Hi I know this a very old thread but I have the same problem and I wonder how did you troubleshoot this issue of yours I wanna find out because I have the same problem now in my 99 4runner hoping that you reply thanks in advance

For me it was the battery man.

what did you do you change the battery or reset it?

I fixed the problem I checked all the fuses and my Gauge Fuse 10A is bad so I change it and everything is back to normal thank God it's not a big a problem turns out to be just the fuse!

I found this thread while searching the internet for a fix for my non working Speedo/ODO code p0500 problem. I've read through it as well as a few others, and am still at a loss, I appreciate any help I could get resolving it.

I purchased a 1998 sr5 4x4 MANUAL transmission in Feb for my son. Bought it from the original owner, completely stock. Speedo and (analogue) ODO only seem to work when they want to. I've gotten a check engine light, no ABS warning light on the dash. (ABS light does light up when key is in the on position, so I know it works). Cruise control works when the speedo does, haven't tested it when the speedo is frozen.

Cheap non ABS scanner gives the p0500 code.

Seems the speedo/ODO will work when the truck has been sitting in the sun on a warm day here in AZ, but not on chilly mornings. (could be totally unrelated I have no idea)

A buddy told me I should bang on the dash above the speedo while driving when the speedo is froze to help diagnose if it's the combo meter. When I did, the speedo needle jumped from the impacts, but continued to not work during that trip. I banged hard enough to dislodge the 30amp door lock/power window fuse.

I haven't inspected the ABS wires since the ABS light isn't on, nor have I 'jumped' the diagnostic port under the hood to check for any flashing ABS light codes. I am looking for some suggestions as what to look at to help diagnose the issue.

Thanks a ton!!

All 3rd gen 4Runners with ABS use the ABS system to source the speedo signal. Like this: 4 wheel speed sensors --> ABS computer --> gauge cluster --> to ECU, Cruise control 4WD computer (if equipped), diff lock ecu (if equipped), etc.

Sounds like the problem is the ABS computer, the connection between the ABS computer and the cluster or the cluster itself. None of the those problems are 'normal' so we won't have a specific procedure to point you to. It'll take some diagnostic equipment to get to the bottom of this, most likely...

If the the engine ECU is without a speedo signal for long enough with RPMs above idle, it will set P0500.

-Charlie

Good info, Thank you.

In another thread, 96RedRunner said he had a similar problem around 300k miles. Said he pulled the cluster and lubed it with 3-in-0ne Dry Lock Lube. I'll try it, if it doesn't help I'll spring for a local Toyota shop to look at it.