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2014+ TFT DIM Retrofit into 2011-2013 S60

573K views 2.5K replies 217 participants last post by  dmgjwr  
#1 · (Edited)
I performed a swap of the analog DIM cluster from my 2012 S60 to a newer style TFT DIM from the 2014+ S60 models.

There's a good amount of information on this installation already, so I'll preface this thread with a link to the long running thread discussion.

2014 TFT Gauge Cluster / DIM Retrofit

There had been talk here and there that I had found in the past on getting everything but the Power/Eco gauges to work, but I could never find the correct procedure for that, just talk of some wiring with no specifics.

Thankfully, a few weeks ago, that final piece was relayed to me by Pietila (thanks my friend!). I put this post together to serve as a somewhat condensed DIY of sorts, in hopes of consolidating that information in one thread so that others can more easily find it.

December 2018 Update:

After a year, both XeMODeX and Vesper Volvo have not delivered on a retrofit solution, but VDASH has apparently figured much of it out for CEM unlocking and software upgrades. The pertinent post is quoted below. This involves using VDASH to unlock the CEM (through brute force method), enabling you to configure the TFT display for those who have difficulty with the retrofit, or who want to enable new options/colors/etc.

Hi guys:

we can talk directly now :) Here's Pavel - from D5T5.com team (formerly VolvoCesky.cz) and we run VDASH suite. Beside many other things, we've been frequently asked to check if/how the TFT retrofit could be done. The answer is twofold, actually threefold - yes-maybe-no:

#1 retrofitting the TFT displays into MY14- cars (that have the "analogue" (cheapo) DIM with a single monochrome display in the center) is pretty much straightforward - the wires are all there, VIDA/VDASH will see it as well. It only needs a properly configured DIM software and certain settings in the CEM (*). This kind of upgrade can also be done at a dealer, bit it's a bit co$tly.

#2 the cars MY12- (and certain S60II/V60 MY11-) will accept the TFT DIM, again with the correctly configured SW and certain CEM settings changed too. Without these, most of you will see some "random" errors, TPMS faults, fuel indicator not working, completely dark DIM or the rest of the car completely confused. A pair of additional wires between OBD and DIM connector is required to see the gear selector position properly (). Certain ECM firmwares also provide Eco/Power indicator values, but the majority (*) don't.
This is what the some of our competition achieved as well. Some of them just randomly tested and failed various units until a software match was found.

#3 The biggest challenge was to retrofit the TFT display into all older P3 (S80II, V70III, XC70III and older XC60 - pretty much all MY07-MY11 P3 cars) without any converter hardware, just using a software configuration (and the pair of wires, of course). It was a huge work, lot of development and testing, but Yes! we can do it.
The final testing is in progress. Next week few local guys will do the pre-final tests on their cars. Here's the teaser - this is my lovely S80 V8 MY07 car:

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We do plan to roll out the VDASH 2.0 extension that will enable to do the full conversion (not exactly sure if within two weeks as our marketing promises, the development is always behind).

Technically you will only need any type of TFT DIM (there're two distinct HW versions) - both usable for any #1 #2 or #3 retrofit. Plus the AT or MT type of the DIM has to be matched with the car, that's it. Well, of course V40/XC40 DIM type will not match the car mechanically, while electrically it would be pretty much okay. A pair of additional pins and wires. And a pair of good hands.

That's for now. Hope you enjoyed the reading and soon you may enjoy the actual conversion. It will be available worldwide and online thru VDASH 2.0

Pavel (ok2ucx)
D5T5.com team

------

(*) In order to change anything in CEM, it needs to be unlocked first. It's a one-time process that can be accomplished using VDASH. It takes 12 hours in average, 24 hours the worst case. Both car and the PC has to be powered using chargers, the car consumes 15-20A, thus cheap Lidl charger cannot handle that job. You can pause the decoding at any time though, the decoding (unlocking) will resume from the last known point. The PC has to be on-line all the time, however it will not eat too much bandwidth (a 3G mobile connection is more than good enough).

