Instrumentation Cluster Crazy

[nyc1dxo]

I have a 2001 s80 2.9


The cluster on occasion goes nuts with the needles sweeping back to zeros and then back to normal and the SRS message pops up and only that message, not ABS fault.
Initially I thought it was a DIM (instrument Cluster) issue and contacted Xemodex to repair, as their site doesn't list a repair for the 2001 year. Their response was that they seldom have issues with that year and most likely my issue would be the CEM. Big price difference.
I reset everything with my VIDA as a lot of codes were there mentioning a few CEM errors. I played with the CEM by pulling each relay, checking resistance and even sanding contacts they looked burnt. All was good.
This morning I wanted to see any new errors were popping up on my VIDA, and while waiting for my PC to start up, the dash goes crazy again, but interesting the SRS message never appeared. The only messages on VIDA was that the signal was strong on my door lock and that door was left opened. No matching codes from the prior errors.
I'm not sure if the issue is with the CEM or the DIM but I don't wish to spend money on both repairs if its only one item.
Any thoughts?

[reggit]

Most likely a DIM issue - it tends to affect 2000-2003 year cars.

Theres a chap on here who repairs them and has excellent reviews.
http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=143579

[nyc1dxo]

Dashboard has increasingly gotten worse being once it 'warms' up. It went from needles jumping every 2 seconds to mostly dead. If the car is off and then restarted, the cluster works for a few moments and then eventually goes dead. Once dead I checked other items and they all work: Car idles fine, signals work, radio works, A/C works, windows works and locks work.
I replaced the relay and the same effects.
I ran VIDA and it shows no codes! ODD.
What is odd is that the odometer should read 168,000 miles but now it only show 63.
At this point I'm thinking its the DIM and not the ECM even though Xemodex stated that its rare that the DIM goes bad. But we are now talking about a car that is 14 years old.
Any insights?

[cheshired5]

Erm.......did you not read Reggit's helpful comment.
Regardless of what your expert says, this is a very common issue.

[oragex]

I feel it's the DIM as well, because of lack of any other electrical issues, and because when the car is shut down and restarted it works well for a little time then goes bad back again. That's how my DIM is acting and I know it's the DIM. Xemodex I think they are pretty expensive, check out their prices, and they're in Canada, check out spokoluzik member in the UK.

[Dealerbeater]

I have a 2002 V70 and the Airbag Urgent Warning message came up followed by the instrument panel going completely blank.
I found Clusterfix on utube who shows you how easy it is to remove the cluster then I looked at Revtronic in Bradford who ask you to fill out their form and post the unit to them.
I sent it Special Delivery from the PO in one of their boxes ( £27 + box ) at 12.00 on Tuesday. On Wednesday Revtronic rang me to ask for payment using my credit card £110 including p&p it arrived the following day and I had no trouble fitting it back in place.
You still get the Airbag warning message which has to be cleared by a Volvo specialist.
A great result as a new unit is £850 plus fitting.

[martinrpeachey]

Without a doubt, it's the DIM failing and regardless of what a so-called "specialist" says, the problem affects all model P2 cars from the first S80 up to 2004 (basically, when Volvo started fitting chrome rings on the dials).

To replace the DIM is £723.50 from a dealer (I know that for a fact as I replaced mine a few years ago) or there are the repair services.

[nik7dob]

It's a DIM for sure. Don't spend too much money for a new one. In Bulgaria (where I am from) there is a good repair service about this problem.
About this car rarely there is a problem with CEM module, and is repairable too.
Kind regards

[nyc1dxo]

Thanks for all the inputs. I will try to repair the DIM via the voltage regulator on the board and resolder the chips first. My back up will be to send out the unit. I will update my solution.

[martinrpeachey]

The chip to solder is the Motorolla chip, the voltage regulators are usually fine.

Beware though, the repair companies often won't touch a board that someone else has had a go at previously. I found that out the hard way, hence having to spend £732.50 on a replacement.