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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Green99 on October 03, 2018, 08:07:31 am

Title: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Green99 on October 03, 2018, 08:07:31 am
The last couple of outings I have noticed "for the lack of a better term" the odometer fluttering occasionally.  The speedometer works perfect, so my question, has anyone else had this problem?  Is there a way to diagnosis this issue?  Is it most likely the odometer itself?
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Rich Bowman on October 03, 2018, 09:04:27 am
Ft Lauderdale Speedometer fixed mine and others.  Set the mileage to my requested which was the last reading I could see just before I sent it in.  I should have used the VMSpc reading (which was close) so they were the same.

Rich
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Green99 on October 03, 2018, 09:07:30 am
Rich,
Just out of curiosity, does the VMSpc show a few more or a few less miles?  Mine shows 140 or so more miles than does the odometer.
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: bbeane on October 03, 2018, 09:08:38 am
Mine was replaced at 18k, I think quite a few fail. Mine every now and then will get flaky on the odometer. While it blinks it seams to still record correctly. You can get a replacement from VDO.
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Dave and Nancy Abel on October 03, 2018, 09:11:33 am
Howdy Jerry, Like Rich I used Lauderdale Speedometer.  Part Number Collection (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=11472.msg228057#msg228057)
They're very helpful and have a quick turn around. 
My VMSpc is off less than 100 miles from Speedometer.
Good Luck, Dave A
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Green99 on October 03, 2018, 09:32:24 am
Thanks to all for the help.  Like Bruce while it has gotten flakey it does appear to record correctly.  Looks like the repair shop is the best route.  Is this just plug and play?  No special instructions?  I remember replacing the tach many years ago and there was a special procedure for installation.  I prefer to ask on the front end rather than the back.
thanks.
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on October 03, 2018, 09:50:50 am
VMSpc gets total miles from the engine and transmission computers.  They do not measure it directly but count revolutions and use conversions numbers based on axle ratios, tire size and pressure (diameter) and some others to calculate miles.  Anything within 1% or so is reasonable (1000 miles in 100,000).  You can add an offset and a proportional correction to make VMSpc read exactly the same as your odometer today, but in a month they will likely be different again.

The odometer is counting revolutions as well and uses adjustments to get miles.  Who is to say which is more accurate or more correct.  Without doing a real world calibration it is hard to say.  If your VMSpc and odometer are only different by a couple hundred miles you are closer than most.
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: jor on October 03, 2018, 10:15:55 am
Quote
Is this just plug and play?  No special instructions?

Almost. You have to calibrate it by pushing some buttons and driving a mile. Instructions are online.
jor
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Bill Willett on October 03, 2018, 01:01:33 pm
You can remove the speedometer and send it to Lauderdale speedometer, they will pull all the code in your old one and send you a new one ready to install, no need to push any buttons, it will come back to you all calibrated ready to install.
 I would call and talk to them.

Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Bob McGee on October 03, 2018, 01:09:58 pm
You might try cleaning the connections first. to see if that stops the fluttering.
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: amos.harrison on October 04, 2018, 07:39:50 am
Your fluttering odometer is the first warning of a failing gauge.
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Lance Camper on October 04, 2018, 09:39:39 am
Thanks to all for the help.  Like Bruce while it has gotten flakey it does appear to record correctly.  Looks like the repair shop is the best route.  Is this just plug and play?  No special instructions?  I remember replacing the tach many years ago and there was a special procedure for installation.  I prefer to ask on the front end rather than the back.
thanks.
Jerry,
I used Nichols Speedometer & Instruments (http://www.nsifleet.com/home.html) in Greensboro, NC. A lot closer to you than Ft Lauderdale, if distance is an issue. They corrected the mileage (PO had replaced odometer but did not correct mileage) I had to add my additional mileage. To do this, I used my GPS to track my mileage as best I could.  I removed and replaced the odometer myself. $90 out the door.
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Rich Bowman on October 04, 2018, 08:15:51 pm
I think my odometer is off by 1-2K miles from what the VMSpc reports.  Don't remember exactly.

Rich
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: TGordon on October 05, 2018, 02:12:53 am
VMSpc gets total miles from the engine and transmission computers.  They do not measure it directly but count revolutions and use conversions numbers based on axle ratios, tire size and pressure (diameter) and some others to calculate miles. 

Tire diameter should not used. The rolling radius, which is less then diameter divided by two, is the number.
Tire manufactures publish the rolling radius in there catalogs.
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Tim on October 05, 2018, 04:26:47 am
I replaced my flaky unit with a brand new one for about $100. For older rigs with 100,000+ miles, there are no legal issues with displaying zero miles. I just noted the miles when it was replaced.

It has two wires...super easy replacement. However, getting any instrument out of the panel requires using moderate mechanical skills in a confined space.

The new unit works great! Zero issues.
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Green99 on October 05, 2018, 12:25:45 pm
Thank you all for the advice.  Looks like the best path is to remove and send out for repairs
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: craneman on October 05, 2018, 01:48:01 pm
I went with new and started at 0 used the VMSpc to record in records the mileage when changed. I wanted a new start as at the time of replacement I just changed all filters, fluids, fuel lines etc. Now I have a simple record of my use. I had only traveled from SC. to my house at the time of purchase. If it would have been after I had used the coach I would have did what I did with the hour meter and have it set to original.
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: Green99 on October 11, 2018, 11:49:46 am
I found what worked best for me was to remove and take to shop for repair.  I thought I would post so the shop would be a matter for record for anyone in the Atlanta area looking for a repair shop.  I used Hamp's Speedometer service in Alpharetta Ga.  I took it in Monday morning and they repaired it while I waited.  Very good people to work with.
Title: Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem
Post by: bbeane on October 11, 2018, 12:08:47 pm
Thanks for the follow up. 👍