Combination Instrument Panel Vs. DIM (Driver Information Module)

Over the last year the digital read out display on the bottom left of the instrument cluster has been acting erratically. It would sometimes be on, then off, flicker and jumble the information. I didn't really worry about it or care to fix it just thinking of the cost of the electronics. It wasn't effecting anything else in the instrument cluster or wasn't reading bad messages.

Just the other day the entire cluster went down and all the gauges were at zero. My wife was driving the car and dropped it by our local dealer. They said it was the Combination Instrument Part #8602763. The cost for them to replace it is ~$1500. Wow that is crazy.

The car is driving fine and the panel is on at the moment but I know it will go out again.

I have been doing some research and what most people are saying it is the DIM Driver Information Module and can be rebuilt. Is this the same as the Combination Instrument?

I have found the part here which is basically what the dealer is quoting me:
http://www.volvopartswebstore.com/pr...0/8602763.html

I am assuming this comes with all new modules on the back/inside that will need to reprogrammed with the correct car info and software.

I have also found these sites that rebuild the parts but the part numbers don't match up.

XeModex
http://xemodex.com/technologyimprove...dule-for-volvo

InstrumentClusters.com
http://www.instrumentclusters.com/

I can do instrument clusters for around $250 + shipping. Sounds like a steal vs. a whole new unit.

So my real question is:
Is the Combination Instrument Panel the same as the DIM.

Yes. And used or rebuilt is obviously the only way to go to sort this.

Cheers,

Bill

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Originally Posted by Chicago Savage

The car is driving fine and the panel is on at the moment but I know it will go out again.

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Same here. Let me know which company you choose to go with.

Not sure if this will work good with you but why not to try this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-VOLVO-V...item4843c5f5a1

Offer them $65 and it will be yours. I understand the warranty is only 14 days and unknown millage...But as for me better than $325

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vova

Not sure if this will work good with you but why not to try this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2001-VOLVO-V...item4843c5f5a1

Offer them $65 and it will be yours. I understand the warranty is only 14 days and unknown millage...But as for me better than $325

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Just remember that the numbers shown on the attached label need to match up to what you have on your original DIM otherwise it probably will not work. When I replaced mine, all the numbers matched and it has worked as it should since.

God Luck,

Bill

Quote:

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Originally Posted by vova

Offer them $65 and it will be yours. I understand the warranty is only 14 days and unknown millage...But as for me better than $325

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How much does the dealer charge to transfer the data from your old DIM to a replacement one though?

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Originally Posted by sjonnie

How much does the dealer charge to transfer the data from your old DIM to a replacement one though?

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There is really no "data" to transfer. Mileage will be picked up from the CEM. The trip computer software cannot be transferred. It just needs to be re-loaded. In fact, if you plug in a compatible used DIM you are basically good to go. You might have a SRS light showing and your mileage might be off, but everything is operational. All a VIDA hookup really does is to clear the error that states that there is a mileage mismatch between the CEM and DIM and allows you to clear the SRS error. At least that is how it all worked with my used DIM and VIDA.

Cheers,

Bill