Yea, I know, lots of threads on the odometer. I found 'em all. This is a different question, sorta.

So I'm getting ready to pull my instrument panel to repair my broken odometer, which I've done multiple times on the V-dubs I used to have. I call my local speedometer repair shop to see if they have the parts and they tell me "Oh, no, it's very rarely the gear that's broken. About 90% of the time its the IC chip that's gone bad and it has to be replaced." Then he quoted me $185.

Does this sound even remotely reasonable, in any respect (the chip, the %, the price)? It seems to me that the odometer is mechanical, and the trip computer functions are electrical, so the fact that my odometer isn't working would have nothing to do with any chip, right?

The odometer is definitely mechanical. Logically, a chip would most probably be used on computer parts, not mechanical parts, so if your digital readings are affected, it could be the chips. If its is just the odometer, I definitely believe its the gears. There are 2 gears, I was told. One bis and one small. The small ones usually break.

Matthew's vovlo site has a good instructiosn and pics.

BTW, I have the same problem, but could not find the time to fix it yet. :P
My odometer does not work, but all teh digital readings are fine.

Good luck, tell us how things go, dude!

Oddly enough, my temp sensor only works... sometimes. :thumbsup:

fcpgroton.com has them both. cheap. ipdusa.com has a kit that comes with a dvd instuction disc that explains how to do it.

That's what kinda threw me. All my digital is working....well, not exactly working...I get a reading, but it's mostly zero, like mpg, avg. mgh, that kind of thing. Hard to figure that stuff out when the odometer isn't working I guess. Anyway, I assumed it was just the gear and the guy just didn't want to sell me only a gear. I was hoping I wouldn't have to order it and wait, but what can you do, right?

Thanks

If I recall correctly the mechanical odometer and electronic odometer are two separate entities and do not talk to one another. I believe this is why many who have both, and their mechanical one fails, they do not worry much about the mechanical one as the electronic one still keeps the proper mileage on the car.

If your mechanical Odometer is not working then chances are that it is the little gear inside that is broken. However, if your electronic odometer is not working then you may need the item the dealer was mentioning, as the trip computer works off the electronic part, not the mechanical.

My trip computer continued to work fine when my mechanical odometer went out. When I replaced the small gear in the mechanical odometer, I do not recall seeing any form of connection to it that would allow any electronics to read from it.

Both your odometers might be bad.

Also, the gear is inexpensive (especially if you buy it online from someone other than Volvo). However if you have the dealer do the repair, then expect a hefty bill since the entire dash has to torn out to get to it.

I've had people tell me estimates of $1100 for a dealer repair of the odometer gear. Don;t know for certain if this is correct, but due to the time involved, I wouldnt be surprised.

I pulled it apart today. It was a couple hours, and only that much because I've never done it. A tech at a dealer could do it in probably half an hour without too much effort. I didn't bother trying to pull the cluster out with the dash lifted up. I just pulled the dash cover entirely. Seemed easier to me. The only way I can see this costing $1100 is if they replace the entire instrument cluster, and it costs $1000. Not out of the question though I guess. They wanted $49 for 6 light bulbs.

Anyway, the little gear was toast. I replaced the entire cluster with one from my local wrecking yard. I have to go out of town, and I needed it done now. Besides, it was only $11 and some change, and now I've got a spare that I can fix at my leisure, and maybe do some cool airbrushing on the face plate while it's out.

As for the electrical, that was my mistake. It was all working, I just read the display wrong.

:banana:

problem solved , then. :clap:

and to think you would have had to pay $185 instead of dit yourself.

Hi guys,

Had an odometer problem, this guide turned out to be very handy, i don't drive this car, but the guide was very helpful.

I hope it will help you -
http://www.fixya.com/support/t727218-speedometer_repair

What do you think of this guide?

Good luck,
Jim.

Just $11?

Wow that's cheap.

i really need to find time to do mine... hmmm... i keep putting it off... am a champion of procrastination these days...

hey bigdaddy, it's easier to not repair the odometer. that way you can tell the police that "no, i honestly don't know how fast i was going" :grin: oh, and i would cheer on your procrastination, but i'll let it wait till later. :haha:

:lol:
thanks for the vote of confidence, greek.

I ALWAYS welcome guides with photos.
:)

Thanks, Jim!