Odometer Reading Reset....?
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It can be done. It involves disassembling the old odometer, exposing the PCB that holds the NVRAM that contains the mileage data, de-soldering the NVRAM from the original PCB, doing the same to the new odometer, re-soldering the old NVRAM onto the new PCB, and not breaking anything else in the process.
TL;DR - No, don't do it.
TL;DR - No, don't do it.
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If you can document the original mileage on the vehicle, but probably better to just take photos of the before and after.
My take is: you would be opening yourself up for some serious legal problems. Doing it "yourself" even with photos and a sworn letter from your local priest, may not be in accordance with the law. Even if you "win" you could find yourself in court.
You can do what you want to your own car. But it is illegal to mis-represent the mileage when transferring ownership.
If you really want to know how, here is a YouTube on it;
Source: DOJ WEBSITE
Altering the mileage reading on a motor vehicle is a felony. Effective July 5, 1994, the odometer tampering statutes were recodified from Title 15, U.S.C., to Title 49. The change was not substantive, though the statutes were reworded. Some of the old and new statutes are:
Altering the mileage reading on a motor vehicle is a felony. Effective July 5, 1994, the odometer tampering statutes were recodified from Title 15, U.S.C., to Title 49. The change was not substantive, though the statutes were reworded. Some of the old and new statutes are:
- Tampering prohibition: moved from 15 U.S.C. § 1984 to 49 U.S.C. § 32703(2).
- False odometer statement prohibition: moved from 15 U.S.C. § 1988 to 49 U.S.C. § 32705(a)(2).
- Odometer fraud conspiracy prohibition: moved from 15 U.S.C. § 1986 to 49 U.S.C. § 32703(4).
- Criminal penalty provision: moved from 15 U.S.C. § 1990c to 49 U.S.C. § 32709(b).
I'm not sure you're right about this, you can do things to your own car, only as long as the FED allows it, for example, you cannot by-pass/disable etc. your car's emissions systems (let's no get wrapped around the axel, of course you can IF you are building a race car etc. Not legal for street use, but I believe something like this, is NOT what we're talking about here). Tampering with an odometer, by a private party isn't anything I'd want any part of. The only way I'd be comfortable with it, is with Prior knowledge and consent (in writing) from the Fed. But that is just me.
It isn't just when you are trying to sell, or transfer ownership. If you have a warranty, even on the tires, you are engaged (and rightfully so) in fraud, it would be up to you to prove otherwise. As you and I agree, DON"T DO IT! Lastly, even if you proved in Fed court you were not guilty, the cost incurred would be memorable, to say the least.
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There is a formal method most states have to disclose Odometer discrepancies.
Odometer Disclosure Statements for all States | DMV.ORG.
The Op is not doing anything wrong, he just can't lie about it.
Odometer Disclosure Statements for all States | DMV.ORG.
The Op is not doing anything wrong, he just can't lie about it.
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What are you suggesting the OP do? All I hear from your posts is DON'T DO IT. He is NOT comitting fraud by fixing his car. Yes he must disclose this upon transfer of ownership and records would have to be kept for warranty claims.
2004 Camry 2AZ engine; 2018 Camry LE
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just have receipts and date of purchase/swap out of the replacement unit and swear out an affidavit; use the replacement as-is without tampering. This provides document trail of work that was done, reason for work, photos of old and new, etc. State DMV likely has forms that they will require.
Sorry, that is all you heard from my posts. I would NOT alter the odometer, at all, this is not fixing it, this is fraud. I would follow the advice of kenny-bob, post #14 from this string. Hope this helps.
The intent of the law is to keep individuals from showing much lower mileage than actual when selling a vehicle. There is no fraud if the facts are truthfully stated. In CA the seller of any vehicle over 10 years old does not have to report the mileage. So any subsequent seller could change the odometer and it would be impossible to prove fraud. Suing for fraud or being prosecuted for fraud on a 23 year old vehicle would be especially unlikely.
In CA, odometer tampering is rampant! But the laws in CA are quite clear: The following is from one of MANY, MANY stories regarding the tampering or replacing odometers in CA:
"""""""""""""""Smith said in some cases, the scammers just switch out the old odometer cluster for a new one.
"They aren't changing how the mechanism records it," Smith said. "What they are doing now is changing the actual number."
According to the DMV, there's 200,000 new cases of odometer fraud occurring every year. One-third of all affected vehicles have at least 75,000 miles taken off the odometer.
The California DMV says odometer tampering is illegal under state and federal law. A car can be sold without a functioning odometer, but you have to fill out an odometer disclosure form.
