Resetting Used Odometer MK2 Cluster to Show True Miles

[ftm1776]

Can the odometer be reset on a used replacement 1991 MK2 instrument cluster to reflect the true miles on my car. This is the type with analog temp(top) and fuel(bottom) gauges.

I'm guessing that it would have to be run forward and all the way around to the correct mileage.......??

If I replace a defective cluster, I would want the replacement to reflect the actual vehicle mileage. I do not intend to sell this car.
I am not going to alter the mileage on my existing cluster, only on the replacement unit. I intend to keep the original cluster in order to
document the vehicle miles when it was replaced.

[bajacalal]

I think you would take the gear drive assembly in the speedometer apart to change the current position of each of the numbers and put it back together so it rolls forward again.

How is the cluster "defective" is it the speedometer that's defective or the rest of it? You can take the whole speedometer assembly out of the rest of the cluster and install it in the new one, though it is kind of a hassle, it's much less hassle than disassembling the speedometer.

[CRSMP5]

Gotta take it apart to fix the junk gears to make it count anyways... That in its self is odometer tampering... So hell yea... Do it. Dont speak of it... Its against the law!!

[Renax]

Put a drill in the wire connection an make it run till correct milage...

I don't know how your rules work but here its allowed to do whatever you want as long as you report it to your insurance company, goverment keeps track of milage on every car every 2 years, so its easy to find a cheater...

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[ftm1776]

I wanted to buy a used cluster and just wondered how it might be matched to the correct mileage.

I don't intend to sell this car, but I guess it's not a good idea to mess with it anyhow.

It seems, then, that one can't even install a working cluster if your existing cluster is broken??

[theman53]

I think the laws vary state to state. IIRC in Ohio they only ask if the mileage is actual, not if the cluster you pulled is at its original mileage. Also, since these cars are so old you may find that someone has already messed with it before you, so it wasn't you that messed with it.

[ftm1776]

I'm the original and only owner.....23 years !!!

But it's a good point about the state law....I'll check on that and see what is allowed.

[ORCoaster]

You can take it apart and reset the numbers to anything you want.  I used a battery operated drill, variable speed so I didn't burn up the works.  I place a little piece of rubber tube on the axle that drives the mechanism that clocks the miles.  Then I put a piece of a 1/4 or 6 mm bolt in the drill.  By stretching the rubber over the metal I was then able to set the speed on the drill with a small C clamp and just let it lay there and rotate the miles back.  It was really ticking them down, I mean the tens were flying and the 100's were clicking at about 1 every few seconds.  I just made the new odometer match the old one and installed it.  So when I am asked are those original miles I can honestly say yes only about 138,000 on this 81 Rabbit. 

If you want I can try to simulate this again as I still have the old cluster and the inbetween parts. 

[Renax]

When you get them to match, take a picture and put it in the glove compartment:-)

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[damac]

My 85 jetta had a problem with a broken gear  so I pulled it apart to do the glue trick and was able to move numbers around?

I don't know if its a california thing but an all the titles of cares I have come across with multiple owners the carfax reports are all screwed up with reported mileages that must have just been blind numbers entered in by owners.  I also believe we have multiple choices on our title changes to enter exact mileage, not actual mileage, etc. and dmv doesn't seem to care or verify and of this stuff as long as people sign the forms and give them money.

[ftm1776]

I used a battery operated drill, variable speed so I didn't burn up the works.  I place a little piece of rubber tube on the axle that drives the mechanism that clocks the miles.  Then I put a piece of a 1/4 or 6 mm bolt in the drill.  By stretching the rubber over the metal I was then able to set the speed on the drill with a small C clamp and just let it lay there and rotate the miles back. 

I wonder if one could pull the speedometer cable from its attach point on the tranny and use the variable speed drill to drive the odometer back.
By the way, can the odometer be wound either way, increasing or decreasing the miles reading?

[EcoTX]

Most (all?) states have a law where if the vehicle is 10 years or older, the odometer mileage becomes exempted.
I've also seen "Beyond mechanical limits" listed for the mileage on titles.
No one cares what you do with the odometer on 30 year old cars.

[Rabbit79]

It's been quite a few years since I've done it but when I had to replace the speedo in the old Rabbit I set the mileage by hand. I don't remember it being very difficult. Since you're going to have it out anyway that might be faster than doing it with a drill.

[ftm1776]

This guy shows how it's done..........at least on an old Mustang........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87kZQkKGSw8

[ORCoaster]

Most folks just do as you suggest.  Use some sort of pin or square plug in the back where the cable normally goes.  That takes for ever.  If you actually get the thing apart and get to the axle that has the gears on it you can do it in a very short period of time.  No gear reduction going on that way.

And yes miles can go either direction.