Powl's Speedometer Inc. in
Lancasterville (PA)

***See below for how to find the videos*** I bought a car from my neighbor. I tried to set the time on the instrument cluster and the knob won’t do anything. So then I removed the instrument cluster and inspected it, and I found a sticker that said Powl’s speedometer. Then I remembered that I had an invoice from the previous owner that showed that powl's had replaced the display in the instrument cluster. So I came back to Powl‘s and asked them to look at it. I was immediately struck by the aura of arrogance of the man who came to help me. He sat in my car, turned the key, looked at the cluster, did nothing else, and told me that we’re going to have to take the cluster apart and see what it is and that’ll be $450. I said do you think that maybe somebody left that knob disconnected when they worked on it because you guys had it open last? He looked at me with a sheety grin and said it doesn’t work that way with his hands in his pockets. I said thank you and got in my car. I know a guy on YouTube in New Jersey that fixes clusters for around $100 no matter what’s wrong with them. I also have another receipt from Powl’s where they charged the previous owner $6500 to replace a $1600 electronic module somewhere in the car. When I originally saw that invoice, I immediately thought that was an absolutely ridiculous price for getting into anything in a car. How could anything take more than two or three hours. Update: What Powl says about me expecting them to drop everything is just not true. He is trying to paint me as a demanding customer. I asked politely when it would be convenient for someone to look at it, I didn't expect anyone to drop everything. I was not unhappy about coming in on Monday, I completely understood and was happy to come in whenever it was convenient, which is what I told the woman at the desk. I opened up the instrument cluster yesterday and the knob was indeed left disconnected. There was no broken part as Powl says. It was just left disconnected by his team. Also, there was a screw left mostly out and almost falling out. It looked like it was worked on at quitting time on a Friday and thrown together without finishing it properly. When I was working on it, I saw there were 2 Powl's stickers on it. I fixed it in about 10 minutes by just snapping the knob back in where it needed to be. Powl's was going to charge $450 just to diagnose it. I don't think anyone else was in that cluster since it was with them because the 80 year old man I bought it from didn't do work like that. I would never go back to Powl's mostly because of that guy's attitude but also because of their exorbitant pricing. I'm not the only one saying that about the pricing, just scroll down to see more! The reviews are full of amazingly huge quotes or charges and reports of shotty work! Just read down a few pages. It's amazing that they are still in business. My only guess is that they are preying on old men like my neighbor who have lots of spare money and don't know any better. ***Videos*** 2 short videos I took of the cluster while I was working on it if you go to youtube and search for "bradley david good Instrument cluster daytime adjuster knob, not working 2001 Audi TT". These videos prove that it was just left undone and disconnected not broken as Mr. Powl asserts as his "professional opinion". 6 short videos on Youtube called "Review Powl’s Speedometer Inc, Lancaster, PA" where I go over the invoice and charges. Some things from the invoice Mr. Powl is talking about: R &R water outlet & Battery $1675 Part number: 902914 This is 1.5 hours labor for water outlet and .5 for batttery. Look it up. Conv. MDL - $1798 Part number 8n7962267a Can be found for $500 and repaired for less than $100 online. No reason to buy a new part for almost 2 grand in an old car like this. Exchange Instrument: Exchange $1500 This is the instrument cluster that took me 10 minutes to open up and fix. A quick search on ebay finds many offerings to fix this cluster for less than $200. Book time on this is 2-3 hours.

Came in with a cluster from a 90s volvo that had some backlighting issues. I asked for rush service and heard back in under 3 hours. They did some small repairs but everything went back to working perfectly, and the prices were good and reasonable. Very knowledgeable and helpful people

This place is the best in the business. We took our classic car in to get rust repair done, because the back bumper was sagging due to the rust damage, they cut out the rust and manufactured and welded new pieces in place and treated the new pieces as well as the surrounding metal so they will not rust again and they also got the job done quicker than promised and for less than expected, there is a reason they have been in business for 100 years.

I was looking for someone to restore the speedometer on my vintage Triumph motorcycle and just happened to come across Powl's. Gave them a call and they were very courteous and professional.Their price was very fair and the turn around time was quick. The completed unit looks great and I'm satisfied and I'll be using them in the future. Was great doing business with them and have recommended them to other people. Happy 100th ! H.Panton Sussex New Jersey

Was quoted over $500 including taxes to reprogram an ABS module on a Dodge Charger. Took the car to the Dodge Dealership and they reprogrammed it for $114 and now it works perfectly. Blatantly trying to rob people who aren’t aware of repair costs.

Needed fog lights removed and was quoted over $215 for two hours of work. Took it to another shop where they charged me $40 and I watched them do it. Only took them 10 minutes. They do good work just be prepared to be overcharged in the process and lied to about how long repair time takes.