(**) Official VIDA will never see DIM responding properly as it can only be diagnosed on HS CAN (and VIDA expects such retrofitted cars to have DIM on the original LS CAN connection).
The cars that will be converted thru VDASH will be put on an automatic white-list and VDASH will be able to 1. diagnose DIM (read/clear the DTC codes), 2. clear SRI, 3. set time thru OBD, well 4. to reprogram/update it too thru VDASH.

(***) In both #2 and #3 options the Eco/Power indicators may be mapped to a similar values in the car, with not exactly the original meaning, still meaningful. It might be reconfigured later, if the better values are found.
 
#2 · (Edited)
First thing you need is the actual cluster (duh).

Thankfully, there are many around now, as they've been in cars for the past few years and many are showing up in auto recycle and U-pull-it locations.

The one I found was out of a 2015 S60. The spare part number is 36010100.

However, you can find it also listed as other part numbers that are more specific to certain models. Mine was listed with the 2015 S60 part number, 31453038.

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I had good success with those part numbers, and also by looking up "Virtual Display Volvo" in eBay.

They'll pop up regularly so look for a good deal. You can score ones for pretty unbelievable prices, and you can also get fleeced, too. I got mine for $120 shipped from a reseller in California. As you can see it looked pretty new.

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Onto the install...
 
#10 ·
They'll pop up regularly so look for a good deal. You can score ones for pretty unbelievable prices, and you can also get fleeced, too. I got mine for $120 shipped from a reseller in California. As you can see it looked pretty new.
I second this. I have paid just under $200 for one and about $150 for another including shipping. They come around quick enough that you don't need to purchase the $600+ ones that are more common
 
#3 · (Edited)
For the removal and installation of the DIM, I basically did these same steps as this poster on Youtube:


Pull the tray directly underneath the DIM straight at you from the DIM until the two clips underneath pop out of their sockets.

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You can see the clips here below:

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Once you do that, pop the top cover off the steering column. I found it easy to use a bone tool to put the cover apart at the front. You'll need to turn the wheel to each side to pop the clip out from the left and right of the cover.

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With that loosened, you can pull the cover under the DIM forward to access the mounting screws. They are Torx 25 (as with everything else in this car).

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The other two screws are on the top front of the DIM. Once you get those out, you can pull the DIM forward and unplug the connector.

At this point, I wanted to make sure that the DIM I bought worked, as I've heard of people getting nothing or blue/black error screens when connecting their DIM.

It fired up easy, with no issues, so I went ahead and removed it again to finish the wiring portion.

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#4 · (Edited)
At this point comes the missing part about the wiring that enables the fuel consumption readouts and the gear position. There are two new wires in the 2014+ models on the DIM connector that aren't there on the older model. Again, thanks to Pietila for this information.

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Both of the two new pins (# 7 and 8) are for the high and low speed CAN bus, respectively.

To get these features to work, you have to source that signal from another location to add to your DIM connector. Thankfully, the OBD2 can be tapped to get that information. If you look at the OBD2 specification, you can get the high and low CAN input from wires # 6 (high) and # 14 (low).

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To get a wire connected to the DIM connector, you'll need to sacrifice a pin connector cable to break out the pins and use those to populate the two wires on the DIM connector. I had a spare fan header from my PC laying around so I broke the pins out of those.

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This worked great, because there were two different wire colors, to ensure I didn't cross the signals.

If you're looking at the DIM connector, pins 7 and 8 are at the bottom row (starting at 4 on the bottom right and 10 at the bottom left). Insert your pins into the connector until they click in and mate.

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For my purposes, I made the black wire the "high" signal and the gray the "low".

To access the wires behind the OBD2 port, there is one Torx 25 you need to remove and it pulls right out. Pin 6 is the blue wire and pin 14 is the green wire.

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I used Posi-taps to connect the DIM wires to the OBD2 wires. DIM 7 to OBD2 6. DIM 8 to OBD2 14.

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Put everything back together, and it works perfectly.

