Doublebug,
the issue runs up to 2005 for those models. I've seen where reflowing the pins works for about 3 or 4 months, but then the problem comes back. How do you go about fixing the firmware, getting a VIDA?

 

No. Writing own software. It is also using DiCE.

 

Hello,

I have had the same problems. I searched and searched and finally found someone in England who finally figured out how to fix it. He posted it in a forum-I think this one-and others followed his idea. Now their dash is fixed. I followed it too and now have a beautifully working dashboard.

I live in Ukiah, CA, USA. I went to DFM Auto Repair and explained what I wanted done with the car. They weren't able to do it, but found a company, they could send the dashboard to, who would re-solder any parts that needed it on the computer panel inside the instrument panel (dashboard). They did it and sent it back to DFM Auto Repair. It works!! I am soooo happy. I can't remember the name of the company that fixed the dashboard, but I will ask tomorrow and edit this post with their name and info.

Other people, thousands of other people multinationally, have spent upwards of $2000.00 to try to fix their 2002 - 2004 Volvo S60s and ended up with the problem still there and $2000.00 poorer. I spent 3 days searching and researching this issue.

My next problem to figure out is to find out what is draining my battery. I had to pull out the fuse for the High-beams (the bright headlights) to keep them from turning on when the car is turned off. But, something else is still draining my battery.

Here is the post from the gentleman who figured out how to fix the dashboard problem. [on this website url ... http://www.volvo-forums.com/t13321-s...-problems.htm] ....


R K Myers
Dec 7 2009, 06:43 AM


Newbie


Group: Members
Posts: 1
Joined: 7-December 09
Member No.: 65,690
Status:
Location: UK
Drives: S60 D5



I have registered with the forum today because I saw the posts on this problem, had the same problem myself until this weekend and following about 2 hours work, managed to solve the issue completely.

Just to be clear here, this is a 2003 S60. The problems have been going on for about a year. Started with indicator lights and relay not working (although actual indicator lights outside fine), clock going through a time warp, gobledegook on the left information screen and most recently, the whole dash coming up with every error under the sun when it wasn't completely dim.

The dashboard istelf is pretty easy to get out, remove the plastic cover from behind the steering wheel (just using brute force and ignorance) and then unscrewing the 4 x T10 screws. There is one connector behind the dash on which there is a catch to depress to remove the dash unit itself.

Having removed the white back cover, the PCB (printed circuit board) has about six screws to be removed so that the board can be taken out. (Note: The board is seperated on the L/H side, uncrew both sides as there is a ribon cable attaching the two boards.

There were a couple of dry joints on the board. The main green connector and the Motorola chip (as described by romkaromka).

The reg (voltage regulator L4925N) looked to be fine except there was no thermal compound between it's screw tab and the heatsink. So to rectify this, simply unscrew the reg, bend it forward (gently) and plaster some thermal compound on it's back.

My bother is an electronics engineer and so had the correct tools to reflow the Motorola Chip. This was done with a Metcal digital hot air gun at exactly 350 degrees c. vmaxim, as for melting the solder around the legs of the chip, yes! That's exactly what it does. You heat one side at a time, use plenty of flux and effectively resolder the surface mount legs (known in the trade as reflowing). THIS IS A SKILLED PROCESS AND SHOULDN'T BE UNDERTAKEN BY A NOVICE.

Bottom line: if you have or know someone with Surface Mount Soldering skills, this problem is very easy to solve, if you don't, find someone who does and slip them something for their time, it will be far cheaper than taking your car to Volvo.

 

I have a 2004 S60 and just recently bought it used. I been driving it for about 2 months and it has done great until here recently. it started with a jerk while driving. like I ran over something small or ABS kicking in. then came the blank DIM, no turn signals, unresponsive window controls and no Air conditioning (fan worked but no cold air) and the sluggish takeoff as if were in a higher gear. I have done a lot of research about this on other forums but this is the first time I made an acct and posted about it. A lot of owners replace CEM and DIM and still the problem is not fixed. I am trying to get out without spending a fortune on searching for problem. Oh and also the SRS airbag service urgent message has popped up. I just remembered that before all this started that I got a message that regular scheduled maintenance is required. please help. thanks. one more thing is that the engine will stall out while driving. I had it scanned before and it came up MAP/ Barometric pressure sensor.

 

Hi...I tried your suggestion last night and normally when I start the car in the morning I have a complete functioning dash however about 20 min later nothing although signals- heater- lights etc. all are working fine. This morning after plugging in two chargers...one front and one behind the console I had nothing. My car is a 2002 S80 Turbo 6...it appears that this is an inherent problem with Volvo. To much electronics for me...I have been driving Volvos since the 122 series.. never had a problem with the old gals...they were a hoot to own!!!

 

Had this as well on my 2003 S60 AWD 2.5T- Negative battery cable off for a minute or so, then it works again. Probably should fix it right, any link to the recall? Maybe we can get this fixed free by the good old folks at volvo.....

 

There is a stickied thread in the S60 section https://volvoforums.com/forum/volvo-...r-63276/page2/ that covers this issue. I pulled mine jut recently and sent it to BBA Remanufacturing for a "rebuild". They give a lifetime warranty, so you won't spend money twice to fix it. Pretty common issue in '02-'04 S60's. If yours is in this age range good luck getting Volvo to fix it. In case you didn't know, cars don't come with a forever warranty. If yours is newer (5 years old or less) with less than 100K miles it might be worth asking, but otherwise forget it.