Took my 06 f150 cluster which was causing electrical issues with radio, windows and fuel gauge acting erratically. Got cluster back like new, no issues so far, had to return it for a loose bulb which they correct.

I should have read the reviews prior to going to this place… however, life’s hard lessons are learned first hand. I’ve taken several vehicles to Powls and always encounter problems. Without a lot of detail, simply believe me when I say you’re better off spending your money elsewhere. Always a problem with the work to be done. False quotes to shotty work… borderline theft at the least. My advice to anyone looking for a reputable shop… do your homework first and compare. One thing to remember, if you get a lot of fast talking without asking a question ( BEWARE)!! Run away as fast as you can. You’ll thank me later!!

Expensive and borderline ripoffs. Do not take ECU’s to them for repair. Every one Ive sent to them has been “irreparable”. They’re more than happy to provide a good one at top dollar on top of an absolutely absurd 440 dollar programming charge. The last one I got back from them was never even opened, but deemed not able to be repaired”. Just put up with the mail exchange and go elsewhere. The can do Cluster work, many completed there as well, but their prices are anything but competitive.

I took my 1996 lexus to Powells over the objection of my long time mechanic, to have my speedometer repaired. I got it back after paying $371.00. I put it in the garage over the winter bringing it back out in the spring. After driving one block I noticed the speedometer was not working. I took it back and was told a mouse had chewed the wires and they put in a new wiring harness, $759.04. It worked when I left their shop. Shortly thereafter it stopped working again. I took it back and was told that the wire was chewed and they saw mouse droppings, $92.75. I asked what it would cost to fix it and was told it would be approx.$370.00. I declined I had my mechanic look at the wiring and he as well as myself could see there was not a new wiring harness installed. A week later I purchased a complete speedometer unit like the one in my car on ebay for $105.00 with shipping. I installed it myself and it worked as it should. I decided to sell it and since the odometer did match the records for the car, I had to discount the price of the car by $300.00 and had the purchaser sign a form indicating the discrepancy in the miles indicated. I recently contacted Powells and was told I should have brought it back to them with my complaint, yeah right. Caveat emptor.

From One Repair Shop Owner to Another... THANK YOU! This process was quick, painless, done and sent back in a very timely manner. Customer Service was Excellent. Highly Recommend!!! -Str8line Automotive

my cluster wasn't lighting up on my Dodge Challenger. Made appointment with Powl's, glad I did--they came up with a unique solution which was way better than the original design.. A few months later , one of the gauges lost its light--they said bring it in, made the adjustment and sent me on my way. Nice people and made my car much better than expected

Horrible! They had my 1925 Speedometer for 8.5 months and never touched it (except to break or lose the glass). They quoted me $4700 and repeatedly assured me that things were progressing and they only needed “a week or two more.” All lies. I even supplied them with additional parts to expedite the process (with no results). It was finally returned to me in worse condition than when it sent it to them (no glass). There are many great alternative rebuilders you should consider.

I dropped off 4 Porsche gauges at Powl's in June 2023 for repairs and refurbishment. Finally received a call 7 months later in January 2024 with an estimate of $6666.00 to repair and refurbish the gauges. As it was way beyond my budget I told them I would just pick them up. I was told there is an estimate fee of $50. When I picked up the gauges I was informed it was EACH resulting in a bill of $207.76!! Buyer be ware!!!

Automatic 5 stars because they threw in a sweet toolbox sticker with my shipped refurb. But seriously, awesome service. My 04' avalanche cluster works like new. Cost a good chunk of change, but you can't beat the price compared to other options. Highly recommend.

I highly recommend Powl's I had a very distinctive issue with my speedometer for my victory magnum and Rob walked me through getting it together once I received it back. Just the concern and time he took out to help was greatly appreciated, I've never dealt with this type of business and they made it a smooth transition. Thanks again Rob.

I recently used Powl's to inspect a moisture damaged instrument cluster on my Indian Scout motorcycle. Although it was too corroded to repair, they we're able to read the odometer and transfer the correct mileage onto a new unit. I'm back in the saddle again and ready to roll! Thank you!

I purchased an older car, and within two months the instrument panel failed. The car part wasn’t available new and the only option was to purchase one from a junk dealer or get it repaired. My dealership said they could get me a part and install it for about $2300. I called around and spoke with the owner of Powls father one day when he was filling in while the owner was out. He was friendly and empathetic and very encouraging of me to call his son back and that they could help. My dealership remove the instrument cluster, I mailed it to Powls, they sent it back and it didn’t quite work in the car yet. So I sent it back again and they spoke with my dealership to target the identify the exact problem. They were able to get it functioning again and the car is now on the road. I had really expected it that the car not to be repaired and Powls did a fantastic job to get it running again.

