The trip odometer is one of the most common engineering disasters on thirdgen cars; however, the fix is both simple and inexpensive--my cost $.09 at the local hardware store.

To access the speedo, remove the black bezel. Once that's removed, look in the little rectangles that house the e-brake light, check engine light, etc., and you'll note a, I believe, 10 mm nut on each side of the cluster housing. Move the seat back all the way. Drop the lower dash panel for access to the speedo cable and its clip (this clip holds the cable to the speedo head). A long-shanked, flat-bladded screw driver is perfect to trip the clip. A flash light/trouble light is indispensible. Once the cable is free, so is the cluster. Lowering the steering wheel, and/or dropping the steering column a fraction will help in the removal but is not necessary. To protect from scratches use a bit of masking tape on the steering column.

Note the speedo cable clip.

JamesC

 

Removal of the speedo head is straightforward. Three screws. I'm pointing to two and the third is above my right finger.

JamesC

 

With the speedo removed, you'll probably find the infamous "J" clips that were designed to keep the odometer in place.

JamesC

 

Note the odometer 'axel.' There's an example of another J clip, two axels up.

JamesC

 

The fix is simple. Without taking the speedo head apart, turn it around to face you and "wire up." I made two little nooses, then used the slack in the center of the wire to tighten the whole business up. The wire, of course, takes the place of the J clips and seats the axel so that it can't move. By the way, I tried 22 guage wire first, but it was too heavy and difficult to work with. I also attempted cauter keys, but I couldn't get the axel to seat to my satisfaction. I finally ended up with 18 guage solid core, $.09 a foot. The fix is not as neat-looking as I would have liked, but the odometer functions like new, and frankly I don't think I'll ever have further problems with it.

JamesC

 

My like new 140.

JamesC

 

FYI, if you attempt the fix, you might consider white-faced overlays and/or higher intensity xenon bulbs. The sockets are twist out.

JamesC

 

The bulbs pulls out of its socket.

JamesC

 

I want a 145 speedo. I pegged the speedo on my car the other day (120mph) and am guessing I was going about 123 by the time I was about done. If I were to get one..would I be able to somehow use my current odometer because I want to keep the mileage reading accurate.

 

You swap mileage rolls as well.

JamesC

 

I'm going to sticky this. Please limit replies to the trip odometer fix only (unlike the reply above... . Also copying on FAQ forum.

My question is, does the reset work okay? Not sure I understand how that could be.