Broken odometer
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Florida
Broken odometer
So the other day I just noticed that my odometer isn't working. Not good, because I have no idea how long it has been broken. I have a 90 LS400 so it isn't digital. I assume either the cable to it broke or the gear on the end of the cable. Only problem is I don't know how to remove the odometer from the dash. Has anyone here ever had this problem before? Thanks for the help.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,595
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From: Kansas
Here is a link to a page that has other links to instructions on how to remove and disassemble the instrument cluster on a 90-92 LS400: http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/electrical/
The odometer on the 90 LS I had broke at about 120,000 miles -- it's a very common problem on a 90-92 LS. It's been over ten years ago but I remember that a new replacement odometer was pretty cheap. I had a repair shop install the new odometer and I think the cost of parts and labor was less than $100 -- must have been pretty easy. It is a federal requirement to put a sticker on the door jam that shows the mileage at which an odometer is replaced.
Attached is a photo of the old odometer and the box the new one came in.
The odometer on the 90 LS I had broke at about 120,000 miles -- it's a very common problem on a 90-92 LS. It's been over ten years ago but I remember that a new replacement odometer was pretty cheap. I had a repair shop install the new odometer and I think the cost of parts and labor was less than $100 -- must have been pretty easy. It is a federal requirement to put a sticker on the door jam that shows the mileage at which an odometer is replaced.
Attached is a photo of the old odometer and the box the new one came in.
Last edited by Kansas; Nov 18, 2009 at 11:41 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,147
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From: Minnesota
If you can remove the gauge cluster, it is very easy to remove this part. I found it easier, and cheaper to buy a used gauge that had a similar amount of miles on it. And if you really want to, study the mechanism, and you can adjust the miles to exactly what you want, it just might take a long time.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 445
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From: NY
If you can remove the gauge cluster, it is very easy to remove this part. I found it easier, and cheaper to buy a used gauge that had a similar amount of miles on it. And if you really want to, study the mechanism, and you can adjust the miles to exactly what you want, it just might take a long time.
For what it's worth here in 2017, I just (*almost) bought a whole new mechanical odometer for an old 1991 Lexus LS400 from:
PARTS SPECIALIST
8337 RASPBERRY WAY
LONGMONT, CO 80504
855-739-2022
(* HA ! Of the ten online parts houses that had this odometer nicely pictured with prices and shipping all ready to go, six of them ran my credit card THEN sent me an email stating that the odometer was nla and that they would issue a credit back to the card in all due time. That tells me that there is some kind of racket where they get to borrow your money for ten days to two weeks and suck the interest off of us hopeful idiots)
$120.00 plus shipping. Please note! I strafed the internet for the little plastic gears and EVERYBODY said "nope, no way". These gears are calling home right about now after 26 years of soaking in grease. Get your new odometer while you can!
Last edited by Amskeptic; Dec 16, 2017 at 09:36 AM.
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We have dozens of these odometers in stock (used) and can set them to any mileage you need. Give us a call or send us a message!
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TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
https://taninjdm.com/ Our Lexus LS430 Dealership
TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
https://taninjdm.com/ Our Lexus LS430 Dealership
Racer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,582
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From: Florida
they pretty much all do this. im willing to bet every single early ucf10 with a analog ODO, has atleast 50k miles more then what they say. they are never accurate bc even if its working now, they come and go lol
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Pit Crew
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 160
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From: Western Australia
RHD JDM 89 Celsior Odometer shows 189000 Km. I think it stopped working about 10,000 ago. So I would like a unit set to about 200,000Km.(or maybe start it at 0, then 3D print a plaque for the door pillar.
--------------------------------------------
| RIP Odometer at 189,005Km.
| about 10,000Km elapsed before replacement was procured.
| New Starting point at 0.0Km.
| Please note: Add 200,000Km to Odometer reading to get close to the true millage of this car.
-------------------------------------------
or something like that.
I intend to keep this car, so I dont really care if someone else does not believe this.
I guess the other way would be to get it set to 200,000Km. Mmmmm.
TaninAuto, what would be easier / cheaper?
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Sponsor
Joined: May 2012
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From: WI
Can anyone verify the MPH and KM odometers are the same? Tooth count and accumulation?
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TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
https://taninjdm.com/ Our Lexus LS430 Dealership
TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
https://taninjdm.com/ Our Lexus LS430 Dealership
Pit Crew
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 160
Likes: 16
From: Western Australia
Then at least you will have the Km Version. I figure you have the Mile versions aplenty (if there is a difference).
Pit Crew
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 160
Likes: 16
From: Western Australia
Yeah, your right. No need to introduce uncertainty.
If it can be modified, I may elect to do that myself.
I remember reading something about these things only being able to be advanced, (that's all manual Odometers in general, to stop people winding them back) so if I get one that's over 200K (likely) then it might need to be taken around the clock and then back up to 200K. Thats likely to take some time cos I dont expect to be able to just plug in a drill and REV through the million at high speed! I expect it would grenade if I did that! lol.
If it can be modified, I may elect to do that myself.
I remember reading something about these things only being able to be advanced, (that's all manual Odometers in general, to stop people winding them back) so if I get one that's over 200K (likely) then it might need to be taken around the clock and then back up to 200K. Thats likely to take some time cos I dont expect to be able to just plug in a drill and REV through the million at high speed! I expect it would grenade if I did that! lol.
Last edited by PhilipMidd; Nov 27, 2018 at 06:37 PM.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
O
QUOTE=TaninAuto;10365541]We have dozens of these odometers in stock (used) and can set them to any mileage you need. Give us a call or send us a message![/QUOTE]
Do you have a website or what is your number? How much are you asking for an odometer?
Do you have a website or what is your number? How much are you asking for an odometer?
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,278
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From: ct
Open your eyes dude. In the post you just quoted they list their Email, website, and phone number.
Sponsor
Joined: May 2012
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From: WI
We can send you a used, tested odometer set to the correct mileage: https://taninautoelectronix.com/prod...eter-assembly/
Visit our site and send us a message at http://bit.ly/tae-contact or call us at 262-456-4147!
__________________
TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
https://taninjdm.com/ Our Lexus LS430 Dealership
TANIN AUTO ELECTRONIX
262-456-4147
contact@taninauto.com
www.taninautoelectronix.com
https://taninjdm.com/ Our Lexus LS430 Dealership
Last edited by TaninAuto; Jun 20, 2025 at 06:56 AM.