All instruments gone, then back Topic is solved

Post by **Clemens** » 31 Mar 2020, 09:32

So, once again, the instrument cluster went dead on my 96 R right after startup. Nothing but the clock worked. after a mile or so I tried if the windpws work (they did) and came to a full stop. after that the instruments were all back, and the service engine (oil change interval) light came on as usual.

I know I had that problem once before, but that was a while back.

Any ideas?

My guess would be either low battery or the ABS module which I already fixed twice or maybe something with the window circuit breaker.

Post by **erikv11** » 31 Mar 2020, 09:55

My first guess is the electrical portion of the ignition switch. Troubleshoot by jiggling the key and/or considering replacement history.

My second guess is a problem inside the cluster, these have been known to go bad. Troubleshoot by hitting the search button.

My third guess is to wait and see what others say. Or maybe that's my first guess.

Post by **misha** » 31 Mar 2020, 10:12

It's not the battery or abs module...they have nothing to do with this problem.
Because...even if the battery could be low....the car cranked,started and ran.As soon as it started the alternator started with charging,supplying the consumers with proper voltage.

Could be connectors at instrument cluster(or the cluster itself)ignition switch(most likely),wiring from battery to fuse box or ground.

Edit:
Erikv11 was faster!

Post by **jimmy57** » 31 Mar 2020, 10:51

On that car there is no network for operational communication so ABS module could only kill speedometer. The oil service light coming on later would indicate the cluster powered up at that delayed time. Ignition switch, cluster connections, or internal fault like a broken solder point are on the likely problem list. I would cross off ignition switch or unloader relay (turns on power supply to groups of items and takes that current load off the ignition switch. Volvo called them unloader relays in wiring diagrams of that time.

Post by **Clemens** » 31 Mar 2020, 11:46

jimmy57 wrote: 31 Mar 2020, 10:51 On that car there is no network for operational communication so ABS module could only kill speedometer. The oil service light coming on later would indicate the cluster powered up at that delayed time. Ignition switch, cluster connections, or internal fault like a broken solder point are on the likely problem list. I would cross off ignition switch or unloader relay (turns on power supply to groups of items and takes that current load off the ignition switch. Volvo called them unloader relays in wiring diagrams of that time.

jimmy, by cross off you mean to check ignituon switch or the unloader relay, or do you mean they are not the problem?

Since the ignition switch had never been replaced, this would be a good idea.

I also need to check the wires, they have never been touched, could be on their way out.

Thanks to all your contributions so far.

Post by **scot850** » 31 Mar 2020, 17:21

When I had a problem with the ignition switch, sometimes my car would start but none of the dials would work. I would start there.

Try the old 'wiggle' test with the key to see if that makes a difference if the dash shuts down. I think the other guys have covered the other bases I would suggest.

Good Luck!

Neil.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 31 Mar 2020, 17:40

Clemens wrote: 31 Mar 2020, 09:32 Any ideas?

On my '97 S90 I had to tap the key to get it to go all the way back to POS II after starting the car.
Try tapping the top back side of the key.

Post by **erikv11** » 31 Mar 2020, 19:41

erikv11 wrote: 31 Mar 2020, 09:55 My first guess is the electrical portion of the ignition switch. Troubleshoot by jiggling the key and/or considering replacement history.

misha wrote: 31 Mar 2020, 10:12... ignition switch(most likely)...

jimmy57 wrote: 31 Mar 2020, 10:51 ... I would cross off ignition switch or ...

Clemens wrote: 31 Mar 2020, 11:46 ... Since the ignition switch had never been replaced ...

scot850 wrote: 31 Mar 2020, 17:21 When I had a problem with the ignition switch, sometimes my car would start but none of the dials would work. I would start there. ...

RickHaleParker wrote: 31 Mar 2020, 17:40 ... On my '97 S90 I had to tap the key to get it to go all the way back to POS II after stating the car. ...

Don't keep us waiting!! Time to nudge, jiggle, tap, rotate and/or touch the key, and see if that replicates the issue.

Amazing that it is on original wires, TBH. How many miles/kms? Bet you might notice a change if you decide to swap them.

Post by **Clemens** » 01 Apr 2020, 04:47

I tried wiggling the key when I noticed the instruments were gone, but it did nothing. I thi k the windows had nothing to do with it, it was probably coincidental. new ignition switch ordered, I will report back.

GrumpyOldMan · Post by **GrumpyOldMan** » 01 Apr 2020, 04:56

I had a similar issue.
It was a wiring connector under the dash that plugged into the under dash fuse/relay box.
When you have a look at the plug you will question just how on earth it can come loose.