Odometer reading showing ERROR

[Lipial17]

I have a 2014 RAM 1500 5.7L V8 showing ERROR instead of the odometer reading. The oil change and fuel economy info are also not showing a reading. I have been searching the internet and have not found much in the way of a solution. I did end up ordering a used replacement instrument cluster that hasn't shown up yet, but I have to assume that it won't have the correct odometer reading if it does end up working. Any knowledge/advice on this would be greatly appreciated. The truck is in pretty good shape otherwise and I really dont want to spend a ton of money to have someone dig around in the electrical. Thanks a lot in advance!

 

[SitKneelBend]

I have a 2014 RAM 1500 5.7L V8 showing ERROR instead of the odometer reading. The oil change and fuel economy info are also not showing a reading. I have been searching the internet and have not found much in the way of a solution. I did end up ordering a used replacement instrument cluster that hasn't shown up yet, but I have to assume that it won't have the correct odometer reading if it does end up working. Any knowledge/advice on this would be greatly appreciated. The truck is in pretty good shape otherwise and I really dont want to spend a ton of money to have someone dig around in the electrical. Thanks a lot in advance!

View attachment 544886

It will not have the correct odometer reading on the new one. The odometer reading is stored in at least four 4 places on the truck but a replacement cluster has to be programmed with the correct mileage and engine hours. I would recommend upgrading your cluster to the 7" one at this time as it won't cost much more and if you have AlfaOBD you can program the mileage yourself (you will need to read it from your truck at 1 of the 4 locations since it's not available in the old cluster). If you can, get a read on the engine hours now so you have them available if you choose to go this route.

The Oil change interval and fuel economy aren't showing because of the error in mileage because the cluster needs to calculate those values based on your current mileage. What I would do with the cluster that is on the way is plug it in and see if it too shows "ERROR" as that would point to a problem elsewhere and not in the cluster.

 

[Lipial17]

It will not have the correct odometer reading on the new one. The odometer reading is stored in at least four 4 places on the truck but a replacement cluster has to be programmed with the correct mileage and engine hours. I would recommend upgrading your cluster to the 7" one at this time as it won't cost much more and if you have AlfaOBD you can program the mileage yourself (you will need to read it from your truck at 1 of the 4 locations since it's not available in the old cluster). If you can, get a read on the engine hours now so you have them available if you choose to go this route.

The Oil change interval and fuel economy aren't showing because of the error in mileage because the cluster needs to calculate those values based on your current mileage. What I would do with the cluster that is on the way is plug it in and see if it too shows "ERROR" as that would point to a problem elsewhere and not in the cluster.

Thank you so much for taking the time to give me this information! It truly helps. I will wait for the replacement and see what happens when I hook it up. Where are the 4 locations I can get the stored mileage from and how do I produce/read that info?

 

[SitKneelBend]

Thank you so much for taking the time to give me this information! It truly helps. I will wait for the replacement and see what happens when I hook it up. Where are the 4 locations I can get the stored mileage from and how do I produce/read that info?

I've only recently come across it in the Engine information log. All readings were similar mileage but not exact for what is in the odometer.



You must have an App like AlfaOBD and a compatible OBDII Bluetooth reader to get the information. The initial cost might put you off (about $150-$180 for the app and a reader capable of mileage correction) but you can do loads more stuff with AlfaOBD that only dealerships or mechanics with expensive subscriptions can do.

 

[GTyankee]

I may be mistaken, but the mileage rule, pertains to vehicles that are less than 10 years old.

If you switch out the odometer, the correct mileage has to be kept on a Certified Card & that card has to be kept in the vehicle

A vehicle that has turned 11 years old, can have a replacement Odometer, that does not have to have the correct mileage reading

The Rule is so no one knowingly can sell a vehicle with an odometer reading that is lower than the Actual mileage.

Some websites have written that a Emissions shops equipment reads the Mileage directly from PCM

My nearby area used to have a certified Odometer shop, he was kept very busy ..

Just looked, that shop is still around

Speedometer Repair | Santee CA | The Speedo Shop

The Speedo Shop is conveniently located in Santee, Ca. We repair all types of vehicle speedometers and more. Please call 619-258-8195 for more information.

www.sandiegothespeedoshop.com

You need an advanced scan tool like a Snap-on Verus or Autel Maxisys, etc., to read the modules. The dealer use to use a WiTech.
Most garages these days have scan tools capable of getting that info.

Odometer vs PCM mileage

OK I have to know the real freaking answer here... Some say the pcm holds the mileage as well as the odometer... Now, I got a question... If the pcm holds the mileage then why is it that the folks with tuned pcms swap them out when they go to the stealership? What mileage is in that new pcm...

www.ramforum.com

 

[SitKneelBend]

I may be mistaken, but the mileage rule, pertains to vehicles that are less than 10 years old.

If you switch out the odometer, the correct mileage has to be kept on a Certified Card & that card has to be kept in the vehicle

A vehicle that has turned 11 years old, can have a replacement Odometer, that does not have to have the correct mileage reading

The Rule is so no one knowingly can sell a vehicle with an odometer reading that is lower than the Actual mileage.

Some websites have written that a Emissions shops equipment reads the Mileage directly from PCM

My nearby area used to have a certified Odometer shop, he was kept very busy ..

Just looked, that shop is still around

Speedometer Repair | Santee CA | The Speedo Shop

The Speedo Shop is conveniently located in Santee, Ca. We repair all types of vehicle speedometers and more. Please call 619-258-8195 for more information.

www.sandiegothespeedoshop.com

You need an advanced scan tool like a Snap-on Verus or Autel Maxisys, etc., to read the modules. The dealer use to use a WiTech.
Most garages these days have scan tools capable of getting that info.

Odometer vs PCM mileage

OK I have to know the real freaking answer here... Some say the pcm holds the mileage as well as the odometer... Now, I got a question... If the pcm holds the mileage then why is it that the folks with tuned pcms swap them out when they go to the stealership? What mileage is in that new pcm...

www.ramforum.com

This is all true BUT it doesn't pertain to an individual unless they are trying to sell their vehicle or commit fraud. The only people barred by law from correcting mileage are dealerships. If you correct the mileage to the correct mileage, no such disclosures need be made. At the rates charged by odometer correction services, you can do it yourself (likely for less) and have a powerful and under-valued tool with AlfaOBD.

 

[Lipial17]

UPDATE: i just received the replacement instrument cluster and after the quick install everything works perfectly! The mileage is even correct! I was totally amazed and relieved since things don't typically work out this easy. And since the part only cost about $70 i know i saved a ton of money doing this on my own, especially living in Hawaii.

 

[SitKneelBend]

UPDATE: i just received the replacement instrument cluster and after the quick install everything works perfectly! The mileage is even correct! I was totally amazed and relieved since things don't typically work out this easy. And since the part only cost about $70 i know i saved a ton of money doing this on my own, especially living in Hawaii.

That is strange but great all at once!