I have a 2006 E250 that I bought new. About 6 months after I bought it the factory radio had an issue with the volume control and I decided to upgrade to a decent aftermarket unit. While sliding the new unit in place, I shorted something out in the radio circuit, but it also took out my instrument cluster, window and door locks, and dome light as well. I spent 2 days when it happened trying to locate the short, but could never figure it out. My primary concern at this point is retrieving my actual odometer reading.

I’m guessing I’ve put on 250,000 miles, but have no way of knowing. This has been the most dependable vehicle I’ve ever owned and I recently decided to keep it and just run it into the ground. But with the high mileage, I know repairs have to be coming soon, and in anticipation of that I’ve been looking at buying an OBD-II scanner just to stay in front of repairs. I’m looking for one that will read lifetime odometer readings, but there just doesn’t seem to be a consensus on whether this is possible or not.

Does anyone know where the odometer reading is stored and if an OBD scanner can read it? I’ve read varying opinions where it is either stored in the instrument cluster or the ECM, but can’t seem to confirm anything. Comments on the OBD2 scanners seem to indicate it may be hackable, but that depends on the vehicle. Thanks to anyone that can offer help.