Application

What you need to know (please read before ordering)

Important: When you install the DIM into your vehicle for the first time, switch the ignition on but do not start the car. Look at the odometer and wait until the mileage appears on the screen. During this time the DIM will ping the CEM for the vehicle’s mileage. The DIM will then program itself with that value. Once the mileage appears on the screen you can start it up and go. This step only needs to be performed once.

Please Note: If the “SRS System Service Urgent” message was displayed prior to the Driver’s Information Module replacement, it will be necessary to clear the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the SRS airbag module after the new DIM installation. This can be done at any dealer or European car specialist.

This is a Pre-Programmed Replacement for your existing module. After processing your order we will ship the module to the shipping address you provided. If a core fee is applicable, there will be return labels inside the box. Please return the core to us within 30 days for a core fee refund. Please refer to our Core Policy here to ensure a full core fee refund.

The order will be processed during our regular business hours (Mon-Fri 8:30 – 5:00 EST). If the order is submitted after 4:00 PM EST it will be processed and shipped the next business day.

Features:

Plug & Play: The software and settings will not be modified, making this module plug and play. No software reload or calibration is required after installation.*

Self-Acquiring Mileage: Once the DIM is installed in the vehicle it will automatically acquire the mileage from the Central Electronic Module (CEM). Within seconds the DIM will program itself and the current mileage will be displayed.

Upgraded Microcontroller: We have asked a leading silicone firm to customize a powerful microcontroller to be used in our application. Unlike the DIM manufacturer, we did not opt for a smaller processor package but instead stayed with the 112 pin configuration. Doing so allowed us to fully customize the processor for maximum efficiency without altering the printed circuit board whatsoever. We also transfer all the programming information (including your mileage) to the new MCU so there is no need for further software reloads. The finished result is a Driver Information Module with your original software that is reliable and will operate under extreme conditions and we guarantee it for life!

Thermal Cooling Upgrade: All DIMs have a heat-dissipating sink installed directly on the MCU. This upgrade will ensure reliable processor operation during hot summer months.

Brand New Bulbs: All our DIMs have brand new bulbs installed. In addition, two new spare replacement bulbs are included in the shipment. The 1.5W bulb fits in any grey socket holder, and the 3W bulb fits any black socket holder.

Completely Reworked PCB: All internal circuit boards are tested at the component level. Any known prone-to-failure parts that are close to the maximum tolerance are automatically replaced.

Quality Tested: All our DIMs undergo rigorous tests on our specialized custom-built CAN-bus driven testbed. All functions, DTCs, software, pixels, and pointer motors positions are checked and verified for proper operation.

Lifetime Limited Warranty: This module comes with our Lifetime Limited Warranty. Please see here for more information.

*In some very rare cases the software in the CEM and the DIM may be corrupt. This results in odd behavior such as the interior lighting flicking on and off when the driver’s door is open. Typically in these cases the software corruption only shows symptoms after the DIM is working properly, so no matter how many DIMs are installed the issue will still be present. The resolution to this issue is to perform a DIM software reload. This will reload the DIM software, but more importantly, will reload the portion of the CEM software that has the corruption. We see this in less than 1% of all DIM repairs or replacements.

Reference Numbers

8251327 | 8637995 | 8637993 | 8251325

Common Failure Symptoms

• “SRS System Service Urgent” message is displayed.
• Code SRS-0001 “SRS indicator lamp” stored.
• Code DIM-0002 “ABS warning lamp” stored.
• Code DIM-0003 “SRS warning lamp” stored.
• Code DIM-0005 “Red general warning lamp” stored.
• Complete DIM shutdown and only the Check Engine Light is on.
• Twitchy pointer needles on one or more of the gauges.
• Self-advancing clock.
• Turn signal indicator arrows not displaying in the DIM.
• Message display scrambled or not working.
• Missing pixels on the message display.

How This Service Works

Step 1: Purchase the module online or over the phone.
Step 2: We will program one of our remanufactured units based on the information provided.
Step 3: We will send you the remanufactured module the same day of processing your order.
Step 4: You install the module into your vehicle.
Step 5: You send us back your original module using the supplied shipping labels found in the box of your new part.
Step 6: After receiving your core, we will issue a core charge refund back to your credit card.

For more detailed instructions, please see here.

FAQ

What actually goes wrong inside the DIM?
A malfunction of any of the internal components can affect the proper DIM operation. We have determined that the majority of DIM failures are related to the onboard microcontroller (MCU). The MCU selected by the manufacturer hardly meets the minimum requirements needed to ensure proper DIM operation. And changes in temperature or in demand (scrolling for messages while turn signals are on) can halt the processor operation resulting in an inoperative DIM. In time, the reliability of the MCU will progressively decrease to the point that the DIM will no longer function. The manufacturer addressed this problem and all new DIM units are now fitted with a better microcontroller. The problem is that is cost $1200+ to have the DIM replaced at the dealership.

Technical Resources

DIM Diagnostic Flowchart 

DIM Removal Instructions 

DIM Test Station 

DIM Introduction Video