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You're able to do everything with the cluster as you would, such as clearing the maintenance reminder and all the tech package features. Again, the only functionality not working is Power/Eco gauge.

Definitely a worthwhile upgrade to bring an "older" S60 a bit up to date.

EDIT DECEMBER 2018:

I used VDASH to unlock the other color options in the DIM. Was able to change the DIM to the R-Design version.

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#20 ·
To get a wire connected to the DIM connector, you'll need to sacrifice a pin connector cable to break out the pins and use those to populate the two wires on the DIM connector. I had a spare fan header from my PC laying around so I broke the pins out of those.

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This worked great, because there were two different wire colors, to ensure I didn't cross the signals.
You just happened to find the correct pin type for that connector? Are those the same as OEM? I'm wondering if you noticed any writing on the Volvo connector. These are probably all sourced by a few companies, most likely, AMP, TE or Molex. If we can identify the connector we could source the pin type needed which would make this conversion more PNP.
 
#8 ·
Yes, it's that simple. ?

Does the adaptive cruise work as well?
I don't have it, but I've seen videos where it works perfectly fine. I have everything but the tech package on my car and all the other functions display fine on the DIM.

Oh my car is RHD with mileage in km, does it matter if the newer (used) 2014+ cluster comes from a LHD car with miles? Also Does it have to be an S60 or can it be from an XC60, S80 or XC70?
That I am not sure of. My understanding is that you should stick with the same car to avoid any issues, and to buy a cluster from your market. That might not be correct, but I didn't want to risk it given that I wasn't sure it would work in the first place.

The odometer initially read the old car's mileage until the computers communicated and adjusted the odometer to the correct value of my S60.
 
#9 ·
How long were the wires you ran from the DIM to OBD2? Is it an easy path to just fish through behind the dash?

One thing that is never mentioned, but is important, is pulling the steering column to it's furthest away position. Doing that, I didn't have to remove the cover directly behind the wheel as shown in the video. An absent minded mistake when I was attempting the retrofit
 
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#11 ·
Very easy to fish the wires through. I initially pulled the side panel off the dash but it wasn't necessary once I figured out the OBD2 port unscrewed off the bottom. There's nearly nothing behind the dash impinging the path between the steering column and the floor. I used a cord that was about 12-18" in length.

Even with the column fully forward I still needed to take the steering column cover off, the decklid was still to tight to pull away and expose the screws without scratching the dash underneath the deck with the deck clips, so I removed the column lid to give me that inch of give. Good call though, its always easy to forget the small details.
 
#12 ·
How did you transfer the odometer mileage from the original speedometer to the new TFT speedometer? The challenge I had was that the mileage from the new TFT speedometer was significantly higher than my original speedometer and I was unable to reset or transfer the mileage data.
 
#13 ·
From what I've seen, the mileage might have to be lower on the TFT DIM for it to see your mileage and take that number. Since I had a 2012, it was pretty easy to find one that had lower than 60k miles.
 
#15 ·
Did the original miles show on the new DIM?
It did while I was in ignition I mode, until I turned on the car after finishing the install and the DIM spoke to the CEM.

You can kind of make it out in my image prior to the wiring post, where it shows a 25,6xx number and the last post showing my true mileage of 60k.
 
#21 ·
Wow, for the price I might consider doing this! I wanna get a newer one with the R Design blue option though. Is there any way to tell which ones have it enabled? Or maybe its something that can be enabled via software hack?
 
#23 ·
I think I'm going to make this mod. Thanks so much for this post! I never liked the early DIM from day one and the Xemodex solution seemed like a cluster f*** to me. Under $200 to upgrade seems reasonable.

Just for reference, from the markings on your fan connector, it crosses to a Molex 22-01-2031 connector
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/molex-connector-corporation/22-01-2031/WM1576-ND/1090454
which uses a couple of pin types but this one looks like the one you used
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/molex-connector-corporation/0008650805/WM2756-ND/1130600

I think I'll pull my DIM this weekend to add the wires before it gets too cold in my parts. Then I can just pop in the TFT DIM when I find one. I'll see if there are any markings on the DIM connector while I'm at it.
 
