When an odometer is replaced, the must be documented legally, often on the vehicle’s title and through state-specific forms (e.g., in the USA, an Odometer Disclosure Statement ). 1. Note the Old Mileage (Removal)
Under federal law, it is illegal to disconnect, reset, or alter a vehicle’s odometer. However, if an odometer must be repaired or replaced, the law dictates specific protocols: odometer record replace events date
| Feature | Mechanical Odometer (Pre-2000s) | Digital Odometer (Most 2000+ vehicles) | |--------|--------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | | Plug-and-play with physical gears | Requires programming, VIN flashing | | Mileage storage | In the mechanical gears | In the cluster EEPROM AND/OR ECU/BCM | | Replace events date record | Written sticker on door jamb | Digital log in module memory | | Risk of mismatch | High – easy to swap without fixing | Low – many modules keep original mileage | When an odometer is replaced, the must be