Instrument cluster interchange

Canadian Moose · Post by **Canadian Moose** » 10 Dec 2016, 15:39

Just curious what's involved in swapping instrument clusters in these cars? I have an 02' with Imperial cluster in miles per hour. Living in Canada it's a little bit of an inconvenience. I found a metric cluster from what I think is a restyle model S60, although I am not sure on the year. Looks the same except for chrome surrounds around the gauges. The electrical connectors look the same on them. Is it plug and play or does it require refuckulating stuff? I am not concerned with mileage being inaccurate.

Post by **oragex** » 10 Dec 2016, 16:42

Maybe have a look of the two side by side. If the gauges match, maybe it's doable to replace only the dial cards.
The DIM with the chrome rings is for 2004+, usually these don't work on 2001-2003.

Canadian Moose · Post by **Canadian Moose** » 11 Dec 2016, 14:26

I tried the new cluster. Won't power on, only check engine light works. Would someone have pinouts for the connectors to pre and post restyle clusters? I wonder if it's just a matter of repinning the connector.

Post by **oragex** » 11 Dec 2016, 15:48

If you get only the CE light, it is not compatible. 4 out of the 5 numbers on the side must match with the one in your car, maybe take a picture of both and post it here

Post by **chrism** » 11 Dec 2016, 15:53

There are numbers printed on the back of the DIM, part of which is a code that needs to be identical between the old and new DIMs in order for the new one to work. Otherwise it's a no-go. To make it worse, a well respected used Volvo parts house told be you can't switch years or that will be a no-go also. However he said that you can sometimes switch from one model to another, within the same year, provided both units had the same code on the back. You can decide how much trust to put into that advice.

You might try talking to Xemodex and tell them what you are trying to accomplish and see what they suggest.

Canadian Moose · Post by **Canadian Moose** » 11 Dec 2016, 17:07

Ok thanks for the info. Would still like to see the connector pinouts. For now I swapped out the plastic trim in the front with chrome surrounds. I may swap the speedo face plate in the future just to get a metric readout.

Is there a certain chip on the cluster that needs to match? I wonder if that can be swapped out.

Post by **TurboWagon777** » 28 Jan 2020, 09:47

I’m in an 02 Volvo v70 XC 2.4 wagon and my instrument cluster stopped working the other day. It initially stopped operating while I was driving but the lights stayed on until I turned the car off. Then, the next time I got in to drive the car the lights didn’t come on but the check engine light came on during start up but turned off after the car started. Now the whole cluster is just completely dead. I tried swapping the cluster out with another one from the same year vehicle and it did the exact same thing. It seems to be a short or some sort of loss of power going into the cluster. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Post by **ljsommar1** » 28 Jan 2020, 12:05

Sounds like typical DIM (driver information module) problems - 01 and 02 P2s are known for this. Google up. Frequently banging/knocking the DIM while driving will produce different symptoms. The best solution is repair by electronics specialists. Xermodex is pricy but very well reviewed. There are many places that advertise this service on Ebay. Basically I think they reflow the solder on the board. It has been suggested on this forum that cell phone repair facilities may also be capable of this repair. Removal and replacement of the DIM is a 2 minute operation once the battery is disconnected.
Good luck.

Post by **oragex** » 28 Jan 2020, 14:47

Also Ebay has repair services for round $150, search for 'DIM repair'

Post by **yagger** » 29 Jan 2020, 11:10

There is option to install DIM from 2004 on the 2002 MY cars, but same time you cannot install DIM from 2002-2003 MY cars to 2004.

Poor quality dashboards were installed on vehicles between 2002-2003 years. These panel comes with green connector and lamps on the back. (Attention: similar looks have Volvo dashboards manufactured between 1999-2001 model years, pay your attention for model and year of manufacture.)
On 2004 vehicles, Volvo had installed new type of dash without lamps (with LED lights) but with green dashboard connector on the back.
Beginning from 2005 model year, Volvo changed type of dashboards again and now it comes with LED lights and white dashboard connector in the back.
These types of dashboards are more stable than 2002-2003.
If you would like to upgrade your vehicle to a new type of dashboard with LED lights, we can help you with that as well.