just bought i nice p38 jap import with 74000 miles if you convert the kilometers, i need to know if it is straight forward swap of the pod as want it to be in mph and not kilometers.also im hearing in the backround that you have to get a pod with the right chassis numbers? anybody got any suggestions for me please.

If you change the instument cluster, the BeCM will check the mileage against that stored in its memory. It will then default to the highest value!!!

So if you buy one without knowing its history, it may suddenly add thousands of miles to the car. This new number is then stored in the Becm and no way of taking miles back off.

I think it may be possible to change the current reading via testbook if the BeCM is not "locked", but I'm sure someone else can confirm this part.

will affect the becm{brain}? does it have to be a speedo from the same batch of chassis numbers. anybody elso got any ideas please.

I've got a Jap import P38 that had the speedo showing in kph
All you need to do is change the sticker on the speedo face for a mph one
Doesnt stop the digital odometer showing km though - but it does save having to dick about with the BeCM

v8kenny your a sport pal, now where can i get the stick on face to change to miles please.

The cluster IS interchangeable if it's from the same type of car, e.g. Petrol/or Diesel, but as previously written the mileage display will default to the higher value-so get a cluster with a lower reading that is logged in the BECM. If the BECM is set to KMs, it's easy to change over to Miles. Usually, the BECM is unlocked from the factory-there is no need to lock it.
It's a 15 minute job to changeover but if you have any other faults and want them diagnosed/cleared it will obviously take longer.
Any Independant or Stealer with Test Book, Rovacom or Autologic can do it.

Irishrover said:

The cluster IS interchangeable if it's from the same type of car, e.g. Petrol/or Diesel, but as previously written the mileage display will default to the higher value-so get a cluster with a lower reading that is logged in the BECM. If the BECM is set to KMs, it's easy to change over to Miles. Usually, the BECM is unlocked from the factory-there is no need to lock it.
It's a 15 minute job to changeover but if you have any other faults and want them diagnosed/cleared it will obviously take longer.
Any Independant or Stealer with Test Book, Rovacom or Autologic can do it.

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John, I've heard all sorts of stories about faults suddenly appearing after changing the BeCM to MPH - just an urban myth or any truth ?
I can live with my odometer being in KM and the fuel consumption showing in L/100km - best not to know what MPG you are doing anyway !
Maybe if I ever have to put the rangie on testbook etc. for something then that would be the time to think about switching to MPH
I would imagine the MPH sticker would be a main dealer part - that's where I would start looking anyway if that's the road you want to go down

Imported motors were, and still are popular over here especially from Japan and the U.K.-everything from a Micra to a Rangie. I have changed over 3 P38's where the clusters were bought from egay and dismantlers. The purchasers took my advice and made sure that the mileage on the cluster was lower than their own. They have never had a problem since the change and I have not heard of induced problems as a result of changeovers. I am a member of the Rovacom users forum and feel sure that comments would have been posted long ago, but nothing has been mentioned. There are many horror stories regarding the BECM, but I have found no substance in them. Yes, they do hang up and also die, like any other piece of electronic kit-they are not infallible. I have first hand experience of this with a new BECM becoming corrupted after 9 months-it was replaced F.O.C. by LR. Since the speed limits were changed to metric over here a couple of years ago, 2 of the 3 clusters were replaced with the originals (Metric) and I have changed the BECM settings back to metric-again without problems.
Nice to see you are still around Kenny-how's the caravan going??

Regarding a sticker for the speedo, ask the main stealers but I have a suspicion they would rather sell a new cluster than a ten bob sticker. I'll have a look on the EPC for it.

The caravans fine John - and my wiring seems to be holding out
Not been on here much lately - can't seem to get a minute to myself, what with work and everything - not much sign of a credit crunch here ! (yet)
Been away 4 times with the caravan since getting it in the summer so it's getting used
Just back from doing safety radio on the Tour of Mull rally, which was great - probably the last trip away this though
Hope things are well with you John - good mechanics are always busy mind