my old banger

jacklink

hello, i dont know anything about cars only how to drive them, i have an old banger 1997 renault megane (cant afford another) however the mileage display has gone off, so i cant see how many miles ive done, anyone know what the problem might be ? and how to fix it ?

thanks

harveybobbles

Bulb behind the reading. You will be able to make out your mileage on a sunny day or by using a torch

slummymummyof3

Had this problem with my vauxhall - mechanic just gave the dashboard above the display a firm thump and low and behold it worked again. Lasted for about 2 years and then failed again, so I decided to give it a thump again and it has worked ever since. Worth a try.

vaio

slummymummyof3 wrote: »

Had this problem with my vauxhall - mechanic just gave the dashboard above the display a firm thump and low and behold it worked again. Lasted for about 2 years and then failed again, so I decided to give it a thump again and it has worked ever since. Worth a try.

I believe the correct technical term is “percussive maintenance”

LandyAndy

Does anyone know if there is any reason why this actually matters?

Is there a potential MoT problem if the mileage cannot be recorded?

Dismantling the dashboard may be a bit expensive for a 'non essential' repair.

Bielzibub

No, it's not a problem with the MOT. Chances are that if you shine a torch at it, you could see enough to read it anyway.

darich

If you disconnect the odometer on a cable operated one though you'd be breaking the law because you're fiddling the mileage.

If, and I realise it's a big if, the police find out they may insist that it's repaired since you could be deliberately not counting up the miles.
I realise the odometer may still count them but I don't know for sure, neither would the police and neither would a potential buyer.

I know it's extreme but i'd be inclined to get it repaired. Try renault forums and you might find that it's a simple bulb replacement.

simon369

If you know anybody slighty mechanically minded they could change the bulb for you.

I changed my bulbs on my display easy. Its basically a case of just unscrewing the surround and then pulling it out. It comes out in one big lump e.g. speed ometer, fuel gauge etc is one big part and then the bulbs simply fit in the back and then you put it back in the way it was and screw the surround back on. That was for my vauxhall corsa and i assume its basically the same on all cars.

vaio

darich wrote: »

If you disconnect the odometer on a cable operated one though you'd be breaking the law because you're fiddling the mileage.

If, and I realise it's a big if, the police find out they may insist that it's repaired since you could be deliberately not counting up the miles.
I realise the odometer may still count them but I don't know for sure, neither would the police and neither would a potential buyer.

I know it's extreme but I’d be inclined to get it repaired. Try Renault forums and you might find that it's a simple bulb replacement.

I’m pretty sure an odometer is not a legal requirement and even if it is and not working then no offence is committed until you try to pass off the indicated mileage as genuine