Something Electrical

[dancnman]

I have a 1999 Interstate and recently it started resetting the odometer sometimes.

The trip odometers will reset to zero and the display will be on the total miles.

Then the trip odometers work fine until the next random reset.

It starts fine, even in the near death cold weather we are having in Houston.

Any Ideas?

[Jess from VA]

Well this is a new one.

I bet it's resetting the tripmeter(s), not the (total miles) odometer.

I'm thinking the speedo switch button contacts are gummy or corroded.  

Push fast to move between trip-trip-odometer

Push and hold to reset the two trips.

Maybe a fast push is still resetting trip meters.  Or it's gummy or corroded enough to rest them on its own.

I'd get some electronic cleaner spray (with the nozzle) and douche it down while pushing repeatedly, then maybe blow it out with some compressed air (also while pushing the button) (but not too much air).  And maybe repeat douche then air.  And do it with the key off (test with key on).  When dry, maybe it won't do it anymore.  

I wouldn't relish trying to get in there (taking it apart).

Of course, I can write my entire auto electric knowledge on a chewing gum wrapper.

[F6BANGER]

Sounds like the button is the problem. Is the rubber on the button kinda wedged/tucked in? Had that happen on my garage door motor while programming. I know its not your garage door opener but might be the same condition.

[Cracker Jack]

Well this is a new one.

I bet it's resetting the tripmeter(s), not the (total miles) odometer.

I'm thinking the speedo switch button contacts are gummy or corroded.  

Push fast to move between trip-trip-odometer

Push and hold to reset the two trips.

Maybe a fast push is still resetting trip meters.  Or it's gummy or corroded enough to rest them on its own.

I'd get some electronic cleaner spray (with the nozzle) and douche it down while pushing repeatedly, then maybe blow it out with some compressed air (also while pushing the button) (but not too much air).  And maybe repeat douche then air.  And do it with the key off (test with key on).  When dry, maybe it won't do it anymore.  

I wouldn't relish trying to get in there (taking it apart).

Of course, I can write my entire auto electric knowledge on a chewing gum wrapper.



Understand that no electrical knowledge is required to respond to electrical problems on this board.

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[Jims99]

I agree with it probably being the button. Not sure you can clean it without getting into it. They are designed to hold out water so spraying from the outside may not get into the contacts. Could also be a loose or pinched wire. It should be noticeable if you get behind it. Maybe a little time consuming but easy.

[Pluggy]

Would the odometer reset if the battery was disconnected?  You might want to check the circuit that feeds that instrument.  Has something has been added to that circuit that would cause it to disconnect or lose voltage?

[Challenger]

Every once in a while when I hit the starter on my I/S it would take a split second to kick in. Maybe three times in two months, I noticed that my trip meter had reset also. While changing oil and inspecting things last winter, I found the ground cable at the engine was corroded, Removed and cleaned and it has never happened since. YMMV

[Jim in Idaho]

Every once in a while when I hit the starter on my I/S it would take a split second to kick in. Maybe three times in two months, I noticed that my trip meter had reset also. While changing oil and inspecting things last winter, I found the ground cable at the engine was corroded, Removed and cleaned and it has never happened since. YMMV

This sounds like a VERY likely culprit.

[gordonv]

I have a 1999 Interstate and recently it started resetting the odometer sometimes.

The trip odometers will reset to zero and the display will be on the total miles.

Would the odometer reset if the battery was disconnected?

This is exactly what happens when power lost. Trip setting is lost, and the odometer mileage is back.

But it's an IS model, so how is your radio, do you lose the presets? This, I think, takes a little longer, put I would need to check this out by removing the power lead from the battery and connect again to verify.