V70R Instrument cluster swap - help needed Rating Options

[ripper996]

If I have posted this in the wrong section, then please feel free to move it:



I recently bought a 2000 V70R instrument cluster for my 2000 V70 XC from a fellow forum member. I called four Bay Area dealerships and three San Francisco Independents to shop around on who was the most competent to fit the cluster. The answer from all of them ranged from it can't be done (four of them) to it will cost $1200 (dealer) to we'll have a go and only charge you if it works (dealer/independent). The ones that were somewhat positive said that it was my XC that stored the data and that replacing the XC cluster with the R cluster shouldn't be a problem as it is basically a 'plug & play' thing. However, it didn't give me a whole lot of confidence.

Does anyone know if replacing the XC cluster with the R cluster is an easy fit or just not doable and if so, can they recommend a Bay Area shop that can do the job properly? Thanks.

[NChoy]

If I have posted this in the wrong section, then please feel free to move it:



I recently bought a 2000 V70R instrument cluster for my 2000 V70 XC from a fellow forum member. I called four Bay Area dealerships and three San Francisco Independents to shop around on who was the most competent to fit the cluster. The answer from all of them ranged from it can't be done (four of them) to it will cost $1200 (dealer) to we'll have a go and only charge you if it works (dealer/independent). The ones that were somewhat positive said that it was my XC that stored the data and that replacing the XC cluster with the R cluster shouldn't be a problem as it is basically a 'plug & play' thing. However, it didn't give me a whole lot of confidence.

Does anyone know if replacing the XC cluster with the R cluster is an easy fit or just not doable and if so, can they recommend a Bay Area shop that can do the job properly? Thanks.

Why don't you just try doing it yourself and see if the new cluster works?

First make sure your key is turned off. Remove the dash pad... torx screws (2) in front of the cluster, one each under the speaker grilles, one each under the side vents on the left and right side of the dash pad (which you have to pop off... carefully), a bunch behind the top of the glove box, and a couple behind the a/c vents. Unbolt the passenger side airbag ground strap, and unplug the airbag harness. Once the dash pad is loose, lift up, and pull toward the back of the car. Carefully take it out of either side front door and set aside where it won't get damaged.

Unplug the harness (there should be two... one large one, and one small one) from the back of the cluster. Unclip the two clips that hold the cluster in. Lift out, and carefully remove it from where it rests. Installation is reverse of removal.

The only problem I see with a swap is the mileage is going to be different on the new cluster. You can get around that by swapping over the info screen and odometer block... but this might be a bit more involved than you're used to... I did mine that way, and it was basically self-explanatory on how they swap (just be very careful as you take the clusters apart, as there are plastic clips that may break if you're not careful, and small screws that tend to jump off the table you're working on and get lost in the darkened kitchen (ask me how I know that!)

Too bad you didn't live nearby... I'd have you bring over a six-pack and I'd have it all done before you finished your first beer.

This post has been edited by NChoy: Jul 30 2010, 05:02 AM

[firepuma]

Like nick said, it's really not all that difficult, just stay focused and organized you'll have it done in sub-2hrs for sure.

[BayV70]

i think they are worried that the odometer would come up to be different then your cars actual reading, but everything should be exactly the same
as the R models. I think that (Lookforjoe) did this on hes amazing XR M

[NChoy]

i think they are worried that the odometer would come up to be different then your cars actual reading, but everything should be exactly the same
as the R models. I think that (Lookforjoe) did this on hes amazing XR M

I did it on my car too... relatively easy operation. I was fortunate enough to locate a UK cluster (160mph speedo and gas gauge in gallons and British litres!). I did however, swap the info/odometer section, and that was pretty straight forward as well.

And while you're in there, you might as well install the trim rings too.

This post has been edited by NChoy: Jul 30 2010, 10:12 PM

[ripper996]

How did you swap the odometer section and the blue clusters. Was it easy?

I did it on my car too... relatively easy operation. I was fortunate enough to locate a UK cluster (160mph speedo and gas gauge in gallons and British litres!). I did however, swap the info/odometer section, and that was pretty straight forward as well.

And while you're in there, you might as well install the trim rings too.

[NChoy]

How did you swap the odometer section and the blue clusters. Was it easy?

I had blue clusters to begin with, and replaced them with another blue cluster from the UK... so all I did was swap the odometer section. Not complicated... just remember where everything goes. The worst part was separating the clear front from the backing where the gauges and the odo section sits. Be careful with the clips... they're plastic and look as if they'll break off if pried too hard.

[ripper996]

Forget swapping one cluster for another, the easiest way to do it, is as Nick says, remove the cluster from your vehicle and swap out the three dials from the donor cluster. That way, there's no mileage recalibration or flashing, etc. It was easy to do and I probably saved myself a fortune. One hour, thirty minutes. Thanks to everyone's help. I posted my cluster swap on Volvo speed. The only PITA was disconnecting the airbag.



http://volvospeed.com/vs_forum/index.php/t...wap-help-needed

Like nick said, it's really not all that difficult, just stay focused and organized you'll have it done in sub-2hrs for sure.

This post has been edited by ripper996: Aug 3 2010, 03:37 AM

[NChoy]

Yeah, all that BS about 2-3 hours @ $150-$180 per hour at the dealer is just that... BS.

DIY = FTW

[Rob]

Thanks to everyone's help. I posted my cluster swap on Volvo speed.

This would make for a great helpful article in the V70R Wiki

Rob