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Summary
  • The odometer is responsible for measuring the overall mileage or distance the vehicle has traveled. It lets mechanics know how often the unit has been used.
  • The odometer is typically on the dashboard. It’s in a place that’s conveniently visible and accessible so the driver can easily see the total mileage of their vehicle.
  • If your odometer is broken and needs to be repaired, you first need to remove your vehicle’s instrument cluster to access it.

Q: Where is the Odometer Typically Located?

A: The odometer is responsible for measuring the overall mileage or distance the vehicle has traveled. It lets mechanics know how often the unit has been used.

The odometer is typically on the dashboard. It’s in a place that’s conveniently visible and accessible so the driver can easily see the total mileage of their vehicle.

If your vehicle’s dashboard seems to lack an odometer, or if it doesn’t have a number displaying the mileage, there’s a good chance that your odometer is broken. Use your vehicle’s owner’s manual to find a way to access the dashboard and repair or replace the odometer.

Tips on How to Access the Odometer

Replacing the speedometer with an OEM part requires the odometer mileage to be recorded so that the replacement odometer will have exactly the same mileage. Some older replacement odometers came with a red tenths digit and a sticker that went on the door by the VIN sticker recording the mileage when the odometer was replaced.

, Where is the Odometer Located?

Pro Tips are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.

Pro Tip: Most odometers are electronic, but even if yours isn’t, don’t change the mileage on it because that’s illegal.

If your odometer is broken and needs to be repaired, you need to remove your vehicle’s instrument cluster to access it. To remove an instrument cluster, you’re going to need screwdrivers, wrenches, trim removal tools, and a wedge to help remove the cluster.

image of an automotive odometer
A car’s odometer | Image Source: Richard McCuistian

To start, park your vehicle and tilt the steering wheel as low as you can. After this, remove the dashboard panel and disconnect any wires. This way, you can remove the instrument cluster safely so long as you do it slowly and carefully.

One handy tip every driver should follow before removing an instrument cluster is to keep track of where each wire and connector should go. Make a map of sorts with pen and paper to record where parts should go. When fixing an odometer, it’s important to keep track of where the wires and connectors need to go.

About The Authors
Written By Automotive and Tech Writers

The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust.

Reviewed By Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Richard McCuistian has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, and a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others. Richard is ASE certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.

Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.

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