The gas / speedometer / tachometer suddenly stopped working today.

I pulled every fuse in the interior and the engine to check for blown fuses. I couldn't find any.

Any other thoughts?

Appreciate the help.

Dave

 

How hard is it to replace the instrument cluster?

Dealer wants $1,500 + for new and install

Found used for $175... but install is the question.

 

The clusters do go bad. I am seeing alot of them lately.
Not sure if a used one will work or not. They are supposed to be programmed to one car.
But it might work.

They are pretty easy to install.

 

In talking to two different dealers, one said sure that it would work and the other said no it wouldn't.

It's so hard to get accurate information on repairs and frustrating.

It is not worth dropping $1,500 in repairs to this car given the amount of miles and the value of the car... but no instrument cluster renders the car virtually useless for my daughter to drive.

What to do, what to do...

 

If you can find a used one really cheap give it a try.

 

They dont need to be programmed. I swapped one out. Mileage stays with cluster so try to find one that is close to the original. It is about a 5 minute job. Remove the plastic surround, remove 4 torx screws, pull cluster towards you and remove the single plug in the back. Reinstall new one in reverse order.

 

Hey Dave,

What year is your S60, coincidentally my panel went out yesterday and I'm looking for a solution. I have an 05, with about 95,000 miles.

 

Mine is a 2002

 

It's expensive to get one through the dealer, but I did find one on line for under $200. Doesn't take long to replace. Pretty easy if you have a reasonable of mechanical skills. Do a search.."replace volvo instrument cluster" and you find instructions. BUT the mileage is in the cluster and I've been told that a dealer will not reprogram it for you. Did take 84K miles off my ODO with that swap though not intentionally.


Seems to be a fairly common problem.

2003 S60 2.5T AWD

 

I had the same problem with my 2002 S 60's instrument cluster. The dealer want $1435 to replace it. I was able to get it replaced at Hartsel Auto Shop in Hardy, Virginia for $340 last month.

So here is my story. My SRS warning message came on and then the instrument cluster went out. I called several local shops (more like 15-20 shops), they all told me that since they don't have the software to reload after install a replacement cluster, I'll have to go to the dealer for this. I called Crossroad Volvo in Roanoke Virginia for a price quote on the cluster and also driver side window switch (my driver window switch was broken also). They told me that I'll have to take the car in and pay $105 for them to look at it before they could give me a quote. After paying $105 for them to tell me that I need a new cluster and window switch, they quote me $1435 for the cluster, $730 for the window switch. I asked them about putting in a used one, but they told me that I have to put in new ones, since the used one won't work. They also told me the vehicle is not worth fixing, they'll give me $2,000 for trade-in if I buy a new vehicle from them. By the way, the dealer did wash the volvo. (A $105 car wash)!!!!

With a new baby on the way, we didn't really want to pay over $30,000 for another car, and really don't want to put over $2,000 on the credit card. Luckly, a friend of friend told us about Hartsel Auto Shop in Hardy, Virginia who speccialize in Volvo repairs. I called them and was thinking they're going to tell me the same thing all the other shops told me "we don't do instrument cluster, because we don't have the softwares. You'll have to take this to the dealer". Fortunately, Joe from Hartsel told me that they have the same software as the dealership and they'll install used parts.

I took my 2002 Volvo S60 to Joe. Joe and his employee was extremely helpful, friendly and honest. They put in a used cluster for $340 ($225 parts + $115 labor), and a used window switch for $165. Also like the dealership, they washed my car. I'm so happy with the level of service and their honesty. I also did a oil change and replaced the left inner tie rod end for $145 (firestone wants $270 for it). Now the volvo runs great, I think with a little TLC, I might be able to put another 100,000 miles on it.

So don't let the dealer tell you that you must have a new cluster, it is B.S. (sorry about the language, but I'm still mad at dealer for the $105 car wash). If you're not too far from Hardy, Virginia. It might be worth the trip to take your Volvo to Hartsel Auto Shop. If you're in another state, it still might be worth for you to give them a call, and maybe they could refer you to some other shop in your area. Their number is (540) 890-3200. P.S., they don't have a website, that's why it was so hard for me to find them. I wish Joe would put up a website, so a lot of people in our area doesn't have to pay $105 to Crossroad volvo just to get a price quote.

Hopefully this helps. Sorry for the long post.

Chris

 

Like all the other postings, my cluster went out on my 02 volvo s60. I sent it off 2 times to get stuff soldered etc. It worked 1 time and quit when I switched the engine off. I did not worry about it for a few months as I dont do lots of night driving. One night the temp. dropped into the lower 20's (F) and the next morning it worked for about 20min, then the gauges froze in place. Once I switched the engine off gauges went back to start position after 3 min. then cluster was out for rest of the day. This happened for about a week. Is my cluster bad or do I need a sensor replaced? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

 

It is in the electrical in the cluster.

 

Our Instrument cluster (2002 S 60) started to go on the fritz and finally went out at 147,000 miles. Local Volvo dealer quoted over $1000 (plus 3 hrs of labor) for a new instrument cluster. Thankfully after reading solutions on various forums ( http://www.volvo-forums.com/t13321-d...d-problems.htm ) - found out that it could have been a loose microchip/capacitor on the DIM. We thought about having a computer savvy friend check the soldering. Instead we found on ebay a nearby company that specializes in fixing Instrument Clusters for $339. With over 300 excellent customer reviews, we decided to take a chance. We paid via credit card and the instructions were instantly emailed. It took 10 mins to take the Instrument cluster out (only a few screws), put it in a box and used the emailed shipping label to send it overnight. Once it arrived, they fixed it that morning and sent it back overnight. We simply plugged in the wire and screwed the panel in place. The detailed instructions stated how to clear the "SRS/AIRBAG- SERVICE URGENT code on the DIM (Driver information module). First the cluster (DIM) code needs to be cleared, then the SRS Module -- otherwise the codes will come back. Not having diagnostic equipment we took the car to the dealer and they cleared the codes for $47. (The job order from Volvo said they cleared and reset codes DIM 0001,0003,0005,0006,E003 SRS 00D4,E003 ) The remanufacturing company has a lifetime warranty and suggests the light bulbs be check before returning the unit for faulty displays. We are so happy about saving over $1000 that we wanted to share this info (We have no personal ties and are not getting any compensation for this review). The DEALER is now recommending them as well. The company is [COLOR="blue"]BBA Remanufacturing INC[/COLOR) out of Taunton, MA. http://stores.ebay.com/BBA-Remanufacturing-Inc They sometimes run specials via ebay.