What causes a car odometer to stop working?

If both your odometer and speedometer are not working, then it’s likely your speed sensor needs to be replaced. These are easily installed and located near the back of your transmission. If only your odometer is busted, then it’s likely the gears that turn the odometer have broken.

Is it illegal for your odometer not to work?

It’s actually quite illegal, according to the Federal statute 49 U.S. Code § 32703. It states that: A person cannot “disconnect, reset, alter, or have disconnected, reset, or altered, an odometer of a motor vehicle intending to change the mileage registered by the odometer.”

Can a broken odometer be fixed?

When your odometer ceases to work, most people assume they must replace the unit, which can get quite expensive. However, you can repair an odometer fairly easily. Don’t worry about messing with the car’s recorded mileage when you repair an odometer; you will not and cannot change the mileage it has recorded.

How do you know if the ECU is bad?

Engine stalling or misfiring Another symptom of a bad or failing ECU is erratic engine behavior. A faulty computer may cause the vehicle to intermittently have issues such as stalling or misfires. The symptoms may come and go, and may not appear to have any sort of pattern to their frequency or severity.

How much does odometer repair cost?

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. When your odometer ceases to work, most people assume they must replace the unit, which can get quite expensive.

Can I sell a car with a broken odometer?

You may drive a car with a broken odometer in most states. If you sell the car, you must inform the buyer that the odometer does not work.

How much does it cost to fix a ECU?

You should expect to pay between $150 and $300 at a local repair shop or service center just to have the ECU inspected and tested. In many cases, the faulty ECU can be repaired or reprogrammed, and this type of repair will usually run between $300 to $750, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Is it safe to drive with a faulty ECU?

You absolutely cannot drive a car with a faulty ECU. While it may be functional for a while the potential for catastrophic failure does exist. If the ECU fails completely then your car is not drivable.

Can you sell a car with a broken odometer?

How do I know the mileage of my odometer is broken?

There are 7 ways to obtain a vehicle’s mileage reading without an odometer:

1. Using a vehicle history report.
2. Maintenance records.
3. Online telematics such as OnStar.
4. Mileage data from vehicle key chip memory.
5. Advanced technical measures.
6. Odometer Scan Tool / Mileage Scanner.
7. Dealership Service Department.

Is an odometer a legal requirement?

As many will know, there’s no legal requirement to have an odometer and it’s not illegal to adjust the mileage. You are breaking the law, however, if you knowingly sell a vehicle with the incorrect mileage. Of course, lower mileage means you can potentially secure a better resale price.