Odometer problem

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Sun 15 May 2005 07:03
Odometer problem - Badger
The display on my odometer has blanked out, and the problem appears to lie with the speedo head. The only solution is a replacement speedometer.

However, it's an 8-year old car which I intend to 'run into the ground', the speed indication and all other instrumentation is fine, so given the cost of a new speedo I propose to ignore it. I can live without an odometer -- it rarely moves much anyway, now that I'm retired, and service intervals are no problem since I never reach the mileage anyway and service by the calendar.

I wonder, though -- is the odometer an MOT item? The speedometer obviously is, but that's working normally. True, the MOT certificate carries the vehicle's indicated mileage at the time of the test, but can a vehicle be failed for lack of such indication? Since the instrument is not tested at MOT, and anyway the testing station has no idea as to whether the indicated mileage is even true, then I don't see how it can be.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 15 May 2005 08:23
Odometer problem - mfarrow
Neither is part of the MoT, though I know for a fact that the speedo is a legal requirement.

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=14061

--------------
Mike Farrow
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 15 May 2005 10:02
Odometer problem - Badger
Thanks for the link, mfarrow but the speedo is not in question, just the odometer.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 15 May 2005 14:50
Odometer problem - Dynamic Dave
Are you sure it's not just the bulb that illuminates it that's gone? What car is it?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 15 May 2005 15:50
Odometer problem - Dwight Van Driver
An odometer on a motor car is not a legal requirement. A speedometer (under certain circs) is and required to maintained in good working order.

Neither item is one which the MOT requires to be inspected.

Stop worrying.

DVD
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Sun 15 May 2005 16:54
Odometer problem - Badger
THanks, DVD. it will be interesting to see what they do with the Mileage entry on the certificate.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....