Solving Your Volvo’s Instrument Failure

Are the gauges on your dashboard reading incorrectly or acting erratically? At Manfred’s Import Auto, our skilled technicians can diagnose the issue and guide you toward the service you need. Dim, flickering lights or warning lights that are constantly on are also common signs of problems with your instrument cluster. If you are experiencing any issues with the gauges on your dashboard, we highly suggest getting your instrument cluster checked out.

Now you may be wondering why your Volvo’s instrument cluster is failing. The most common reasons we see are electrical issues, wear and tear, moisture exposure, and software glitches. If you notice your instrument cluster failing, check for blown fuses to see if that is causing the problem. If your fuses look good, then bring your car into our shop so our expert mechanics can diagnose the problem and provide the right repairs, like re-soldering connections, repairing the circuit board, or replacing faulty components. It is very dangerous to drive with an instrument cluster failure because you lack vital information about the status of your Volvo.

Repairs to Fix Your Failing Instrument Cluster

Our skilled technicians can diagnose your Volvo and suggest the needed repairs specific to your problems. At Manfred’s Import Auto, we find these common repairs can fix most of your Volvo’s instrument cluster issues.

Repairing the circuit board

An expert technician should be able to fix any problems that are happening to the circuit board by repairing damaged components.

Replacing faulty components

Replacing specific faulty parts, like a faulty gauge, can fix the issue.

Re-soldering connections

Loose connections on the circuit board can be re-soldered, meaning an easy fix for your instrument cluster.

A full instrument cluster replacement can be very expensive, so we highly recommend having a thorough diagnosis to pinpoint and fix only the malfunctioning components. If a full instrument cluster replacement is needed, however, you can rest easy knowing that our skilled mechanics have you covered.

Common Causes of Instrument Cluster Failure

Is your Volvo dashboard on the fritz? Don’t see a blown fuse? These are the problems we see the most when it comes to a failed instrument cluster:

Electrical issues

Loose connections, damaged wires, or faulty circuit boards in the cluster can cause malfunctions.

Moisture exposure

Driving through flooded areas or water damage from spills can damage the electronics in the instrument cluster.

Wear and tear

The components in the instrument cluster can become worn over time due to vibration and constant use.

Software glitches

To correct erratic behaviors of your dashboard gauges, sometimes a software update might be needed.

All of these issues can all be handled with routine maintenance, so call to set up an appointment with our shop if you’re experiencing any problems. And as a reminder, Volvo recommends having your vehicle serviced at least once a year or every 10,000 miles.

Why Do Volvo Models Made Between 2000 & 2009 Have More Instrumental Cluster Failures?

Many reports show that it is common for Volvo models made from 2000 to 2009 to tend to have the most issues with instrument cluster failure. The issues below are the most likely causes.

Faulty circuit board design

The circuit board design for the instrument cluster ECU, electronic control unit, is a huge contributor to it failing. The components cannot handle the prolonged vibrations and heat from the car, so the overall design is faulty.

Soldering issues

The soldering on the circuit board is lacking quality. This leads to failing connections, which cause malfunctions and electrical glitches.

Component wear and tear

Due to age and the exposure of high temperatures, components within the ECU, like resistors and capacitors, will degrade. This leads to erratic behavior.

Poor connector quality

Intermittent failures are caused by corroded or loose connectors on the cluster. A disruption in electrical signals will also cause failures.

Manfred’s Import Auto is dedicated to providing the best service your Volvo needs. Our skilled technicians specialize in Volvo maintenance and can provide any of the repairs its instrument cluster may need. We service residents in the following locations: