I am trying to install a VDO boost gauge in my t5r. I had no trouble putting it into my 740ti, but the cluster on my 850 doesn't seem to come out as easily. I have seen it suggested on other sites to just run the boost line all the way to the engine compartment and through the fire wall. It seems it would be easier to just tee off the line right behind where the cluster boost gauge is. My question is how do you remove the cluster on the 850? I took out the two torx screws and the thing wouldn't budge. If anyone knows how, or another way of attaching the line please respond. I am also confused about the hooking up the lighting wires. Do I just ground one wire to any metal point in the car, and run the other to the headlight switch? If anyone could help me I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Hi

As far as the vacuum line goes, you should definetly tee it off the existing lift and do not bother with all the work in bringing from the engine. By the hood release you will find the vacuum line that goes up to the cluster. Like the one guy already said, just take apart the connector already there and splice yourself a new line.

As far as the cluster goes, Volvospeed.com is the best place for instructions and I did it myself to replace some bulbs, it is not that hard. The only tricky thing is the vent screws and then prying up the dashboard enough to get out the cluster. BTW unhook the speaker connector.

Hopefully you are mounting the gauge on the A-pillar. It'll look sweet. Some strong epoxy should hold it up there or you can always use some screws just make sure you cover them up good.

Good luck

Sadude

Yes, going t o Volvospeed.com will help, but then it doesnt show you how to take out the airbag on the passenger side. I took my instrument cluster out, as to "redo" the face, because ALMOST every other vehicle has "nifty" graphics for instrument panels, but not volvos...But anyway, you have quite a few torx nuts to take out from behind the vents, but be careful those little O-hs above the vent knobs will, and I say WILL fall out once you take off the upper dash. Which you have to take off to get to the cluster. I actually did it all in about 2 hours, but that was back in January, and I still have not put the plastic window back in, because it had to come off also. Let me say this, if you can put the guage somewhere else...DO IT!!! Taking the cluster out is not for the timid. If you like your interior, and you think a Volvo shouldnt be "mistreated" then dont do it, or have a professional do it.
Also, if ANYONE know where I can start looking for aftermarket bumpers (front and back) I would like to know.

erebunicorp.com has ground effects for a couple of volvos. they have 3 styles for sedans and wagons ranging from $785-$850 for the complete sets. BTW they're pretty nice

Your 850 setup may be much different than mine, but I placed my gauge forward of the shifter in the bay where the 'ashtray' normally is located. I took my lighting leads from the ashtray light. To color the lighting to match my instrumentation, I cut the fingertip off a disposable green vinyl painter's glove (Home Depot) and fit it over the lightbulb, secured by a rubber band. It's a perfect match.

Getting through the firewall is no big deal, but getting to the instrument cluster is a pain. You might get to the internal line from underneath? If you run a new line from the engine you'll have to be creative to make sure you have a good connection on the manifold vacuum tree.
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(98 S70 T5SE misc mods, mostly lighting) (92 940GLE)

Kevin,

I installed a VDO gauge on my 850 using instructions from IPD. Rather than T into the line at the gauge cluster, you can locate the line near the hood release in the driver's footwell area. At that point you will find that the line transitions from one size to another. Pull it apart there and insert a T-junction, and then you can run your new gauge off that T.

Mine's been installed this way for over a year now, without any problems at all.

If you are trying to pull the instrument cluster, (speedo, tach, etc.) go to Volvospeed.com and look in REPAIRS/MAINTENANCE, look for a post in the TRIM section and you will find DASH REMOVAL. I think you will find that this is not a simple job.

On the other hand if you are sucessful please post some pics and tell us how to do it too.
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Nathan Valles, Black 855R, Tint

What I did was to lift off the driver side of the cover (6 screws: left end, left ac vent, 2 on cluster, 2 on center ac vents), all you need is the space for reaching into the back of the cluster to remove the gauge line then tee off from it. As for the light, I connected to the head light switch. 6 months, not a problem. What troubled me was the paint material that Volvo surfaced the A pillar trim. Tried several time to mounted the boost gauge pod.