3 Easy DIY Fixes Of Volvo S60 Instrument Cluster Not Working

Volvo S60 instrument cluster not working is a common issue, especially in the models 2002 and 2003. The instrument cluster or DIM starts failing all of a sudden and shows signs of malfunction. The main cause is in the circuit panel of the cluster. Sometimes a simple resoldering can fix the issue, but in many cases, the whole panel needs replacement.

To diagnose and fix a faulty instrument cluster, give this article a read.

Causes Of Volvo S60 Instrument Cluster Not Working

Instrument cluster issues have been very common in Volvo S60 users. Though different users reported different signs, the cause of the malfunction remains the same. Here are some common causes of Volvo S60 instrument cluster/DIM not working:

• Blown instrument cluster fuse
• Bulbs are fused
• The instrument cluster circuit board is faulty.

In most of the cases, it’s the circuit board. But, it’s important to diagnose it properly.

Signs Of A Malfunctioning Instrument Cluster In Volvo S60

If your instrument cluster is malfunctioning, your Volvo S60 will show these signs:

• No trip computer output
• No high-beam light
• Miles counting randomly
• Clock counting randomly
• The odometer shows half the speed of the car
• Dials working sometimes’
• SRS warning lights
• Sluggish start

Check The Fuse Panel And Replace The Fuse If Necessary

Sometimes a blown fuse can cause the instrument cluster to stop working. To check if your fuse panel is working right or not, open the driver’s door.

Take out the cover from the fuse panel, you’ll find it on the side of the dash. Start with checking the fuse number 24. It’s usually a red 10-amp fuse. Take out the fuse and place it in a spare slot. Take readings of the fuse with an Ohm meter.

Check the panel with another spare fuse or use the number 11 fuse to see if the DIM lit up or not.

If you see that swapping the fuse turned the instrument cluster on, the fuse is at fault, and replacing it will fix the issue.

If it’s not the fuse, unfortunately, the circuit board is at fault.

How To Take Out The Circuit Board Of The Instrument Cluster

To check and fix your instrument cluster, you must equip yourself with the right tools and right knowledge. Follow the instructions below to take out the cluster/DIM,

• Firstly, take off the cover over the instrument cluster from your dashboard.
• Remove the screws that hold the Instrument cluster panel in position.
• Carefully unplug the wires from the back of it.
• Remove all the Phillips screws from the back cover and take it off carefully.
• Take out the circuit board, and make sure not to damage any microchips or solders.

Fix The Circuit Board Of Volvo S60 Instrument Cluster

• After removing the circuit board from the instrument cluster, place it on a clean surface.
• The blue gunk all around the circuit board is responsible for the majority of the problems. So, clean all the gunk from around the major surface mount processors with cotton buds and Isopropyl Alcohol. You have to be gentle in this step. Make sure you clean every single layer of pins surrounding the chip.
• Once you’re done cleaning all three processors, the next step is all about reworking the joints. For that, you’d require a rework station. You can easily buy one for cheap from eBay.
• Set the temperature of the station to 400 degrees centigrade and the air level to medium.
• Preheat the element till it reaches the temperature. Remember that 400 degrees is a hot temperature to deal with and you might end up burning the chips. The important thing is to keep your focus on the joints, once they melt, move on to the next one.
• Reflowing or refluxing requires flux, otherwise, you’ll get a dry joint.
• Put a little bit of flux over the pins of each line.
• Protect other components with foil paper because soldering the joints can damage surrounding plastic structures.
• Now gently blow hot air over the pins of all processors, the big ones and the small ones.
• Clean up the flux from the surface with Isopropyl alcohol.

You’re all done here. It’s important to replace the instrument cluster bulbs at the same time if they’re not working. You can use 12 volts 3 watts and 1.2 watts LED bulbs of T2 style in this case.

• Test each bulb before putting them in the instrument cluster. Place the bulbs in the panel into the slots.
• While assembling everything back in place, be careful with the springs that help to operate the tachometer. Put them in the holes they’re supposed to go inside. 
• Put the back cover on and tighten the screws.
• Reconnect the instrument cluster.

Fix The Instrument Cluster Circuit Board With Soldering

Soldering is another method that you can try to fix your Volvo S60 instrument cluster circuit board.

• Take out the control panel and clean it in the same manner stated above.
• Use the drag soldering method in this case.
• The first thing is to solder the voltage regulator pins.
• The next ones are the RA6s. They’re responsible for many problems in the instrument cluster.
• Solder everything around the processors.
• Don’t use a high-temperature air blower as it can melt the coating under the chip.
• Once you’re done resoldering, use isopropyl alcohol to clean the circuit and put everything back together in place.

You Might Need To Replace The Instrument Cluster

If nothing worked in your favor, you might be really unfortunate to have to replace the whole panel. This has been the only solution for many people who came to me with a malfunctioning instrument cluster.

Volvo dealers might offer you an instrument cluster for $1000-$1100, and with the addition of labor and software installation, the total will climb up to $1500.

You can also look for instrument clusters from after-markets or other shops, but you must install the software to operate it. 

I’d suggest searching your local Volvo experts for alternate instrument clusters. It’ll save you hundreds of bucks.

Instrument cluster failure can lead to a reduced performance warning message. 

Find more details about it in this article on Volvo S60 reduced engine performance.

Conclusion

The Volvo S60 instrument cluster is not working, and this issue is frustrating for owners. Despite trying different fixes, replacing the entire panel is the only solution in most cases.

My suggestion would be to check the bulbs, fuses, and the circuit board. Try fixing it by soldering. If nothing works, try to find someone who can replace the panel at a minimum cost and install the software. Besides instrument cluster malfunction, Volvo S60 is susceptible to fuel gauge failures. Learn more about Volvo S60 fuel gauge not working issue in this article.