krissy_ann02 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I leased my 2007 sel fusion, and i am really close to my mileage limit. Would it be possible to change the gauge cluster out and replace it with one with fewer miles? If i can do that would i have to change it back before i turn the car in? if anyone has any other ideas I'd like to know...i need help! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 I leased my 2007 sel fusion, and i am really close to my mileage limit. Would it be possible to change the gauge cluster out and replace it with one with fewer miles? If i can do that would i have to change it back before i turn the car in? if anyone has any other ideas I'd like to know...i need help! Hi krissy_ann. :D First, looking at it from a moral standpoint, how would you like it if you purchased a car and later discovered that it had more miles on it than you were told, because someone committed fraud and switched/tampered with the odometer? That is exactly what the next person who purchases your vehicle will have to put up with. Obviously, no reputable Ford Dealer will perform such an illegal activity. Also, there are safeguards in place (legal and electronic) to help prevent this type of activity from happening. Now to answer your question: Well, it is "possible" in the same way that it is 'possible' to rob a bank. You can try it, you may be able to get away with it, but it is illegal and you will get in a lot of trouble if you are caught. Also, how do you propose switching it back before you turn the vehicle in? Do you realize how expensive it would be to purchase a new gauge cluster, have it programmed properly, have your dashboard taken apart to install it, then have your dash board taken apart again to re-install the original cluster? Even just having the new cluster programmed, installed and left in would be foolish. The chance you are taking to save some money is not worth the fraud charges for odometer tampering. I am not trying to be a wise guy, but your legal and viable options are to limit your driving until you turn in the vehicle, and pay the mileage penalty. If you Lease again, pay for the extra mileage up front. It is less expensive that way. Good luck. :beerchug: 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Vision Posted August 15, 2008 Share Posted August 15, 2008 A clean conscience is the best pillow known to man....How do you people sleep at night? A little homework on your part when you purchased the vehicle would have gone a long way in preventing this or getting into a vehicle that you really can't afford (leasing) is also a bad idea. To do this gauge swap is just transferring your problem now into being someone else's problem later. (i.e. deceiving them into thinking they are purchasing a lower mileage car and then having issues arise from a higher mileage car). Man up and take your medicine! The gauge swapping is illegal for a reason! Just so you know, everytime you take your car in for service the mileage is recorded. There are reports out there (I have seen them) that will show your service history and mileage from the time you have leased/owned the vehicle. How will it look when your last recorded service was at 27,000 miles and you are turning the same vin # car in at the end of the lease with a gauge cluster showing 15,000 miles. You decide. Oh yea, welcome to the forum. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 If you swap the gauge cluster the car will know and it will beep whenever you back up and whenever you reach a certain speed (60-75 mph - somewhere in that range). Not sure putting back the original cluster will fix it, either. Your name is on the lease, so they'll know you did it. You don't want to be written up in the next edition of Stupid Criminals. Pay the bill and be smart on your next purchase. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy G Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 If you swap the gauge cluster the car will know and it will beep whenever you back up and whenever you reach a certain speed (60-75 mph - somewhere in that range). Not sure putting back the original cluster will fix it, either. Your name is on the lease, so they'll know you did it. You don't want to be written up in the next edition of Stupid Criminals. Pay the bill and be smart on your next purchase. Is the mileage stored in the gauge cluster or the main computer(ECU)??? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 16, 2008 Share Posted August 16, 2008 Is the mileage stored in the gauge cluster or the main computer(ECU)??? It's in the gauge cluster (obviously). When the dealer replaces the cluster they have to download the current cluster configuration and settings and reinstall them in the new cluster. This maintains the odometer integrity. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.