Continuing to have problems, replaced the headlight switch, ignition switch, checked cab grounds. Open the cluster and inspected for obviously cold solder joints didn't see any. Still generally wont crank over, random behavior of dash during boot up, now speedo has stuck. When I had the cluster out and replaced burned out bulbs, found that battery warning light was missing - put one in and its stuck on. Appears a prior owner got tired of looking at, so rather than fix it, took out the bulb - see no evil I suppose. Has new alt, guage says plus or minus 14v, batteries not going dead so do t think I really have a charging problem.
Cluster has obviously been out, tamper seals are broken, other parts of dash missing screws, etc so I think someone has chased and failed to resolve this b4. If I take it to Volvo, I'm sure I'll get told they wont do anything unless they Replace the cluster which they want to $2000 plus 3 hours of labor to do. I've had it in-and-out in 20 minutes - 2 screws 5 connectors and 2 airlines. They say new - will have to be programmed and that's why it takes so long, Seems BS.
So considering a used cluster which is $450-$650. However I don't know if it really does have to be programmed or if you can take a generation one cluster and install it in the dash and it will work just fine except that the odometer will show its mileage. Have a friend that's an independent mechanic but hes not equipped to do Volvo computers.
Have also seeing the rebuild services that will put new motors in the gages at cetera but they don't look like they're specific enough to be able to check the function and circuitry of the cluster, So I'm not sure that would be productive.
Any advice on a path forward would be appreciated.
