850 instrument cluster with and w/o trip computer

berk850 · Post by **berk850** » 11 Feb 2016, 06:31

The temp meter in my 96' 850's cluster (with Turbo needle) started acting up a few years ago and it has progressively got worse. The needle drops to "off" level intermittently when I am driving the car and then jumps back up to the proper level after a few minutes. (The problem is with the instrument cluster, that I have figured out) It probably has to do with fixing the odometer a few years ago, maybe a solder joint was damaged.

I bought a second hand turbo cluster and took it to a mechanic so that he could swap the clusters. He said that they would not fit as the replacement does not have a trip computer whereas mine has. I just thought that the trip computer could easily be swapped between clusters.

Anyway, I am wondering if the instrument clusters are identical between the ones with and without the trip computer other than the trip computer. If they are I am just going to swap them myself.

Both clusters are VDO and w/Turbo.

Post by **misha** » 11 Feb 2016, 07:34

Instrument clusters can be Yazaki and VDO.
Yazaki looks similiar like early v70 one(numbers and style).
If they are both the same with exception of trip computer display only,my guess is that you can replace those lower displays.
If it's Yazaki...then it's different.

Post pictures from both clusters,front and rear,in order to see the differences.

Post by **bmdubya1198** » 11 Feb 2016, 07:36

From what I've heard, there is only a coding difference between the trip computer clusters and those without it. But that may be for 1997 and 1998 models only, or something like that. There is a thread explaining this on Volvospeed that I was looking into changing my cluster to have the trip computer.
I think it depends on the year, but the clusters are identical, minus the computer itself.

I think all US spec 850s had VDO clusters, while the 70 series got the Yazaki clusters.

Post by **kahl** » 11 Feb 2016, 09:38

I have installed a trip computer cluster from a 97 850 into a 96 850 cluster. The 96 did not have the cluster or the dash control button. Installed the dash button and moved the cluster from the 97 to the 96.

Post by **erikv11** » 11 Feb 2016, 10:00

What kahl said.

I have installed 3 trip computers into 850s that didn't have them. As long as all clusters are VDO, it is a direct swap. Pull the clock, put in the computer, good to go. Move the switch, too, and be sure o get the extra wiring harness piece, it is maybe from the computer to the switch I do not remember.

Post by **rspi** » 11 Feb 2016, 10:02

The trip computer can be swapped over with no issues as long as it's a cluster with the same connector. In '95 I believe there is a split. Some have a ribbon, some wire harness.

Post by **rspi** » 11 Feb 2016, 10:05

You can also swap in a X70/cluster from '98, not sure about the '99-'00 clusters with trip activated. This is because your car is '96+ with the ABS module.

Post by **erikv11** » 11 Feb 2016, 10:06

And to directly answer your initial question OP: Yes, the 850 clusters themselves are identical, as long as they are both VDO.

This is an easy swap, just be careful to not crack the plastic in the dash pad when you pull the cluster.