Hi folks!

I have a weird problem I'm hoping you can help me and my mechanic with. I just got my AC repaired, and then had a new stereo system installed (no more CODE for me!). But the stereo folks left the back passenger door open a crack, leaving a light on, and drained my battery completely.

I called AAA, got a new battery, etc., all's good. But now the gas gauge, speedometer, temp gauge, and RPM gauge are all dead. As is the thermometer readout by the clock display.

Everything else seems to be working fine. Dash lights, odometer, stupid new stereo, headlights, clock, dome lights...but I need a reliable fuel gauge because I'm about to drive cross country. And like, you know, speedometer is nice.

My mechanic looked at all my fuses, but that's not the issue. I started googling and reading up on wacky drive cycle reset procedures (really, Volvo?), but I'd love to hear if any of you have experienced anything like this or know of a way to fix it.

Thanks so much!

The fuses are OK? Be sure.

I wonder if a connector got knocked out of the instrument cluster?

Bill

What puzzles me is that your odometer still works. The 1998 does not have all of the computers that new cars have, so you need to look at your ignition switch.

After starting the car, try moving the key very slightly and see if the RPM gauge comes to life.

Don't worry about the 'drive cycle', as that is related to emissions and not electrical issues.

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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

I wonder if your stereo installers might have screwed something up. It's the only thing you have really changed since the car stopped working correctly.

I'd start my search there.
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http://dylans544.blogspot.com

What they screwed up was leaving the door ajar so slightly that I didn't notice.

To be clear, everything worked when I left their shop. It wasn't until after the battery was completely dead, and then the new one was installed, that the instrumentation went all awry. The AAA guy said it happened sometimes when batteries went that low, but that's all he knew.

But I'll follow up with the stereo shop and see if they have any clues. Thanks.