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1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

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?
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #1
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
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #2
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.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #3
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.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #4
Howdy Jerry, Like Rich I used Lauderdale Speedometer.  Part Number Collection
They're very helpful and have a quick turn around. 
My VMSpc is off less than 100 miles from Speedometer.
Good Luck, Dave A
Dave and Nancy Abel
'00 U320 36' WTFE  Build #5669
'10 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Livingston, TX  SKP's Fulltiming

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #5
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 & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #6
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.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #7
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
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #8
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.

The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #9
You might try cleaning the connections first. to see if that stops the fluttering.

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #10
Your fluttering odometer is the first warning of a failing gauge.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #11
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 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.
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #12
I think my odometer is off by 1-2K miles from what the VMSpc reports.  Don't remember exactly.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #13
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.
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #14
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.
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #15
Thank you all for the advice.  Looks like the best path is to remove and send out for repairs
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #16
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.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #17
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.
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

 

Re: 1999 Odometer failing any others had this problem

Reply #18
Thanks for the follow up. 👍
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country