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Volvo v50 - dimming clocks - dimming clocks while driving, other electrical work

vonlanten 25878 17
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Why do the instrument clocks in a Volvo V50 go out while driving, with warning lights appearing first, while the rest of the car’s electrics still work?

Check the instrument cluster power supply, ground points, and CAN/CEM communication, because these symptoms most often point to a meter/cluster fault rather than a general electrical failure [#17148520][#17150104][#17421608] When the clocks disappear, see whether the odometer still counts km; if it does not, there is likely no power to the whole cluster, and the mass points under the bonnet on the side member should be inspected first [#17148520][#17150104] Several users reported no-communication faults with the clocks (CEM-DE51) and found damaged or corroded PCB/board issues in the cluster, so the board itself may need repair or replacement [#17421608][#17423351] If replacing the board, it must be compatible and then coded/programmed from the old clocks; one user fixed the problem by copying the program from the old diesel clocks to a replacement board and uploading it via OBD with an SMOK programmer [#17444967]
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  • #1 17148407
    vonlanten
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    Rate: 1
    Volvo V50 2.0d 2005

    Clocks go out while driving,
    it is preceded by everything, i.e. a Christmas tree, i.e. various messages that start to appear (i.e. a brake failure, a failure of the airbag, etc.), then indicators such as a speedometer, tachometer, temperature and fuel indicator alternately "fall and rise" - (photo 1) after a few the clocks go out and nothing is displayed except for 3 lights (ABS, pillow and handbrake off) - (photo 3)

    An interesting phenomenon is that the rest of the electric system works, i.e. electric windows, radio, air conditioning and airflow panel (photo 2), navigation as well as external lighting of the car (lights, directions, etc.)

    I was in two workshops, one pity to mention in the other the CAN module was replaced (used) - the corrected "cold February" did not help and unfortunately it did not help either.

    I honestly have no more ideas.

    Fota:
    Volvo v50 - dimming clocks - dimming clocks while driving, other electrical work Volvo v50 - dimming clocks - dimming clocks while driving, other electrical work
    Volvo v50 - dimming clocks - dimming clocks while driving, other electrical work
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  • #2 17148520
    keseszel
    Level 26  
    Posts: 4086
    Help: 54
    Rate: 555
    Citroen Picasso - "Christmas tree" on the display, various lights on, then the ABS clinking, finally the car dies. Verdict - alternator, cost in 2015 about 400 PLN with labor.

    BMW E36- first loses clock settings on the board. Then the "Christmas tree", the clocks light up and go out. The car is on, the engine does not stop. I checked February in the counter, soldered. It did not help, the frequency of the fault has not changed. I bought a used meter for PLN 20, it's been calm for 2 weeks.

    Your case. "Christmas tree", the car travels normally, the lights are on, it doesn't stop .. The km counter is reset? Symptoms similar to turning on a car? Look in the power circuit. It is possible that the mass is somehow. Mean case
  • #3 17148966
    tolo
    Level 35  
    Posts: 3093
    Help: 231
    Rate: 1168
    In older volvo cars the counter was responsible for similar symptoms but it could be repaired.
  • #4 17149625
    keseszel
    Level 26  
    Posts: 4086
    Help: 54
    Rate: 555
    Any meter can be repaired, I see that the bmw condition not only affected this brand. In the search box E36 goes counter and see how to solve this problem .. Replacing the counter ..
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  • #5 17149855
    vonlanten
    Level 2  
    Posts: 2
    Rate: 1
    Any meter can be repaired,

    believe me that I really want to fix this fault, as I wrote I was already in two workshops including one with a Volvo profile and if I was sure that it would count the counters now .....

    In the search box E36 goes counter and see how to solve this problem .. Replacing the counter ..

    I read about the ailment in BMW and the fact most write that replacing the meters only helps or something that helps in another brand will help in this case

    thanks for the suggestion
  • #6 17149864
    rosak
    Car dashboards specialist  
    Posts: 1789
    Help: 142
    Rate: 557
    keseszel wrote:
    Replacement of the meter ..


    ... it is never a solution unless someone has treated it with a hammer or has flooded it.
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  • #7 17149878
    keseszel
    Level 26  
    Posts: 4086
    Help: 54
    Rate: 555
    Rosak, I had to give up and exchange, because I soldered the counter a few times, cleaned the connectors, and lost pins. I put the meter down for checking, I'm just curious what's wrong, that's why he didn't go to the trash.

