odometer disable

[isowimn]

I purchased a 2009 ford escape f w d 4 cylinder is it possible to disable the odometer while we are towing ? if so, how do we do it or where can I get information online ?
thnx

 

[brodavid]

Re: odometer disable

welcome to the forum,
I thought disconnecting the odometer was illegal

 

[H2H1]

Re: odometer disable

Dave U are right, it is against the law to disengage the odometer. However on some vehicle it is done by the on board computer when using as a toad. I know Saturn and Jeeps do.

 

[Kirk]

Re: odometer disable

Actually, modern automobile speedometers/odometers are all electric and as such they add no miles to the odometer when they are towed with the engine not running. I'm not sure exactly when Ford went that way, but I can tell you from experience that it was prior to 1995. I don't believe that there are any automobiles today that still use a steel "speedometer cable" like they once did.

There was at one time a kit available from Remco which did just what you are asking about. It had a solenoid that disengaged the speedometer cable when the cord for two lights was connected to the tow vehicle, but they no longer make the kit since no vehicle being towed today still needs one.

By the way, those kits were legal in all states except Oregon, because they only disconnected it when hooked up to tow.

 

[brodavid]

Re: odometer disable

Thanks Hollis and Kirk, now I am showing my age