03 Jeep TJ Odometer reset

From the '03 TJ FSM:

CAUTION: Instrument clusters used in this model

automatically configure themselves for compatibility

with the features and optional equipment in the

vehicle in which they are initially installed. The

instrument cluster is programmed to do this by

embedding the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

and other information critical to proper cluster

operation into electronic memory. This embedded

information is learned through electronic messages

received from other electronic modules in the vehicle

over the Programmable Communications Interface

(PCI) data bus, and through certain hard wired

inputs received when the cluster is connected to

the vehicle electrically. Once configured, the instrument

cluster memory may be irreparably damaged

and certain irreversible configuration errors may

occur if the cluster is connected electrically to

another vehicle; or, if an electronic module from

another vehicle is connected that provides data to

the instrument cluster (including odometer values)

that conflicts with that which was previously

learned and stored. Therefore, the practice of

exchanging (swapping) instrument clusters and

other electronic modules in this vehicle with those

removed from another vehicle must always be

avoided. Failure to observe this caution may result

in instrument cluster damage, which is not reimbursable

under the terms of the product warranty.

Service replacement instrument clusters are provided

with the correct VIN, and the certified odometer

value embedded into cluster memory, but will

otherwise be automatically configured for compatibility

with the features and optional equipment in

the vehicle in which they are initially installed.

NOTE: Certain indicators in this instrument cluster

are automatically configured. This feature allows

those indicators to be activated for deactivated for

compatibility with certain optional equipment. If the

problem being diagnosed involves improper illumination

of the airbag indicator, the cruise indicator,

or the SKIM indicator when the vehicle does not

have this equipment, the instrument cluster must

be replaced with a new unit.

Wow, I just read Billy Ray's reply...

I guess if the unit doesn't let the smoke out you could just report the cluster change to the department of motor vehicles with the new odometer reading so you don't ever get dinged for 'turning back' the odometer. I know that when used car places do that around here, (change clusters) they get an 'unknown' mileage designation on the registration that follows the vehicle's life.

I would almost suspect if you looked close at the board's chips you might find one with a sticker on it. In one generation of memory chips they put a window under this sticker so you could remove the sticker and erase the chip using UV light. Put the sticker back on and reprogram. Some are also electrical erase and some are one time only program.

Mike

Reprogramming is the trick.....

It implies in the post that the 'new' chip will pick up the programming 'sort of' but then goes on to say the replacements come with the VIN in there....

That could mean you need a clean PROM and a computer or a clean PROM and a vehicle.... I really don't know the answer.

Maybe one of the 'factory' techs that hang around here knows?

Mike

HHHMM, Yeah let me know what you find out and where to get a clean PROM if needed.

Thanks

Mike Roma> Reprogramming is the trick.....