I have a problem with the odometer on my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT. The problem is that there is no mileage display for my odometer. This is to say it appears that all of the segments of the display seem to be functioning properly and the rest of the instrument panel seems to be ok as well. But the mileage display is blank. If the odometer display is changed from normal to trip the only thing that is displayed is the decimal point for tenths of a mile and still no numbers. If I go through the panel reset, all of the segments for the display light in sequence and all of the instruments go through their calibrations and the panel goes back to a normal state but no mileage display. I don’t know if this matters but the overhead display does light however that odometer doesn’t increment up it just stays at 0.



This trouble seems to relate back to when I had a problem with the dash flickering on and off, horn making a quick beep locks actuating, headlights flashing etc. If you do a web search for disco dash for these cars, you’ll see all of the symptoms and know that this is a very common problem with these vans. . In any case after trying many fixes for the disco dash problem it turned out that a multi-ground connection on near the B pillar on the driver’s side was the culprit. But at one point after connecting and reconnecting the connectors on the IPCM and module on it the mileage on the van went from around 108,000 to 300,000 miles or something like that. A full replacement of the IPCM didn’t help. I’ve checked the dash solder points and connectors and there doesn’t seem to be a problem there either. It looks like the dash just isn’t getting the data.



At this point I’m stuck with a car I can’t register. So, do I replace the instrument cluster, BCM or something else?



So, a couple of questions. Where does the odometer data originate or rather where does the speed sensor send it to, or where and how does the data get to the dash? Is there one particular bus wire that the data travels on and does anyone know where that wire is and what the coding would be? And lastly can the BCM actually be tested to see if that’s where this problem is originating? And can thee BCM somehow be reset without taking it to the dealer?



Any help would be greatly appreciated


Odometer under normal conditions

Odometer with Trac Control Off

Trip Odometer under normal conditions. ( Note Decimal for tenths

Trip Odometer with Trac Control off( Note Decimal for tenths

Odometer under dash calibration / Test mode. ( Note, all odometer segments Light)

 

It’s probably an internal issue with the cluster. The protocol it uses to perform the self test is different than what it uses to command the odometer to display mileage.

All the info the cluster receives is through data feeds - mileage is going to come from the PCM, but there won’t be a dedicated circuit for it - it’ll be on the bus circuit as the TCM, BCM, anti-theft and other modules need mileage data as well.

What you need is a scan tool capable of reading live data that the instrument cluster is receiving. If live data shows a mileage reading, the cluster has an issue. You can have it replaced or repaired - you’ll just have to google businesses in your area that are capable of doing the repair and you should expect it’s going to take at least 2 days.