#25 ·
Thanks!

My only issue still bothering me somewhat is the TPMS. It is not a low indicator, but a service malfunction. Not sure if my local Indie can find a way to fix that or if it is a issue with how the 2015 the DIM came from was set up (did it have the sensors or did it do the wheel speed/ABS method?).

I plan on reinstalling my DIM in to see if the system behaves again, just to eliminate any variable with my stock car setup.
 
#26 ·
Thanks!

My only issue still bothering me somewhat is the TPMS. It is not a low indicator, but a service malfunction. Not sure if my local Indie can find a way to fix that or if it is a issue with how the 2015 the DIM came from was set up (did it have the sensors or did it do the wheel speed/ABS method?).

I plan on reinstalling my DIM in to see if the system behaves again, just to eliminate any variable with my stock car setup.
For reporting purposes, when I had the non functioning DIM installed I got a TPMS malfunction light as well. I will see if it does the same when I get the new (to me) unit in on Friday
 
#28 ·
Quick question (or maybe more than one).

p.rico - Does your 2012 have the TPMS sensors already or is this error from the new display (new display expecting to get sensor readings and not receiving anything)?

The other question is where are you finding these displays? I've looked all over the place and can't find one. Called a friend at an auto salvage yard today and he said he would keep an eye open for me.
 
#29 ·
Terms to search on your used parts place of choice (Craigslist, eBay, salvage yard sites):

TFT Display
Virtual display
Speedometer/speedo
Gauge Cluster
Head Unit

Be careful with the model though. You will have to check details or inquire to be sure it isn't from a different model (a la fits an S60 but from an xc60)
 
#30 · (Edited)
It's the display. I have TPMS sensors, which my old display has no issue with*. I assumed the monitoring was done by the CEM and relayed to the DIM, but it seems there's something in the DIM that's looking for that car's sensors...

*After this post to assure myself, I placed the older DIM back, and confirmed that there were no errors. Then placed the newer in and again and the TPMS error is back.
 
#34 ·
This is my current thought as well. Just waiting on on the DIM to be delivered today (another 2015). This is a 2015 one and it seems that those are vastly more populous vs the 2014s (sales data?). Possible that 2015 or the 2015.5 model went to the different tpms style and that's causing the error?

Do you know for sure an XC60 display won't work in an S60? There seem to be more XC60 displays for sale than S60s.
Test for sure(if you can afford/stomach the risk)! It would be nice to get more of a sample size, but I think general consensus is that it won't. Possibly due to some vehicle identifier when programmed new?

I wonder if it has more to do to the part number since there are various part numbers it seems vs the spare number
 
#35 ·
Well, not what I was hoping for a pre-Christmas present to myself....

The new DIM did NOT have a TPMS malfunction indication on installation. The TFT screen.... well that didn't work again.

OLD (1st Purchase) DIM: Spare # 36010100, P 31433332, T 0642838

NEW (2nd Purchase) DIM: Spare # 36010019, P 31412534, T 0394741

I wonder if it is possibly different wiring done between trims/model years? I just would have to be pretty unlucky to get two shot units
 
#39 · (Edited)
There has to be a software issue... What version do you have? I had mine recently updated to add the USB NAV update capability and received Sensus 3 in the process. I have version 1210 now.
 
#36 ·
I received my DIM today and just had to try it out this evening. It appears to work! It's from an 2015 XC60. Even the car picture looks like a S60! The salvage yard that I purchased it from said it had 45,000 miles but after it powered up it read 70k. Soon there after is showed my mileage 66k. Part numbers: Spare 36011320 (T) 0458465 (P) 31394750

Tomorrow I'll connect the CAN bus and give her a spin. No TPMS warnings but I suspect that might occur after driving. Now to find some pins that might fit :)
 