 

When it comes to reflowing surface mount parts I personally use a soldering iron with a conical tip, and liquid flux. I work as a testing technician at Precision Technologies, and I do this with quad flat packs that aren't flown properly.

I only use hot air when it comes to reflowing BGA devices and removing surface mount devices from the board for replacement. any youtube video may do. a few youtube videos, temperature controlled soldering iron, liquid flux, and rubbing alchahol. could end up being cheaper and just as good as bringing it to a shop (depending on what you buy everything for)

I got my temperature controlled soldering iron for $50-60 USD, and a little flux goes a long way. use the alcohol to clean off flux residue. I am about to head home and fix my mothers instrument panel in 10-30 min time frame between school and work. These instrument panels don't have anything too complex on them so they can be easy to track down a problem if you follow the traces.

Resolder the pins for the connectors, then test, then hit pins on surface mounts. that doesnt work see what else there is, you may have a multimeter you can use to see if power is going to perticular devices, and see if there is a blown resistor/diode. If you are unsure about electronics watch a few more youtube videos on them, and/or EEVBlog forum to ask about the electronics portion.

EDIT: I have been having the same problem with the instrument cluster.... look and the female headers, For my case the have vibrated enough to split within the insulation. going to find exactly what connector it is and fix it myself by pulling the plug from the connector.and testing the plug using a multimeter and bed of nails alligator clips.
(Maybe I should make a good video tutorial on this...)

 

what I need to do need to reload software on the dim?
A have Vida.

 

Hi
I had the exact same problem with my S80 T6. It started with the High Beam indicator on the DIM. I would go on sometimes and stay off when I put on the high beams and didn't know they were on until the oncoming traffic gave me the high beam in return. Then one day as I was making a turn the warning flasher was going. I checked to see if I had signal lights and both sides were working. Then a few weeks later I had no dash lights, no RPM no Speedo, no gas or heat gauge. very frustrating. Took the car to my mechanic and he had no idea. I googled the problem and was directed to company that exchanged the DIM which I installed (very simple) you can google the procedure and everything works as it should. Got the same mileage on the odometer etc. Hope this helps. Arnie

 

I have a Similar Problem S60 Instrument Panel Not working.

Does anyone know the size diode D9 on a 2003 S60 DIM. I set my multimeter to diode test, but it acts like a resistor, measuring 096 in BOTH forward and reverse poles. Similar tests performed on other diodes on the same DIM performed properly, allowing electrons to flow only in one direction. Diodes tested were D10 to D13 measured 0634 in the indicated direction of flow and 1 (open) in the reverse direction as they should.

The problem is that I cannot read the uf values as there are none indictaed on the board, nor do I have any schematics to refernce it's value. I have further tested a replacement DIM from a donor S80, with a similar problem and results.

Can anyone else substiantiate similar findings or am I wrong? Does anyone have DIM schematics or can tell me the value of that D9 diode?

Thanks,
Billy.

 

[QUOTE=2CMott;243220]I have a 2003 S600 and the instrument panel goes dark and all the instruments stop working (speedometer, RPM, Fuel all go to zero) – This has occurs intermittently, the engine was running fine and no warning lights came on. I am also experiencing problems with indicator lights on the dashboard. The actual directionals on the exterior of the car are still working all of the time. Please help me out. I need solution to this

 

I had same issue recently i wasn't about to spend 1k at the dealership so I sent mine off to automotive circuit solutions they repaired it for $130 with lifetime warranty.

 

Hi
Had the same problem in my S80 and it turned out to be the DIM. I purchased it on line on an exchange basis at around $350.00 Canadian. Installed it myself after watching the procedure on "YOU TUBE". Took about 15 min to install. It worked perfectly after installation. I sold the car and the new owner has never experienced any problems.

 

Hi all i'm new to the forum and have recently got my 2002 S60 D5 for long trips up and down the length of the country. One thing bothers me and that's the warning LCD display on the binnacle is intermittent. Sometimes it is clear as day and other days it will just appear scrambled or not even displaying anything just the back light. I have seen that it can be a sign that the CEM is on its way out and that it is a rare fault to have, Has anyone else had any experience with fixing this if it can be at all? Does anyone know if it will be expensive, can I fix it myself or shall I just live with this problem? Many thanks guys, hope to hear from you soon.

 

DIM is having problems. There are lots of threads online about how to fix. Xemodex in Canada does good work. You might be able to find a cheaper version of the same service in the US -- I did.

 

I had that same problem. My battery was getting drained. I found out that it was my fans turning on when the car was completely shut off. Not sure why it was happening though.

 

Hello everyone I seem to be late to the party, I have an 02 s60 volvo, I got for free. The lady said it worked when she parked it her backyard, it hasn't moved since 2014. It doesn't run, I'm replacing the starter I know for sure that's bad. The radio works but the dash and none of the lights work or turn on for that matter, headlights, overhead light, dashboard, a/c, nothing, just the radio. Also what is a DIM I'm reading about? I've checked the fuses and replaced the bad ones but still nothing. If you all have any ideas, comments, suggestion, I would gladly appreciate it.

 

omg the cigar lighter trick worked for me. I have a 2006 s60 and as i was plugging in the phone charger the instrument gauges suddenly went on! Thank you so much, much appreciated little hack!!