So there are a few threads on this but you have to dig pretty deep and none of them really have a resolution so I wanted to explain what happened to me, where to get the parts, and how to fix it.

First off, when I would get in to start the 4runner, the gauge needles would all twitch for about 10 seconds. After they were done twitching, it was anyone's guess as to which ones would work or not. Most of the time the gas gauge read "0". The temp gauge would work sometime and sometime it would read incorrectly. Others have found that the tach and speedo also start reading "0" or incorrectly as this problem persists.

Upon searching, I found several threads where others had this happen and the fix was "go find another cluster and swap it". I would have been fine with that, but they are not cheap, and also you have to find the exact one for your vehicle trim level and OE equipment. So if you have a v8 limited with air suspension, then you need a cluster from that exact model. Another option is sending in your cluster for repair, and the cost is around $250 when you consider shipping both ways.

The cause of the problem is the stepper motors on the back of the gauge cluster. There are 4, one for each gauge, and they are obviously soldered to circuit board. All 4 are the same part number as well.

Remove the gauge cluster, and take it apart down the the circuit board. The hardest part is unsoldering the stepper motors from the board to be able to remove them, so I suggest getting the right solder removal tool to make the job easier. Then solder the new parts in place, reinstall your gauge needles and assemble the cluster and reinstall it.

This is the link to the part (4) you will need.

2003-2013 Toyota 6S Stepper Motor | Tanin Auto Electronix


I hope this saves some others some time in the future.