Potential software bug in odometer or tampering with odometer? Anyone else?

[sixtyeightmk2]

So I was driving home from Monterey last night. I notice this.

 

The top is the trip odometer, the 2nd is the actual odometer. The mileage is in tenths of a mile.

 

 

 

I brought my car in for factory service today for the MFT 3.5 update and mentioned the issue. 

 

Either a. - the dealership I bought my car from tampered with my odometer and reset it prior to my purchase.

 

OR

 

b. there is a substantial software bug within the odometer, which would mean not just my car. If this is true then the fuel estimates, usage, and any data can't be that accurate as some other users stated due to the rough granularity of the odometer in the C-Max etc.

 

Either way what do you guys think? Also posting pics because it did happen. The techs said that it must have been tampered with, but I wanted to post here for discussion.

 

If it was tampered with what can I do to correct the issue? If it's a bug what can we do to get it fixed?

 

[wab]

I must be missing something?

 

Why would someone knock/add .02 of a mile?

[plus 3 golfer]

Why do you think there is tampering?  Trip 2 is likely accumulated in a separate location like the module that supports the display since it can be reset while the odometer is normally accumulated in the PCM.  Usually, (don't know about Ford) but the odometer can not be easily reset if at all.  Trip 2 reads 0.2 higher.  I wouldn't worry. 

 

Why don't you call the SA, send him the pic, and have him ask a Ford engineer and see what answer you get?

[Wingrider01]

could be as simple as the odometer reading is validated because of state and federal laws, the trip meter is not.

[sixtyeightmk2]

I was told this by a Ford representative that that is the only way it could have gotten additional milage and not a software bug.

 

I posted here because it's weird and under any normal circumstances should not be possible.

 

Why do you think there is tampering?  Trip 2 is likely accumulated in a separate location like the module that supports the display since it can be reset while the odometer is normally accumulated in the PCM.  Usually, (don't know about Ford) but the odometer can not be easily reset if at all.  Trip 2 reads 0.2 higher.  I wouldn't worry. 

 

Why don't you call the SA, send him the pic, and have him ask a Ford engineer and see what answer you get?

[sixtyeightmk2]

I'm a long time Ford owner. I've had a Mk2 Escort RWD 1600 Sport, a Ford Cortina Mk2 Super Deluxe and entire family has been a Ford family since forever.

 

Also long backstory - basically I ordered my car from a dealer that brought my car in as a substitute without consulting me first before doing so, the car had pitting on the windshield, scratches on chrome and was missing a few items that should have come with the car (A4 maps being one of the items stated by Ford SA) - I have not gone back to that dealer as they used very terrible tactics, lied on voicemail, email etc. "Your car is at the docks, I'll go pick it up Saturday" then Sunday when I show up, loaner vehicle key is taken away and then I am presented with a different car. About a month later my original car must have shown up as they needed me to release the original VIN.

 

The car came with a faulty strut, faulty plastic covers that literally fell off. The original car could not be located. Called Ford several times attempting to locate it with no luck. Got apology letters from Ford regarding the treatment and handling of the case. The AC started going crazy and turning it's self off, had to do a full shut down reboot for it to come back. The navigation computer locks up and goes into scheduled maintenance twice a week (Although being fixed right now TODAY)

 

At this point I am thinking I might need to talk to the BBB. The dealership that I get my service at is great, but it's the fact that I have needed so much service in the first 9000 or so miles that worries me.

 

I'd like to hope that they could just replace this dreaded car but I'm not sure if that's even possible.

 

Back to the odometer thing though - when I picked up the car the odometer and the trip both matched about 97 miles on the car. Look it's basically a counter, if it is rounding up and not regulated under "Federal" or "State" laws shouldn't it concern anyone that the same functions in the computer and numbers are being used every time you go on a trip - you may or may not be getting inaccurate milage reports back.

 

Over a great deal of time it could add up, but mainly just think it's another weird flaw in the software if it wasn't reset / tampered with as SA stated.

[salsaguy]

do you have a portable GPS unit like a garmin (or access to one) so you can validate miles?

Also the lemon law may apply for your car. bad dealer is a separate issue that should be reported to Ford corporate customer care hotline and maybe the BBB.

check yelp.com to check their ratings from other customers to validate your theories.

Also car could have been driven a little and person forgot to reassert trip before moving car 0.2 miles.

odo cant be reset by a person easily but trip can.

i sometimes forget to reset my trip counter when i fill up for gas so my mpg for that tank will be messed up.

[armoredsaint]

i'm more curious in how you got that ECO icon?   :)

[wab]

Take a look at pg 232 in the owners manual.

"ECO Cruise Control

This feature saves vehicle energy by relaxing acceleration compared to

standard cruise control. For example, your vehicle may temporarily lose

speed when going uphill. ECO will appear in the information display

when ECO cruise control is activated. It can be switched on or off in the

information display. Refer to the Information Displays chapter."

 

Page 122 tells where it is in "Settings"

_____________________________________________________

 

It is kind of weird that sixtyeightmk2 trip 2 has been farther than the car has traveled.

 

Anybody else out there who has never reset Trip 2?