Odometer Fix Tutorial

Overview

How many miles do you have on your Volvo? Don’t know? Maybe it’s time to
fix the odometer . Note: MVS reader Steven reports this impacts both the trip meter and odometer.

If you have a Volvo with an OBD system under the hood (generally up to 1995 and some ‘96 models), you can read the actual miles from the ECU so that you can set your odometer to the correct number after it’s fixed.

Procedure

Jump to Addendum

Odometer Fix Step 01

Odometer Fix Step 02

Odometer Fix Step 03

Odometer Fix Step 04

Odometer Fix Step 05

Odometer Fix Step 06

Odometer Fix Step 07

Odometer Fix Step 08

Odometer Fix Step 09

Odometer Fix Step 10

Odometer Fix Step 11

Odometer Fix Step 12

Odometer Fix Step 13

Odometer Fix Step 14

Odometer Fix Step 15

Odometer Fix Step 16

Odometer Fix Step 17

Odometer Fix Step 18

Odometer Fix Step 19

NEW! STEP 19.5 (October 6, 2009):
There is a brass nut and washer on the back of the cluster that must be removed before you can gain access to the odometer and trip gears. Do not tighten too much after the repair as you can crack the circuit board.
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/2110/dsc00061kn6.jpg <- brass nut

Odometer Fix Step 20

Odometer Fix Step 21

Odometer Fix Step 22

Odometer Fix Step 23

Odometer Fix Step 24

Odometer Fix Step 25

Odometer Fix Step 26

Odometer Fix Step 27

Odometer Fix Step 28

Odometer Fix Step 29

Odometer Fix Step 30

Odometer Fix Step 31

Odometer Fix Step 32

Odometer Fix Step 33

Odometer Fix Step 34

Odometer Fix Step 35

Odometer Fix Step 36

Odometer Fix Step 37

Odometer Fix Step 38

Odometer Fix Step 39

Odometer Fix Step 40

UPDATE Oct. 16 2005: More images, these from Govil. Thanks Govil!

Odometer Fix Addendum Step 01

Odometer Fix Addendum Step 02

Odometer Fix Addendum Step 03

Odometer Fix Addendum Step 04

Odometer Fix Addendum Step 05

Volvo Repair Details

Your Comments

Phil 7:42 am on August 3rd, 2009

I just bought a 1994 850. The odometer is broke. I know this is a typical issues with Volvo’s but is it an easy fix. What are the steps i need to take? Thanks
Al 5:49 pm on October 4th, 2009

Where can I buy one of those gears for my odometer.
Matt 6:12 pm on October 4th, 2009

http://www.odometergears.com/ or any of this site’s sponsors.
Ryan, Asheville, NC 3:33 pm on October 25th, 2009

Just finished this repair and it went very well. I don’t think I quite aligned the RPM needle, though… ah well. Just be extra careful with that step.
Jeremy 12:19 pm on November 6th, 2009

ok so I just finished this repair and it went very well. The repair itself took maybe 1 to 1 1/2 hour to do. That is from the removal of the first screw to replacing the last one. I took the time to clean the vents and do some touch up since the dash was appart.

My ‘94 850 is a little different from the pictures but if you have any idea on what you are doing the pictures will help out alot.

there are hidden screws behind the vents you need to get too. to do so just lift the vent from the bottom till the snap ring things let go.

NOW, as for the gear it was so easy to replace. The pictures on the page were a great help.

Thank you for the gear and help.
carter 9:26 am on November 11th, 2009

hi,
this sounds pretty good. i am going to try it. just one question: would this be a good time to replace the dashboard lights? are they easily accesible during any of the steps in this repair?

thanks,

carter
Bob 11:10 pm on December 6th, 2009

My 97 850 had 3 screws holding in the odometer gearbox and they took the next smaller torx than I had in my set- pretty small. So I used needle nose to turn them in and out. Also there was a 4 pin plug on the gearbox to the circuit board, and it was not clear how to detach it but all you do is pull out the gearbox. The plug is odd- looks flimsy but it comes out OK.
And the vent removal is not all that clear for the newby like me. I ended up rotating it down, then only one side would come out fairly easily- the left on the left, middle, and rt on 3rd one. And the little button plastic screw cover on left side of dash just prys out with small screwdriver.

Also discovered the check engine, service lamp and traction control lamps were removed. May want to have some on hand- I didn’t and found only one unused and put it in the ck engine.
Shane 2:54 am on January 22nd, 2010

Re the brass nut, this is the back of the boot pressure gauge in the T5 – I managed to pull the rubber hose connected to this out with the instrument cluster. I found it push fits over a hard plastic hose, but had to remove the kick panel below the steering wheel to get access to it. Even with this unexpected hassle, still only took about 1.5 hrs all up, great article.
Spirit 6:45 am on February 2nd, 2010

This is great. I bought the gear online because mine just gave and the seller of the part referred me to this site for information on how to install the gear and also other repair tips for my Volvo. Great stuff!
Kyle 4:45 pm on February 13th, 2010

Just completed the repair and everything works great. Thanks alot for posting this…saved me a lot of money.

One note: on my ‘97 850, there was no brass nut on the back of the cluster, and I got the cluster out simply by removing the plug.

Is there any way I can check the true mileage on my ‘97 850 glt or is too late of a model?

Thanks again, I owe you one.
uralzorall 8:36 am on March 9th, 2010

Volvo 850 odometer gear, 15 tooth, BRONZE material( not plastic!!!) $28+ship

http://racing-bazar.hu/alkatresz/egyeb/volvo_850_kmszamlalo_fogaskerek_volvo_850_odometer_gear
whoa 7:37 pm on April 13th, 2010

Check ebay. $12, free shipping. Works fine.
V 70 Bj 99 Tachobleuchtung einbauen : Volvo 11:17 am on May 6th, 2010

[...] http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/2005/01/01/odometer-fix-how-to/ [...]
Lichterzauber = Electronicteufel : Volvo 850, S70, V70/XC70 I, C70 I 3:59 am on June 2nd, 2010

[...] Kombi [...]
Peter 5:15 pm on June 28th, 2010

One note, the 3 small Torx screws holding the odometer onto the instrument panel are a size T8, so be sure to grab this tool before taking the car apart.
mike 2:53 pm on July 4th, 2010

So, The tutorial actually works well even for a later model 97 turbo. Be sure to remove the brass nut behind the turbo gauge before you start trying to pry the instrument cluster apart. I didn’t and popped the turbo needle right off the spindle. Also “blue unit” of my odometer is not connected via a plug and wire. The “blue unit” sits right on thin prongs from the back.