in about 3 days. Everything worked well when I got it back except I had to go back to the dealer and have them clear an airbag code that was trigger by disconnecting the cluster (or at least I am told that is what triggered it).

At the time I never tried the switch that clears my trip gauge, I was more worried about the airbag light. Well now I have come to discover it isn't working and lately when I turn my XC70 on my warning light is Amber and flashes 3-5 times but I have no warning message. OBD II scanner doesn't pick up anything either.

I cannot go from trip 2 to trip 1, and I cannot clear trip 2 which is what is on the screen currently. I've tried the clear code process that includes the trip gauge switch and ignition key etc and it does nothing. I'm planning to send it back as a warranty claim but they told me never replaced the switches and I am still working to determine if they will cover any work. I think the switch is stuck and constantly trying to clear something thus giving me the amber flashing light but I just don't know. I haven't found much online that describes the same or similar issues. Below is a link to a short video I took to show what is going on. Thoughts and feedback are much appreciated.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lmkgjk82njvjf ... 4.mp4?dl=0

THanks,
Whizbang

Post by **oragex** » 29 Nov 2015, 07:45

It is not the switches that go bad (there is another one similar for adjusting the clock), it's the printed circuit board that's faulty. There are tiny resistors that go bad on the board and also some chip solder. All board components and solders need to be tested, there may be other issues upcoming.

The airbag code is triggered if the key in in contact while or after the cluster has been disconnected. Better disconnect the '-' at trunk battery while removing the cluster and for all the time when it's not placed back. Saves a $100 trip to the dealer.

Post by **vtl** » 29 Nov 2015, 17:04

If you have some basic electronics skills you can take the PCB out and reflow solder with a heat gun.

mouseskowitz · Post by **mouseskowitz** » 03 Dec 2015, 09:28

On my 2002 V70 it got to the point that nothing on the dash worked, no gauges, nothing. I got a remanufactured DIM from xemodex and put it in myself. You're looking at $350 if you just ship them yours or $450 they send you a new one and you send them your bad one, there might be a core that you get refunded but I don't remember.

sergio · Post by **sergio** » 04 Dec 2015, 13:48

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Find a cell phone or amplifier repair shop. Ask if they would re solder a printed circuit.
Remove the DIM. Take out the printed circuit. and take it to be re soldered.
It should not cost more than 50 bucks (20 minutes work)
This is EXACTLY what those DIM repair companies do for 4 to 9 times this amount.

Let us know if you need instructions for removing the DIM printed circuit. I'll post pictures and PDf from my VIDA.

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