An odometer is an integral part of the dashboard of any vehicle, but it is not immune to wear and tear and regular malfunctioning. Read about odometer repair and replacement to get a better idea about the entire procedure.
Repairing an odometer is much easier than it sounds. Most people immediately rush to a car repair shop, when they are faced with this problem. Though this guarantees an efficient remedy, it would be far more economical to simply carry out the repair at home. The cost of repairing can run as high as $200 – $500 if you visit a mechanic, and you must make a decision about whether this is the right option for you or not. This task will take a maximum of about 2 hours, and anyone with an elementary knowledge about automobiles can undertake this job with the help of some basic tools.
Importance and Precautions
- This device helps cars clock down the amount of miles that have been covered and is a very vital component out of all the car parts.
- It is present within the gauge known as the speedometer gauge, and while undertaking its repair, you must be very careful about avoiding any potential damage to the speedometer.
- If you are undertaking the repairing yourself, then you must know that you cannot erase the mileage that has already been clocked by your vehicle.
Tools Needed
- The primary reason for malfunctioning can only be that the parts constituting the device have worn out.
- This is something that occurs after a sustained period of using the vehicle; some parts can be repaired effectively, whereas some might just need replacing.
- In order to carry out the repair, you will need a complete screwdriver set (flat-head screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver) and a replacement planetary gear that is specific to your car.
Steps to be Followed
- The very first thing that you need to do is disconnect the negative cable from the car battery for your own safety.
- Now, you need to pry the gasket that is around the edge of your speedometer gauge away from the dash, and then remove it. This can be done using a flat-head screwdriver.
- Now, you must remove the entire gauge carefully, without disconnecting any of the wires behind.
- Next, note which wires are connected where, and memorize them. Proceed to disconnect the wires now.
- Remove the screws from behind the gauge, and remove it from its casing.
- You will now see the post that is used to operate the trip odometer, and you must carefully pull it out.
- Now, you need to gently remove the speedometer needle without damaging it. This needle is very fragile, so you must be extremely careful.
- Now, you will need to remove the screws that are located at the front of the speedometer gauge, and then proceed to pull the motor casing out gently.
- Observe how the planetary gear is attached, and then place the new gear there. Do the reverse of all the above steps to place the speedometer gauge back into place.
This procedure of troubleshooting may sound a bit tough and complicated, but once you get started, you will soon find that it is very simple. The cost of a new piece will not exceed $25, and this is a far better option than approaching an expensive mechanic store.
If you are careful enough (for the parts within the speedometer gauge are extremely fragile), you will face no difficulties or complications while carrying out the repair. The amount of money you save by undertaking this job yourself is no small amount, and therefore, this is something that you should genuinely consider.