    When the clocks disappear again, check if it counts km to you. If not, then there is no power to the entire team.
    In fact, it is recommended that the CAN be checked with this Volvo fault. You won't get anything without analyzing the pattern of the meters.
  • #8 17150104
    mario 77
    Level 23  
    Posts: 510
    Help: 66
    Rate: 335
    Check the mass points under the bonnet on the side member.
  • #9 17421608
    p.wisniewski90
    Level 9  
    Posts: 12
    Rate: 4
    Did something new appear in the topic?
    I have the same problem, CEM-DE51 error came out under VIDA - no communication with clocks.
    Several days the clocks work, some not.
    Meter harness checked, CEM removed and impregnated with Contact.
    The car was with several electromechanics but to no avail ...
  • #10 17423351
    rosak
    Car dashboards specialist  
    Posts: 1789
    Help: 142
    Rate: 557
    p.wisniewski90 wrote:
    pervaded by Contact


    Let's hope not WD40. I recently had such a case, PCB practically eaten.

    Give a photo of a PCB, I've never done one, but I do S60, V70 and XC90 from 2000-2005 every day, maybe for a similar reason.
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  • #11 17423487
    p.wisniewski90
    Level 9  
    Posts: 12
    Rate: 4
    CEM photo or clocks?
  • #12 17423491
    rosak
    Car dashboards specialist  
    Posts: 1789
    Help: 142
    Rate: 557
    p.wisniewski90 wrote:
    CEM photo or clocks?


    Clocks.
  • #13 17423503
    p.wisniewski90
    Level 9  
    Posts: 12
    Rate: 4
    I will take exact pictures tomorrow

    Added after 15 [hours] 59 [minutes]:

    I also have a bit better compact photo camera

    Volvo v50 - dimming clocks - dimming clocks while driving, other electrical work Volvo v50 - dimming clocks - dimming clocks while driving, other electrical work Volvo v50 - dimming clocks - dimming clocks while driving, other electrical work Volvo v50 - dimming clocks - dimming clocks while driving, other electrical work
  • #14 17436024
    rosak
    Car dashboards specialist  
    Posts: 1789
    Help: 142
    Rate: 557
    It's good that a colleague asked on prv, because the problem with the electrode is that when you add something to your post, no one gets a notification.
    At the beginning, carefully transform this ball of yarn. This should solve the problem if you don't let me know.
    You can wash the nail polish, even IPA, but you have to wave a little.
  • #15 17436040
    p.wisniewski90
    Level 9  
    Posts: 12
    Rate: 4
    If coding a new counter board does not help, I will resurrect the old counter :)
    I bought the board itself and after connecting it to the beam I see that it can come out of this after switching the software :)

    Volvo v50 - dimming clocks - dimming clocks while driving, other electrical work
  • #16 17444967
    p.wisniewski90
    Level 9  
    Posts: 12
    Rate: 4
    So the topic was solved in my case.
    I have a diesel and the plate I bought was from a petroleum engine.
    The whole "program" was copied from old clocks (they were working then :) ) and uploaded to a new board.
    Turnover does not distort and everything works the most.
    If this helps someone, everything has been programmed after the OBD with the SMOK programmer

    greetings
  • #17 17462350
    Oski82
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    Rate: 23
    To Vontanten, cp was a problem for extinguished clocks and electricity? My car does not react to anything exactly as if your engine light comes on and the wipers are running ... Please answer what was the reason
  • #18 18330156
    zenka8214
    Level 1  
    Posts: 1
    Rate: 9
    Hello. Did someone solve the problem? For me, the clocks were changed and it is still the same. When lighting the car, all the icons on the board flash alternately.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around electrical issues in a 2005 Volvo V50 2.0d, specifically the malfunctioning of the instrument cluster, which exhibits symptoms such as intermittent clock display, warning lights activation (ABS, airbag, handbrake), and erratic behavior of gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temperature indicators). Despite the vehicle's other electrical systems (windows, radio, navigation) functioning normally, the problem persists even after replacing the CAN module and consulting multiple workshops. Suggestions include checking power circuits, mass points, and the condition of the instrument cluster, with some users sharing experiences of similar issues in other brands like Citroen and BMW, indicating that repairs or replacements of the instrument cluster may be necessary. One user successfully resolved their issue by programming a new board after copying data from the old, functional cluster.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Alternator fixes have cost ~400 PLN, and "the car travels normally... it doesn't stop" points to power/ground or DIM faults; this FAQ shows how to fix Volvo V50 dimming/blank clocks and CAN/CEM errors. [Elektroda, keseszel, post #17148520]

Why it matters: It helps Volvo V50 owners and techs diagnose intermittent cluster failures without unnecessary module swaps.

Quick Facts

What causes Volvo V50 clocks to dim, flicker, and then go blank?

