I was sent this device by a mechanic who found it behind the instrument panel of a car. When removed another 40,000km appeared on the clock. The unit appears to "massage" the data between the ECU and the display.
The design of the circuitry is very functional. Basically two CAN (Controller Area Network) chips, a processor and some power supply components. The design is actually very neat.
The real work will be done by the processor, and I'm not sure whether the unit passes all other data through untouched except the odometer data or if it buffers everything.
From the type and spec of the processor I'd guess that this has been developed on an Arduino style platform, but I could be wrong. It just has that modular look to it. The Dupont style sockets and the way one has been hacked into a very robust plug is also a clue that this was a geeks personal project that escaped or evolved.
The keywords to find these online are "can filter 18 in 1". Here's an eBay search link:-
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=can+filter+18+in+1&_sacat=0&LH_BIN=1&_sop=15
Keep in mind that their function is to reduce the apparent mileage of a vehicle, and this may be a criminal offence in some countries.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.

17 thoughts on “Naughty canbus odometer interface . fakes mileage.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars S. Wilson says:

    W222 – Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2013 to 2020.
    W166 – Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2012 – 2015.
    S4 = Audi A4 – the performance version of Audi's A4 sedan.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rob AV Productions says:

    W222 is mercedes S-Class and w166 is mercedes m-class. Maybe it refers to this.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The other Dave says:

    huh, 3rd party modifications. I BET YOU it was a used car salesman that came up with this idea.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars hernanc says:

    There is an article in hackaday where they could read the firmware and analyze it. Search for “inside a can bus mileage manipulator”. Thanks for the video!

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Peanutz says:

    If this device was permanently in the dash circuit doesn't it suggest its function was to display a lower mileage rather than reprogram the mileage to a lower figure? In the latter case the device would be removed afterwards and not left in place.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Correct Hoarse Battery Staple says:

    I’ve seen a taxi with these installed as a passenger. The speedometer was also measuring 0.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tundramanq says:

    Seems that a decent OBD scan tool would show the truth. Our bi annual emissions tests get the actual mileage as well as emissions data from the ECU and print it with the rest of the vehicle data on the emissions report. Another reason to take a car you are thinking of buying to a good mechanic that will scan it.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roy Tellason says:

    Doing a quick search on CAN gateway and CAN gateway module brought up some interesting results.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mr OoOsH says:

    W222 and W166 are both Mercedes engine models they fit to various vehicles so it’s non car model specific but it’s engine specific for Mercedes, BMW I would imagine covers all models and S4 could be an engine code for another marque or could mean Audi S4.

    Excellent video…..I hate canbus 🤣

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kritikal says:

    That 25,000 miles translates to a ton of money. You better believe I'm extracting that value from the previous owner somehow.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars triularity says:

    Any luck ever reverse engineering the firmware? If locked, were there any other youtubers that are good with hardware glitching who wanted to try? Maybe it would provide some clue of where the naughty versions where programmed.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars triularity says:

    Did you check with your local laws first to make sure just possession of such a [configured] device isn't a crime? Given the stupidity of some laws that imply guilt without any requirement for proof of such activity or intent, I wouldn't assume

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Repro77 says:

    I know, at least in Chevrolet's, that the mileage is stored in the cluster, so if you get a used replacement, you need to get it reprogrammed by a special device. Not sure this would work in a Chevy…

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bikkiikun says:

    W166 could be a 2011 Mercedes GLE
    W222, a 2013 S-Class
    S4, Audi S4??
    Well, and BMW is self explanatory…

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TrueGent 999 says:

    It would be fun if you could dump the chip to get the code out of it

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeremy L. says:

    I wish I had paid more attention in electronics.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeremy L. says:

    I was screaming in my head "PUT THE PICTURE OF THE ONE WITH THE STICKER UNDER THE ONE WITHOUT, AND JUST EXPOSE THE COLORED WIRES BY SLIDING THE TOP PICTURE OVER TO THE RIGHT AN INCH". It never happened, but that's okay. Cool video, Clive.

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