Very helpful staff. We have a 57 Pontiac speedometer that isnt working and have tried to find help everywhere with no success. This business was working 90 years ago! They fixed 2 speedometers for us that needed very rare parts.

Not only was the customer service outstanding but the speedo on my 98 Harley was repaired and returned quickly at a reasonable cost. In talking with them on the phone I was told the tech tried more than one option to ensure everything was repaired. Additionally I had to ship the speedo to them, it was returned packaged as gently and safely as i had sent it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND POWLS!!!

Took my car (2009 Dodge Challenger) to a large dealership in the area and they couldn't fix my issues, so they referred me to Powl's... and I'm so glad they did! I had a few electronic issues in the dashboard and they fixed my issue so quickly (only 2 days!) and updated me at each step of the way. The prices were very fair (much cheaper than the dealership) and the service was excellent! They also did a tune-up and inspection/emissions when it was there and it was also much cheaper than I was quoted from the dealership. I'm so happy with the service and will definitely be a return customer... and will also refer others to Powl's too! If I could give them more than 5 stars I would because I'm very satisfied with them and appreciated their quick and excellent customer service!!!

Wanted to have my entire intrustment cluster rebuilt ,but bought one on ebay,,everything worked great on new one except mileage was wrong,,took both clusters to Powls ,technician told me would be cheaper to just reprogram new on ,,was quoted on phone that rebuilt would be cheaper but she didnt explain if I removed new one from truck,that one would be cheaper ,other then that mileage is now correct on new cluster and only waited 30 minutes or so...and didnt break the bank....saved me from sending out of state and not knowing if and when would get back...thank you Powls .

I needed new tires and I was uncomfortable going out with the virus lock down, Powl's came and picked up my car, and returned it the next day with my new tires. The people were pleasant to deal with and did not pressure me to get anything I did not need. I would certainly go back to them for future service. It is hard to find a company willing to give you great service no matter how large or small your problem.

Great quality and service. I have a 2011 F150 which the speedometer would not go below zero after replacing a dead battery. Shops closer to me wanted to either replace the entire instrument cluster with new or ship my unit out for repair and wait 2 weeks for it's return. I considered buying a used unit but besides needing to change the odometer reading, the used unit would have to be programed to work in my truck. The Powl's staff was excellent to work with, they removed the cluster, tested and found the problem and gave me a quote to repair. I live about 45 minutes from the shop so I waited, it took 3 hours to repair, the same time frame they told me up front. Cost was around $350 but that was in range of replacing with a used cluster without programming and well under the new replacement cost. Powl's repairs instrument clusters from all over the country, any year, any make/model plus motorcycle instruments. When I first called them about my issue, they were 100% confident they can make the repair whereas everyone else was skeptical. They can handle any electrical instrumentation issue you have, will definitely keep them in my contacts as the go to place in the future.

Excellent customer and repair service! Five shops I'd contacted refused the work due to the difficulty of my requested repairs. However, Powl's happily accepted the instrument cluster from my automatic transmission, 1992 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce. Assuming it would take months and cost significantly more than it did, I shipped my instrument pod to Powl's. Less than a week later, Powl's called with a reasonable cost estimate and assured me the repairs would be completed in days, not months. True to their promise, the instruments were repaired and returned within a week -- but not before the technician went above and beyond by diagnosing and fixing an extensive electrical fault I'd not previously known about. I'm very grateful for Powl's integrity and expertise. You will not find a finer shop or better folks to deal with.

I called on the phone regarding the odometer on my 05 Dodge Ram either being dim or out, depending and I was told that the repair would be $130.00. prior to calling I looked on eBay at used ones and at other repair shops and this was less than some but equal with others. My benefit was that I could go there and wait for one hour (or so) for it to be repaired. It was worth it to me to get my same panel back with exact mileage so I drove for 2 hours each direction plus 1 hour wait only to be told that the repair would be approximately $298. I explained the phone quote, which the service signs reads $139 for repairs (yes $9 more than what I heard already) but they said I needed parts because the odometer isn't working. Well, that rings a bell, that's why I'm there. I said "I'm through, I don't want the work done". To that they said you will owe us for a bench test. I said How much is that? She said $49. I wish I had left it there and walked out. There was zero regard for my time as well as my fuel. I came home (yes two hours back) found a repair shop through eBay closer to me than Powl's and for $169 I will have a unit with the same part number and having the mileage to within 1000 miles of where my original was (to the best of my knowledge). If I wanted to drive there I could have and waited for the repair to be done at the same cost but this place burnt me out from that.

Powl’s staff went above and beyond my expectations. I stopped in on Good Friday as they were closing for the holiday weekend. They unlocked their doors and helped me out. This was my first time using Powl’s. Their reputation is what sent me there. Their service is what will bring me back.