Q: Incorrect odometer mileage on dashboard

asked by on November 07, 2016

The lights stopped working in my dash gauges so I was able to purchase a used one online and install it. The mileage that shows on the replacement odometer is about 50,000 more that what is actually on my car. Is there a way it can be reprogrammed or adjusted?

My car has 106000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Electrical components are not working Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. Yes, you can have your odometer reset. Keep in mind it will only be closer to accurate if you haven’t been keeping record of what it should be. This is not something that can be done at home or with a general mechanic. The technician will need a special computer program and manufacturer code to access the computer system, override it, and reprogram it. There are several companies that have developed services like this for your specific make and model. You should not have an issue finding someone in your area. When searching for the service, you will want to look for what the industry calls a "Mileage Correction". If you’d like a second opinion on this, have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, diagnose your odometer firsthand. Best of luck.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I replace the remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter battery of a 2012 Dodge Ram?
The remote keyless entry (RKE) transmitter battery should last for at least three years. After three years, there’s a chance that it will die and need to be replaced. Replacing the RKE transmitter battery takes four steps. Buy a replacement...
Ignition broke and car won't start.
This car may have a bad ignition switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-switch-replacement) that is broken internally and would need to be replaced. The other issue could be the ignition lock cylinder (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-lock-assembly-replacement) is broken internally and would need to be replaced. I recommend...
engine noise after starting
This may be an indication that the starter drive is not disengaging from the flywheel after the engine starts. The danger in this is that the starter drive may fly apart and damage the flywheel or engine aside from destroying...
Idling problems and flashing check engine light clicking noise being glove box by relay
The green key flashing is an immobilizer which can be caused for many reasons including a simple bad battery connection (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-will-not-hold-a-charge-inspection). The rough idle problem (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-idle-is-rough-inspection) suggests a potentially bad idle air control module which regulates the air flow into...
battery light comes on for a few minutes and goes off
Hi, thanks for writing in. Your charging system and battery should be performance-tested to see if either one is not up to specifications. You may have a weak battery that takes a few minutes to get above the point the...
Failed emission test, code P0071
Hi. There could be a problem with the sensor that was replace being faulty or defective causing you not to pass emission. There are also are drive cycles that the Pcm has to go through to properly clear the memory...
Where is the horn relay located on my vehicle? If that isn't the problem what else could be wrong with the horn?
Hello. The horn relay should be located in the fuse panel located under the hood. If you do not have a owner's manual it may be possible that there is a diagram on the inside of the fuse panel cover....
My Chevr HHR (2006) has milky oil, and white smoke puffs out of the dipstick tube. The car doesn't overheat,and the heater works.
Check for any change in coolant level in the overflow reservoir. If no change over, say, 500 miles, you simply have a high level of condensation because there is absolutely no other source of water to the engine. You can...
whining noise front of engine, EVAP and temperature control
Hello, thank you for writing in. The first two symptoms may be related. Finding a leak in the EVAP system will take some time and focus. If the noise goes away after fixing the leak, then we know we can...

Related articles

4 Essential Things to Know About Your Car’s Odometer
The The odometer on a car tells how far the vehicle has traveled. It can be mechanical, electrical, or a combination of the two. Part of the odometer includes a trip meter. A trip meter indicates how far the car...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Get Motion Sickness
For For people that suffer from motion sickness, even on the shortest car trip, riding in a vehicle can prove to be unbearable. What’s great is that there are a number of cars on the market that can help to...
5 Best Mileage-Tracking Apps
Taxes for those who drive for a living might include significant deductibles with accurately-tracked mileage.