What's possible and what's not in the world of odometer rollback these days?
RE: Digital odometers can they be rolled back or can they pretty much be trusted?
What about the devious owner who just disconnects the odometer...is that possible or will the engine computer pick it up and toss everything into "limp mode"?
Vehicle in my sights is a 2500 ...but I'd like to se what anyone has to say on the topic in a more general sense...
Thanks, Chuck
Someone can disconnect the speed sensor, which will not let the odometer itself accumulate, but the PCM (engine computer) still keeps an internal counter, which can be easily checked with a dealer's diagnostic computer.
If you are otherwise committed to the vehicle, and have reason to suspect tampering, see if the owner will let you take it to a local dealer to just "scan for codes" (but mention to the service guys what you're interested in seeing). It'll probably cost you a half-hour's shop rate, but it would be worth it for peace of mind.
My wife's car (make/model will not be disclosed) can just have the onboard computer swapped and the mileage changes with the computer. The dealership, or maybe it's a function of GM when they order the part, can reset the mileage to anything. Digital odometers cannot be
100% trusted. But, to be fair, neither can analog odometers. Do your research on a vehicle before purchasing if the mileage is a big factor.Thanks, Scott
Won't changing the computer allow you to re-enter the mileage at whatever you'd like?
If you pay for an online full disclosure vin check, and the truck has been to a dealer, the mileage should have been recorded at that time and any repairs recorded also. also will list transfer of ownership at the very least and the mileage at the time.
Odometer rollback happens all the time, digital and analog (scan a lot of VINS on ebay and you'll see more Milage Rollback warnings than you can shake a stick at). Be really cautious about older vehicles near the drop point, ie a RAM 2500 @ 74,000 miles instead of 120,000 is a big payout for a roller. Trust your gut and walk away if it's to good to be true. CarFAX can help with their 1 year warantee but I've never heard of anyone who actually collected on it.
Of course if it's a diesel who cares it'll run forever anyway :)
If you do all your service yourself some unscrupulous person might just buy a new odometer and install it themselves. Who would be the wiser, no dealer check, or carfax check will ever tell. In the states with yearly inspections that record the mileage many only maintain the mileage records in the data base which do not make it to the DMV. A few states the inspection and mileage do make it to the DMV in that case when the vehicle is sold you will know during the title transfer.
The other thing people have done is pull an odometer from a junk yard that has low mileage on it and install it in a vehicle with high mileage.
Coasty
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.