A failing instrument cluster (DIM) PCB commonly triggers these symptoms. Similar Volvo platforms showed identical behavior and were repairable. Internal solder cracks and aging parts can cause message floods, bouncing gauges, then a blank display. Start with the DIM before swapping other modules. [Elektroda, tolo, post #17148966]

How can I tell if the cluster lost power versus lost CAN communication?

Use this quick check.
  1. During a blackout, see if the odometer still adds kilometers.
  2. If it doesn’t, you lost DIM power; trace the power feed and grounds.
  3. If it does, suspect CAN communication; inspect the network and DIM signals.
"If not, then there is no power to the entire team." [Elektroda, keseszel, post #17149878]

Where exactly should I check grounding on a V50 with DIM issues?

Inspect and clean the mass/ground points under the bonnet on the front side member. Corrosion or looseness there can drop voltage to the DIM and trigger resets, flashing icons, or dead gauges while other electrics keep working. Retorque and protect after cleaning. [Elektroda, mario 77, post #17150104]

Could the alternator be the culprit for a "Christmas tree" dashboard?

Yes. A weak alternator can trigger a flashing “Christmas tree,” ABS chatter, and shutdown. One owner fixed identical symptoms for about 400 PLN including labor. If the engine keeps running but the cluster misbehaves, load‑test the alternator before replacing modules. [Elektroda, keseszel, post #17148520]

VIDA shows CEM‑DE51 "no communication with clocks"—what does it mean?

It means the central electronics module (CEM) lost communication with the instrument cluster (DIM). Clocks can work for several days, then fail again. That pattern points to an intermittent comms or DIM fault. Inspect connectors and wiring, then evaluate the DIM PCB. [Elektroda, p.wisniewski90, post #17421608]

Is replacing the instrument cluster a permanent fix?

It depends on diagnosis. Replacing blindly can mask a power or CAN issue. A Volvo specialist cautioned, "...it is never a solution unless someone has treated it with a hammer or has flooded it." Repairing the DIM PCB or fixing wiring often restores stability. [Elektroda, rosak, post #17149864]

I swapped the DIM and the issue persists; all icons flash—what now?

Flashing icons after a DIM swap suggest the root cause lies upstream. Check the power supply, grounds, and CEM communication rather than chasing another cluster. One report noted the same behavior even after changing clocks, confirming a non‑DIM fault. [Elektroda, zenka8214, post #18330156]

How do I safely clean or rework the cluster PCB?

Avoid WD‑40 and similar oils. A technician reported a PCB “practically eaten” after such treatment. Use isopropyl alcohol for cleaning conformal coating and flux, and dry thoroughly. Share clear PCB photos before rework if you need targeted guidance. [Elektroda, rosak, post #17423351]

Can I use a petrol DIM in a diesel Volvo V50?

Yes, if you clone the full software from your original unit. One diesel owner installed a petrol board, copied the entire “program,” and confirmed the tachometer did not distort. The car worked normally after programming. [Elektroda, p.wisniewski90, post #17444967]

How do I clone my old DIM into a replacement via OBD?

Read the full program from the original clocks, then write it to the donor board over OBD using a capable tool (e.g., SMOK). This preserves your configuration and gauge scaling. The method solved intermittent DIM failures after board replacement. [Elektroda, p.wisniewski90, post #17444967]

Does replacing the CAN/CEM module fix DIM dropouts?

Not reliably. One owner replaced a used CAN/CEM module and reworked suspected “cold” joints, yet the clocks still cycled warnings and went blank while driving. Verify DIM power and the cluster PCB before swapping control modules. [Elektroda, vonlanten, post #17148407]

What if my odometer resets or stops counting when the cluster dies?

Watch the odometer during a failure. If kilometers stop increasing or reset, the DIM lost power. Trace power feed, ignition input, and grounds to the cluster. If it still counts, you likely have a communication issue on the CAN link. [Elektroda, keseszel, post #17149878]

Why do only ABS, airbag, and handbrake lights stay on when everything else dies?

This symptom matches a V50 failure where gauges fell and rose, then the display went blank while three lamps stayed lit. It indicates the DIM entered a fault state while key warning circuits remained powered. Diagnose power and DIM integrity next. [Elektroda, vonlanten, post #17148407]

Do similar "Christmas tree" symptoms in other cars point to similar root causes?

Yes. A BMW E36 showed clock resets, then flashing lights. Replacing the cluster restored stability for 2 weeks. Another case tied similar symptoms to a failing alternator. These patterns support checking power delivery and the cluster first. [Elektroda, keseszel, post #17148520]
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