The California DMV suggests taking these steps to prevent from becoming a victim:
-- Compare vehicle mileage and documents: Check mileage readings on titles, prior odometer disclosure statements, warranties, service records, etc., for any discrepancies or signs of alteration. Look for oil change or inspection stickers under the hood or in the door, in addition to warranty documents or service records in the glove box
-- Beware if mileage statements are "unavailable" as dealers are required to keep such records
-- Examine the vehicle for tampering clues: Look for physical signs of tampering, such as scratches or marks on the odometer or face dial, misaligned digits, missing or loose screws, etc.
When an odometer is serviced, repaired or replaced and cannot be adjusted to reflect the true mileage, the odometer must be set to zero. A sticker indicating the true mileage before service must be attached to the left door frame. When the vehicle is sold, the disclosure statement must include the odometer error. Check the tires and other parts of the vehicle to see if the wear and tear corresponds to the mileage being represented. Have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic prior to purchase.""""""""""""
IMHO, it is always best to follow the law, even in CA-where it appears, in so many cases, the laws just aren't enforced. I hope this helps those in CA obey the law, and clarify the law.
"""""""""""""""Smith said in some cases, the scammers just switch out the old odometer cluster for a new one.
"They aren't changing how the mechanism records it," Smith said. "What they are doing now is changing the actual number."
According to the DMV, there's 200,000 new cases of odometer fraud occurring every year. One-third of all affected vehicles have at least 75,000 miles taken off the odometer.
The California DMV says odometer tampering is illegal under state and federal law. A car can be sold without a functioning odometer, but you have to fill out an odometer disclosure form.
The California DMV suggests taking these steps to prevent from becoming a victim:
-- Compare vehicle mileage and documents: Check mileage readings on titles, prior odometer disclosure statements, warranties, service records, etc., for any discrepancies or signs of alteration. Look for oil change or inspection stickers under the hood or in the door, in addition to warranty documents or service records in the glove box
-- Beware if mileage statements are "unavailable" as dealers are required to keep such records
-- Examine the vehicle for tampering clues: Look for physical signs of tampering, such as scratches or marks on the odometer or face dial, misaligned digits, missing or loose screws, etc.
When an odometer is serviced, repaired or replaced and cannot be adjusted to reflect the true mileage, the odometer must be set to zero. A sticker indicating the true mileage before service must be attached to the left door frame. When the vehicle is sold, the disclosure statement must include the odometer error. Check the tires and other parts of the vehicle to see if the wear and tear corresponds to the mileage being represented. Have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic prior to purchase.""""""""""""
IMHO, it is always best to follow the law, even in CA-where it appears, in so many cases, the laws just aren't enforced. I hope this helps those in CA obey the law, and clarify the law.
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In MA they record mileage at every Safety inspection and enter it into a database. The Insurance company accesses this database and uses it to calculate premiums based on yearly mileage.
I had a problem when my 1983 P/U Truck odometer rolled over 100K to zero, it messed up the insurance company's algorithm.
Newer cars have more odometer digits!
I wonder how CA handles that case, I'm betting they would expect to see a sticker in the door frame.
I had a problem when my 1983 P/U Truck odometer rolled over 100K to zero, it messed up the insurance company's algorithm.
Newer cars have more odometer digits!
I wonder how CA handles that case, I'm betting they would expect to see a sticker in the door frame.
A number of years ago, I purchased a 1978 classic truck, the odometer read 89,000+-, I felt the entire unit must have rolled over (at least once), even though the truck was in extremely good condition. I found a service center, that had done the services on the truck for 30+ years, they were very kind, and helpful (very fine individuals). I asked if I could get a copy (and of course, I'd pay for any costs) of the service records. Their old records were on an obsolete computer system, with the old fashion paper drive system, but strangely enough, the thing was still hooked up and could be turned on! The owner actually printed me everything they had, and confirmed the mileage etc., not all low mileage cars/trucks are a scam, I was lucky, far too many are. The "must be set at zero" part of the law, is clear and easily understood, there would be no "I didn't understand-these aren't my pants..." type BS, that any real judge would entertain. Speaking about insurance company's algorithms, the old classics sometimes "don't have enough digits in the VIN", it makes it easy to spot the "new guy". Regarding CA, who know how that state would handle anything, people defecating in the streets doesn't bother them, shooting drug in the open, doesn't bother them, letting 7000+ child molesters out of prison doesn't bother them, but if they can make a few bucks on a fine for something like this-my guess is, this would bother them.
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I hate to derail this thread but this strikes me as being very true.
The only person I know who ever got their gas tank drilled for gas theft lives in CA. Yes I know it happens in other places. $900 repair for a little gas. I am hearing first hand stories similar to what is stated above. Remind me not to move there.
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