Are 99-00 DIM units swapable?

[scot850]

The dealer says that there may be an issue with the DIM unit on my car. As they are NLA, can I swap over a used unit from another car? I know you can on 98 and on 850's. If you can is the only issue the mileage recorded that would be wrong?

Am I correct the 'R' speedo head/DIM is different to the regular cars? Is it just the color of the dials (blue v's black)?

I have checked with a used parts supplier and they might have an 'R' one of the right vintage, I have also found a company in Ontario that claims to fix Volvo DIM units. E-mailed them and waiting to see what they say.

Thanks,

Neil.

[RickHaleParker]

The dealer says that there may be an issue with the DIM unit on my car. As they are NLA, can I swap over a used unit from another car? I know you can on 98 and on 850's. If you can is the only issue the mileage recorded that would be wrong?

Am I correct the 'R' speedo head/DIM is different to the regular cars? Is it just the color of the dials (blue v's black)?

You can.

The Printed Circuit board is the same part number for both years and for 1999 & 2000 only.
The only difference in the R version is the gauges and it is just a cosmetics difference. You could swap the R gauges to a donor out of a S70 or V70 base. If the gauges are defective you could swap the blue back plates to the donor gauges.

The CA & US versions have different speed calibrations in the software, KPH vs MPH.
The C70 speed calibration software is different then the S70 & V70.
The other software difference is trip computer vs no trip computer.

Might be a good idea to pull the DIM apart and check for cracked circuit paths and solder joints. Solder joints can be re-flowed and cracked circuit paths can be bridged.

[scot850]

I'll do as you suggest Rick. I am planning to go to junkyard today to see if the 99 there has it's instrument panel/DIM still. If it does I will try that when I get the car back and report on how it goes. If it works other than the mileage part, then I will look into the circuit board or send to a repair shop for repair. I am also hoping to hear back from a specialist breaker who may have an 'R' DIM which I will hear back on Monday about.

Appreciate your help!

Neil.

[scot850]

The DIM was still there. Pulled it and the hazard switch. Was tempted to pull the dash as it was still solid but didn't have the necessary tools. I'll just fix mine rather than spend another $80 and have to store another large item. At least I can try the DIM and if it does not fix any issues return it within 30 days for a credit.

Neil.

[scot850]

Looked on Vida and apparently all the 99-00 cars theoretically use the same circuit board. Vida is inconsistent. After listing a part number using my VIN# when checking what it is used on it lists all models from 99-00 V/S/C/XC. But when you look at the details it then says EXL CA, GB, US? In the part number section on the diagram it says CA part number? Anyway, hoping worst case it may require the circuit board swapping if the dealer can re-program. Only issue is the $600 CDN price tag!!

They do not list a full unit though so maybe that is what the parts guy at the dealer says is not available. He is new, but will clarify on Monday.

Neil.

[RickHaleParker]

But when you look at the details it then says EXL CA, GB, US? In the part number section on the diagram it says CA part number?

In Vehicle selection set partner group to AME ( North American ). That will filter out a lot of information that is not relevant to you.

[scot850]

I did. I used the car's Vin# and the part # that came up was 9451056. I worked for a short time in Volvo part department, but don't recall seeing this before.

Neil.

[RickHaleParker]

I did. I used the car's Vin# and the part # that came up was 9451056. I worked for a short time in Volvo part department, but don't recall seeing this before.

You transposed two digits. The Canadian wiring plate number is 9451506.

The only difference between wiring plates would be the software load. Making different wiring plate hardware for different markets would not be necessary and a waste of money. In a pinch you could transfer the chips that store data and/or software to get the correct configuration.

[scot850]

Thanks Rick. I am dyslexic so thanks for pointing out the transposed numbers. I appreciate it.

Like you said I think there will be a solution, just depends how deep I have to go!

Neil.

[scot850]

Well the update is here!

After the dealer identified the DIM as the probable issue, I can now confirm at least I believe that diagnosis is correct. Why I say I believe it is correct, there is as usual no straight path to a solution with this dam car!

So what happened? With my buddies help (not really needed but he wanted to know how to remove the dash to do some maintenance on his DIM lights) we removed the dash and fitted the used one from a 99 S70 base model.

How did that work out? Partly good, and partly bad!

The GOOD:

Connecting up was straight forward, but did also re-connect the air-bag so as not to set of the SRS light.

Switching on the ignition to POS II and the dash lights on the DIM lit up with a much better brightness (as it should be).
Started the car and Transmission Orange UP arrow light was flashing and engine check light and service light came on.

Engine ran fine, and when light switch used in either side light or full headlight modes no random lights came on and engine did not run rough. So hopefully that confirms the DIM as the source of the random issues at least and a gold star to the dealer mechanics!

Engine service light is not an issue and must have transferred from the previous car via the DIM.

The BAD:

I have a slightly better than basic OBDII tester which can be set to brand specific. Set to Volvo it came up with 2 codes. I will re-confirm the numbers but if I recall correctly they were:

P1618 - Wiring error to transmission
P0608 - General error, VIN# and trans

So it appears the DIM is programmed with the transmission type and as mine is the 5 speed auto and not the 4 speed it came from it throws an trans error. I will assume that it will also cause the trans not to work (haven't tried and a little wary of trying this as I don't need more issues), and potentially the speed not to work as the speed sensor will likely be incorrect. I can't prove this but as I said don't want to potentially cause other errors.

So the question then is, if I fit a 5 speed auto DIM will the car run ok, or will it still be an issue as the sub-file with a VIN# error is there. Will that conflict just show that the DIM was swapped from another car, but allow the car to otherwise run ok, or will it prevent something else working as it should?

Mileage display - The mileage display showed the mileage from the donor car which is 30,000km higher than mine. All that proves is it showed what was on the DIM. Question then is if my car mileage was higher does it still show what is on the DIM or does it show the actual mileage or will always show what is on the used replacement but just store an error code to flag the DIM has been swapped?

I suppose progress, but not what I had hoped.

Neil.