Hello All,

2008 Malibu (not Malibu Classic), ~120,000 miles, runs fine, odometer shows mileage where it stopped counting, and never advances. Trip odometer advances fine, and , but not the main odometer. All gauges work, no check engine light, no codes stored.

It is a friend'* car and they bought it this way. They didn't realize the issue until a week or two later, and of course the seller doesn't respond to calls/messages/etc.

Any thoughts on what would cause this?

I have a suspicion, but I don't want to bias the thread yet.

Thanks!

The OD has not advanced since bought? I don't believe it'* legal to sell it that way. Before we accuse the seller of anything let'* make sure of this.

Yep, saw the ad after friend bought it. The ad has the same odometer reading as a couple of weeks later when they brought it to me with issues. I drove it around probably 20 miles then noticed that the odometer was the same as when I started. I drove it for another 20 minutes and it never changed. Trip meter increments though.

Here'* a bulletin on it. Click in the breadcrumbs just below to find entire manual.
Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.
Home >> Chevrolet >> 2008 >> Malibu V6-3.6L >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Instrument Panel, Gauges and Warning Indicators >> Odometer >> Technical Service Bulletins >> Instruments - IPC Odometer Programming Method

Instruments - IPC Odometer Programming Method

INFORMATION

Bulletin No.: 07-08-49-020G

Date: September 17, 2012

Subject: IPC Odometer Programming Method Quick Reference Guide

Models:
2003-2013 GM Passenger Cars and Trucks

Attention:
This bulletin applies to vehicles sold in the U.*. and Canada Only.


Supercede:
This bulletin is being revised to add the 2012-2013 Captiva Sport and 2013 Orlando (Canada). Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 07-08-49-020F (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).


The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a reference guide to help identify which season odometer programming method to use after replacing the instrument panel cluster (IPC). The three season odometer programming methods in use today are listed below. In addition, this reference guide lists the component where the season odometer value is stored. The season odometer value may be stored in the IPC, the driver information center (DIC) or the integrated body control module (IBCM), also commonly called a body control module (BCM).

Season Odometer Programming Methods in Use Today

1. IPC reprogramming and setup using the service programming system (SPS).

2. Odometer setup at the electronic service center (ESC) when using an exchange IPC/DIC.

3. Tech 2(R) - The Tech 2 is used to set up a replacement BCM, which includes loading the odometer value that is displayed and stored in the IPC. A replacement IPC will display the previously stored vehicle odometer value, communicated from the BCM, after cycling the ignition or driving the vehicle.
*The odometer programming is integrated as part of the BCM programming procedure. It is not a stand-alone event.











Disclaimer








pro multis · About Operation CHARM

Had the cluster been replaced?

Thanks! I did go to this first, and learned that the odometer reading is stored on the BCM. They didn't have any other information or troubleshooting though.

I can't tell if it is original or not, and I haven't taken it out yet. The way this car came to be for sale makes me want to get my broom and declare Shenanigans!



. . . but it'* too late for that to do any good.

Weird issue. Hope you can figure it out without spending too much.

Thanks!

Might need to look at it with a scan tool. You can find the stored value if you have the correct software.