V70 Stereo/DVD: - HELP - electrics (new)

tim2001 · Aug 10th, 2016, 14:49

Hello everyone, this is my first post.
First I want to thank everyone who has contributed and helped me solve many problems with Volvos over the years, I now own a V70 P11 2002 2.4Auto...and I have a problem which has baffled me.

Recently I started it and noticed that the stereo lights were not illuminated, then I noticed that some (not all) of the dash was very dim and then the small cluster which controls the headlights, fogs, dash-dimmer and headlamp adjustment also appeared not to work at all. In fact none of the switches/buttons on the latter work at all. The stereo still works fine and I can clearly see the dash but only at night.

About a year ago I had a familiar problem with the dash (DIM) completely failing but this was fixed so I don't think it's related.
Does anyone know how or if these components are somehow linked? I've check all the fuses but they're fine. Any help would be appreciated.

SwissXC90 · Aug 11th, 2016, 05:53

On my 2009 XC90 the instrument panel illumination is automatic and switches itself off during daylight. Once on, the illumination intensity can be controlled by the dash illumination intensity control.

So test it at day, at dusk, and at night.
Check the smoothness of the intensity control.

ASt85 · Aug 11th, 2016, 08:46

My 2001 PII V70 also does this but if i fully rotate the light switch from DRL through side lamps only position and then to dipped beam and back it restores the brightness of the displays.

I'm told that this can be caused a software "glitch" with the auto instrument panel illumination.
Mine's been behaving in this way for close on four years even after a number of "cold resets" when the battery has been disconnected for whatever reason.

Simon Jones · Aug 11th, 2016, 12:05

The solution is often to replace the headlamp switch. Have a search and you should find a few instances in the last few months.

tim2001 · Aug 13th, 2016, 18:36

Thanks for your replies everyone, I shall try some of those things.
I've tried disconnecting the battery but that didn't work. What's odd with this is that both the stereo lights and the headlamp switch birth failed at the same time. I guess I could do with some reference to the wiring and any relay or fuses that may be under the dash.
I'll keep hunting and post if I find anything.

Simon Jones · Aug 13th, 2016, 22:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim2001

What's odd with this is that both the stereo lights and the headlamp switch birth failed at the same time.

As previously mentioned, faulty switch can cause both problems.

Aug 10th, 2016, 14:49	#1
tim2001 New Member Last Online: Feb 9th, 2024 13:36 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Bristol	HELP - electrics (new) Hello everyone, this is my first post. First I want to thank everyone who has contributed and helped me solve many problems with Volvos over the years, I now own a V70 P11 2002 2.4Auto...and I have a problem which has baffled me. Recently I started it and noticed that the stereo lights were not illuminated, then I noticed that some (not all) of the dash was very dim and then the small cluster which controls the headlights, fogs, dash-dimmer and headlamp adjustment also appeared not to work at all. In fact none of the switches/buttons on the latter work at all. The stereo still works fine and I can clearly see the dash but only at night. About a year ago I had a familiar problem with the dash (DIM) completely failing but this was fixed so I don't think it's related. Does anyone know how or if these components are somehow linked? I've check all the fuses but they're fine. Any help would be appreciated.

Aug 11th, 2016, 05:53	#2
SwissXC90 Premier Member Last Online: Mar 20th, 2024 18:26 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Cross Country	On my 2009 XC90 the instrument panel illumination is automatic and switches itself off during daylight. Once on, the illumination intensity can be controlled by the dash illumination intensity control. So test it at day, at dusk, and at night. Check the smoothness of the intensity control. __________________ XC90 R-Design MY2009, Black Sapphire Metallic. HP-Sound, RSE, Nav, Tel, ParkingCam, BLIS, ParkingHeater, RestHeat, Removable Towbar, Summer: CRATUS 20x8 on Pirelli Scorpion Zeros 255/45, Winter: NEPTUNE 17x7 on Continental WinterContact 4x4 235/65.

Aug 11th, 2016, 08:46	#3
ASt85 Premier Member Last Online: Apr 26th, 2024 08:06 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Walderslade....Kent	My 2001 PII V70 also does this but if i fully rotate the light switch from DRL through side lamps only position and then to dipped beam and back it restores the brightness of the displays. I'm told that this can be caused a software "glitch" with the auto instrument panel illumination. Mine's been behaving in this way for close on four years even after a number of "cold resets" when the battery has been disconnected for whatever reason. __________________ The saddest moment is when the one who gave you the best memories....becomes a MEMORY V70 SE 2004 2.3L T5 Geartronic, C70 2005 2.0T Automatic, Sold 2.4l 20 Valve Automatic Torslander Sold 854 GLT 20v Auto

Aug 11th, 2016, 12:05	#4
Simon Jones Premier Member Last Online: Jan 15th, 2022 11:23 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Salisbury (ish)	The solution is often to replace the headlamp switch. Have a search and you should find a few instances in the last few months.

Aug 13th, 2016, 18:36	#5
tim2001 New Member Last Online: Feb 9th, 2024 13:36 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Bristol	Thanks for your replies everyone, I shall try some of those things. I've tried disconnecting the battery but that didn't work. What's odd with this is that both the stereo lights and the headlamp switch birth failed at the same time. I guess I could do with some reference to the wiring and any relay or fuses that may be under the dash. I'll keep hunting and post if I find anything.

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