Odometer programming question
 

I have the intermittent ribbon cable problem with the instrument cluster LCD displays on my 1999 C-230 (missing segments on the readings). 18 months ago, I bought a replacement unit from a post on a forum, but never got around to installing it for various reasons.

This weekend, I removed to old cluster, plugged in the new one and confirmed everything worked, and the odometer reads 21,212 miles (not zero). Now I need to have the odometer programmed with the proper mileage, but the dealer claims it cannot be done unless the cluster is brand new, never used, and with zero miles on the reading. But, lots of places on the internet claim they can program it. What's up, can it be done?

Your dealer is correct. The programming of new instrument clusters is done via SDS, which will only allow the "total distance" to be set forward, one time.

Check out this place http://www.paspeedo.com/

I've referred a few clients as well as using them myself to correct occasional errors :o that have occurred in my shop.

Thanks, I ran across PASpeedo this weekend (from earlier posts) and already sent an email to them, but didn't realize existing mileage was an issue. I'll probably have an answer when I get home tonight.