#37 ·
I received my DIM today and just had to try it out this evening. It appears to work! It's from an 2015 XC60. Even the car picture looks like a S60! The salvage yard that I purchased it from said it had 45,000 miles but after it powered up it read 70k. Soon there after is showed my mileage 66k. Part numbers: Spare 36011320 (T) 0458465 (P) 31394750

Tomorrow I'll connect the CAN bus and give her a spin. No TPMS warnings but I suspect that might occur after driving. Now to find some pins that might fit
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Great to hear, maybe I will start looking for xc60 units as well. It is weird that two didn't power up for me and am wondering if there is another factor (Sensus 2 vs 3 etc.) Interfering

The TPMS malfunction should show up immediately on plug in / power up in the bottom left. I would guess you are in the clear
 
#38 ·
This is all very interesting! So we know a few things:

1) XC60 TFT works on the S60.
2) Mileage doesn't seem to matter, it I'll read off your CEM.
3) TPMS is conditional based on which way the donor car read tire pressure.

EcoDrive, do you have the same color on your Elegance theme (gray) or is it different (brown/blue)?
 
#42 ·
EcoDrive, do you have the same color on your Elegance theme (gray) or is it different (brown/blue)?
It's gray. What's interesting is that the old DIM said to "Book Time for Maintenance", I'm coming up on my 67500 service interval. The new DIM says "Maintenance Overdue". It must be on the 10k service interval. It will interesting to see what my dealer has to say about this mod, lol. I already have the 2014 rear end and now the dash to match. Now if I can only get the heated steering wheel :)
 
#45 ·
You can rest the service reminder just as you can on the donor car. I think the procedure was holding the Read (or OK) button and start until the chime. Worked fine when I did it.
 
#52 ·
there is a Russian company offering this swap with full functions (eco/power) also can code the cluster to have the R design animation and colors

thanks.
Yes, I've then those videos, but they're also charging ~1200 for the TFT+kit, same as Xemodex. Do you do what the cost of the kit alone is?
 
#51 · (Edited)
Decided to just forgo the issue with the TPMS light for now, and did a bit of disassembly to get into the unit and put a piece to tape to block off the light.

I'm OK with no TPMS since I check tire pressures regularly, and since there no other codes, it's no big deal.

I didn't want to put a piece of tape on the gauge face, since it would be evident and look a bit funny, so I took the top off to see about blocking the LED itself. Found the right LED and just placed tape over it for now, so it can be reversed in the future if need be.

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Anyone else thinking like me that it would be kind of cool to just have the screen open like that instead of shrouded with the ring?
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#53 · (Edited)
Decided to just forgo the issue with the TPMS light for now, and did a bit of disassembly to get into the unit and put a piece to tape to block off the light.

I'm OK with no TPMS since I check tire pressures regularly, and since there no other codes, it's no big deal.

I didn't want to put a piece of tape on the gauge face, since it would be evident and look a bit funny, so I took the top off to see about blocking the LED itself. Found the right LED and just placed tape over it for now, so it can be reversed in the future if need be.
Yeah, that seems like a good solution for you, I would have done the same. I'll keep my eye out for a FWD version. I'm okay with using the trip computer for now. I actually had an issue a month or so back with my fuel gauge showing the wrong level. Hasn't happened since but it's why I started to use the trip computer in the first place. An indy wanted $1200 to replace the sending unit! The TFT fuel gauge is pretty low resolution anyway but it's weird not having one. If anyone has a FWD TFT DIM that they would like to swap let me know ;-) Did you ever contact your indy shop to see if a reflash of the DIM is possible? But in your case it might be different hardware.
 
#54 ·
Anyone aware if this will work on a 2010 XC60?
 
#55 ·
Unfortunately, as you have seen with most of this thread, not a lot is known. I'd say try it, if it doesn't work, you're out shipping money only as most eBay salvage yard stores take returns. There are a few XC60 TFT's I've seen in eBay right now for just under $200.
 
#57 ·
I confess I did fall in love with the TFT display in the S60 loaner I had last week to the point that I did allow my mind to wonder how much of a hack would be required to make it work in my C70... and that was before I saw this thread.