1993 Volvo 850 No Instruments

DADENI

MEMBER
1993 VOLVO 850
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
113,112 MILES

1993 Volvo 850 My gauges, speedometer, odometer, warning lights and tach do not work. The tach needle does bounce up and down. The alternator light flashes all the time but the system is still charging. The red light on the diagnostics module for the instruments will light when activated but it does not put out any codes and in mode 3 it does not activate any of the gauges. Also the led clock works but the temperature reading next to it comes and goes. I have checked all the fuses. Where do I go from here. Also I already donated 5.00 before I asked the queston but I will donate a couple of more dollars just to get a answer. Thanks Regards Dave

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,384 POSTS

Hello. Thanks for the donation. Much appreciated

All your test's are verifying a fault in the actual instrument cluster and it needs replcing i'm afraid. Hope this helps. Let me know

Diagnostic Test Mode No. 3
Control module can check operation of some instruments by generating a display signal which can indicate whether a particular gauge or meter is defective. To activate diagnostic test mode No. 3, briefly press test button 3 times. ECU will activate gauges, meters, and illuminate LEDs for 30-60 seconds throughout test. Gauges and meters should indicate as follows:
Fuel gauge needle should indicate 1/2 full.
Temperature gauge needle should be at edge of Red section.
Speedometer needle should be vertical.
Trip meter should indicate an extra.5 mile.
Tachometer needle should be vertical.
If gauges and meters indicate correct values during function test but incorrect values during test drive, fault is present in wiring or one of the sensors connected to instrument cluster.

850 (Fuel Gauge Reading Incorrect)
Turn ignition on. Activate diagnostic test mode No. 3. See DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODE NO. 3 under SELF-DIAGNOSTICS. If fuel gauge indicates significantly more or less than 1/2 full, replace instrument cluster. If fuel gauge indicates 1/2 full, go to next step and check fuel level sensor ground.
850 (Speedometer Does Not Operate)
Turn ignition on. Activate diagnostic test mode No. 3. See DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODE NO. 3 under SELF-DIAGNOSTICS. If speedometer needle moves to vertical position, go to next step and check speed sensor. If speedometer does not operate, replace instrument cluster.
850 (Speedometer Reading Incorrect)
Turn ignition on. Activate diagnostic test mode No. 3. See DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODE NO. 3 under SELF-DIAGNOSTICS. If speedometer needle moves to vertical position, go to next step and check vehicle speed sensor ground circuit. If speedometer is significantly out of vertical position, replace instrument cluster.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE TEST
850 (Temperature Gauge Does Not Work At All)
Turn ignition on. Activate diagnostic test mode No. 3. See DIAGNOSTIC TEST MODE NO. 3 under SELF-DIAGNOSTICS. Check if temperature gauge needle is at edge of Red section. If temperature gauge does not operate as specified, replace instrument cluster.