So, about 2 months ago my car started in with throwing errors on the gauge cluster. I would get anti-slip service needed, then sometimes engine and transmission mixed in with it. RPM and temp gauges would die at random. Car won't start at random. Dealer scans it, finds many codes, it then magically goes away.

Fast forward to this Tuesday. Just noticed trip odometer would reset itself, asked them to figure it out since I have 3rd part warranty (this is Volvo dealer I bring it too), they said I need a cluster, $1700, not under warranty. I say no problem, leave it alone, don't care. Drive off, instantly anti-slip service required. Crap. Issues instantly start in again, gauges die, bring it back immediately because gauges are covered under warranty. Warranty company has someone come yesterday to inspect, they saw it couldn't start, said can't determine, needs more diagnostics and up to me to pay. Thoughts?

 

any clue as to which codes came up in the scan? just a guess here but sounds like a communications issue between computers perhaps even involves the ABS or transmission CPUs. Intermittent electronic issues are a pain to diagnose as you need to catch the fault in action. For starters I'd be researching what the warranty will cover - ie will they pay you back for diagnostics if the fault is found to be caused by a component they cover? Also ask the dealer about whether you can get a used cluster - they may need to reprogram but that would save you big $$ just the same if it indeed turns out to be the cluster...

 

Thanks for the advice, I'll check with dealer about a used cluster, I know if I could get over to PA (one state away) I could go to a pick and pull or EZPull and get myself a cluster for next to nothing. I'd love to pull a cluster or two, a CEM and TCM for spares. Just bad timing, of course. Waiting on the dealer to call me shortly this morning and will update the post.

*Volvo Corporate is now involved as I emailed them in regards to being told (before all this) that I need a TCM software update to resolve the seldom-seen shifting issues. I was quoted over $200 and told Volvo I should not have to pay for a software update when the original software is faulty apparently. They are reviewing this, and I made them aware of the other issues now. They will be contacting the dealer my car is at now. As an IT professional, I equated this in email to if Windows charged for security updates/service packs. It would be immoral and wrong. I know it took someone time/money to fix the faulty software, but that's not my problem.

 

I would have someone resolder the connections on the 14 pin connector that attaches the DIM to the rest of the car, I had weird problems from my DIM and while I reflow soldered the main processor as well as the 14 pin connector, I reckon the 14 pinner was the main issue.

 

I had to laugh about the Windows comment... Regarding the $200 fee, keep in mind the dealer is a separate business from Volvo. There are cases like recalls and warranty repairs where Volvo pays the dealer, so you may want to ask about any service bulletins etc regarding this problem and ask the service manager to help you work the process with the factory rep. BTW, while Windows doesn't charge for service packs, they do end support or worse, use a hard to get rid off pop up reminding you to upgrade :-)

 

There is a bulletin for the software update. That doesn't mean it's free. I don't know if I would use the goodwill card on a relatively cheap repair.

Buy a service and you get the Service 2.0 software update for free, which likely will update the TCM.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys, really appreciate it! After diagnostics all day at the dealer, they have determined the CEM and ECM are losing communication, and both need replacement. Total fee: $2,600. Obviously the warranty company is trying to get out of it, demanding that now I pay since their "mechanic" has to return to inspect again, even though he saw it not starting at random and all the issues. Hilarious, but we said go ahead. Will update later today as he's slated to visit at some point. The dealer is instructed not to let him go until we get an answer from Wynn's (which is now owned by Phoenix, IIRC). Volvo Corporate is also aware of the issues and the necessity for TCM software upgrade and is analyzing for cost assistance. Dealer is doing great work here.

News: The warranty company denied the claim because it's not happening all the time, apparently. It must be completely broken and verified, and even though the mechanic they sent and my dealer both say ECM, they won't approve. My finance company's legal dept. is now looking into it, but in the mean time, my buddy in PA is looking for a compatible ECM and will ship to my dealer, at $25 from the yard if he finds one, and $67 to program, it's worth a shot. Dealer stated to do ECM first, to me. Also, Corporate paid for my TCM update and that's done (some good news).

*Update: Car is in my hands as of yesterday, working well so far (thankfully). Hope it stays that way until I get a replacement ECM programmed. For the prices at the PA Pick and Pulls, I will probably get a CEM as well.