Speedometer works intermittently

meatloaf · 10-06-09, 09:47 AM

Hello All,

My speedometer on my truck intermittently works on and off. It seems to be worse in the mornings. Could it be the gears or should I just clean & lube? What kind of lubricant do I need? grease? graphite? 92 truck.

TIA,

ML

Bogo · 10-06-09, 02:07 PM

Possibly the gear, but could it be a loose or broken wire or connector? I know some got cable based systems, but most for that series use electronic sensors instead. The sensor should connect up to the transfer case.

Jukelemon · 10-06-09, 03:04 PM

My 92 does the same thing. Sometimes will not work for the first 10 minutes of driving then bam..

It is electronic not mechanical.

Definitely more common when raining/humid and never when the motor is hot i.e. always at first start.

2ndGenToyotaFan · 10-06-09, 04:57 PM

I don't see many feasible ways for a cable speedo to work intermittently... Are you 100% sure it's a cable?

meatloaf · 10-06-09, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2ndGenToyotaFan

I don't see many feasible ways for a cable speedo to work intermittently... Are you 100% sure it's a cable?

No, I not sure that it is the cable... just assuming. what would cause the electronic failure on these and how can it be fixed?

Thanks,

Luis

MattF · 10-06-09, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatloaf

No, I not sure that it is the cable... just assuming. what would cause the electronic failure on these and how can it be fixed?

Thanks,

Luis

Could be iffy connections or a broken track on the rear of the instrument cluster if it is electric.

Jukelemon · 10-06-09, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatloaf

No, I not sure that it is the cable... just assuming. what would cause the electronic failure on these and how can it be fixed?

Thanks,

Luis

I dont know man. The speedo is hooked into the coil-imagine that. I looked at the schem on mine and traced it there hoping to find a bad connection. No luck. So, I dont know. I just live with it.

toy4xfun · 10-09-09, 10:27 PM

if it is electronic replace the speed sensor on the trans.it does more than just your speedo. replace it and see the difference.

meatloaf · 10-11-09, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toy4xfun

if it is electronic replace the speed sensor on the trans.it does more than just your speedo. replace it and see the difference.

where abouts on the tranny is it mounted?

aprice2pay · 10-12-09, 01:33 AM

Sounds exactly like your speed sensor is failing. I had this happen about a year ago on a Honda that I had. Despite the different car, all the problems were the same. It was mounted on top of the tranny and took 10 minutes to fix. I had it diagnosed at the dealership.

VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR (VSS). The vehicle speed sensor, or VSS, monitors vehicle speed so the computer can regulate torque converter clutch lockup, shifting, etc. The sensor may be located on the transmission, differential, transaxle or speedometer head.

May also want to see this thread:

http://forum.ih8mud.com/ca-toyota-ro...or-needed.html

Jukelemon · 10-12-09, 03:44 AM

Guys, it is NOT on the tranny. I am not sure why we keep going there.

It is an electronic speedo that is driven off the coil-or something like that under the hood.

I do not have my FSM handy but look in the FAQ's.

hardontoyotas · 10-12-09, 01:43 PM

it is in the transfer case towards the rear drive shaft

Jukelemon · 10-12-09, 08:32 PM

OK, my bad. I was thinkng the Tac. Sorry guys.

raydouble · 10-14-09, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jukelemon

OK, my bad. I was thinkng the Tac. Sorry guys.

I think you must be thinking of the tach......cause the last Tacoma VSS I was looking at was on the transfer case also.

Bogo · 10-16-09, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jukelemon

Guys, it is NOT on the tranny. I am not sure why we keep going there.

It is an electronic speedo that is driven off the coil-or something like that under the hood.

I do not have my FSM handy but look in the FAQ's.

The speed sensor is NOT hooked up to the coil. How would it know what speed you are going when you are in neutral? THINK!!! There is a engine RPM sensing circuit that connects up somewhere to the engine, but that does not control the speedometer needle.

On a 4x4, automatic or manual, the speedometer is connected to the transfer case via a cable or electronic circuit. Note some do have a cable, but most have electronic sensors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jukelemon

OK, my bad. I was thinkng the Tac. Sorry guys.

OK, I see you retracted.