Speedometer/Odometer failure

Blackhawk_194

New member
Hey guys, so before I go any further, I have attempted to search for information, but had mixed results with my specific issues.

2003' Toyota 4runner 4x4, 4.0

Symptoms
VSC TRAC
VSC OFF
ABS
(!) BRAKE
No Odometer
No Speedometer
Gas Gauge Bobs
P0500 code

A few months ago, I had a radio installed at a shop, at which point they removed the cluster to put the mic inside the speedometer (Not my idea, they just did it..). Anyway fast-forward a few weeks and my speedometer starts having issues. Now here is the thing, I also did a front passenger side CV/Hub install probably 2 months ago, which I stupidly did not remove the wire/sensor, and may have stretched the wire. So, after putting up with no speedometer, no odometer and a gas gauge that bobs up and down for a few weeks, I ordered a new speed sensor; after having a parts store person tell me that was what was wrong. Well, that did not fix the problem, so at that point I grabbed my 18g speaker wire and soldered on the wire ends from the terminals. I then hooked everything back up and still no luck. A thread I read mentioned that if the cable was broke, once the connection was fixed, the Christmas tree of lights would go away. I'm fairly positive that the wire connections are fine, and the terminals are clean.. So where do I go now? I'm planning on going back to the shop that messed with the cluster, but chances are nothing will come of it.. could it be a bad cluster?

Summary of what I have done:
New ABS/Speed Sensor.
Made new wire with 18 gauge wire.
Cleaned terminals.
 
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Update:
Have tried doing a zero point calibration. The results were not very promising, after touching the paperclip ends together 4 times, the abs and VSC off light goes off, but the VSC TRAC and e brake light stay on. The ABS light then blinks 3-1 and off. Then once turned off and back on, the lights are back again. I still have my CEL P0500 (2) and no odometer, speedometer, and a Christmas tree of lights. I have considered replacing the speedometer, but am afraid to just start throwing money at it. If I were to go this route, I read on a thread that as long as you get a cluster from the same motor and 4x4 then you could upgrade to a limited cluster.. I love the led needles, and why not do a led color swap while I'm in there. Any thoughts? Please help me, I have to get an inspection in less than a month, and I work full time and go to school full time so I can't be without my transportation.
 
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Can I see a pic of the mic set up? Kind of dumb question but Is it fully seated and screwed into the socket? Is the odometer piece properly seated?

If you have a code I don't think the nanny functions work. That can explain the abs. Vsc lights.


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Did the radio shop tap into the VSS wire for any reason?

Not that I'm aware of, the installer said the cluster was not removed, just the front trim piece. I haven't had a chance to take it apart to check, will be attempting that Sunday! As for any tapped wires, he said no to everything besides the e brake wire for the dvd mod. I'll post a pic of the mic location and all that good stuff when I get off work! Thanks guys!
 

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Update

Update: Today I received a cluster from a company that tests and rebuilds clusters. It was tested and sent out programmed to my odometer. I installed it in my 4runner and I still have the issue. No speedometer, No odometer and fuel gauge is "bouncing" I guess you could call it. I checked fuses, checked my ABS wire for connection, and pulled codes, there are currently zero codes. I'm going to drive it and see if anything changes. If I can get some input, I'm not sure where I got the P0500 equaling Speedometer Failure, as looking into it further it seems to be a speed sensor issue. My problem is that I replaced both the wire and the sensor. Ugh, this is a headache.
 
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On a positive, it atleast looks good. Also, I guess this is one of the few Limited cluster transplants into a Sport Edition. It is possible! I don't have TPMS though, this cluster did and now the anoying TPMS light is on.. Also has that cool headlight indicator on it. Really a nice feature.
 

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Update: Today I picked up a new ABS wire and installed it. It fixed my speedometer. Apparently my pigtail ends were busted and not making contact. Oh well. However, my ABS codes remain, which are: C0215 & C1223. C0215 means left rear speed sensor. C1223 is ABS System issue. So I guess I'm having sensor issues.
 
Update: Today I picked up a new ABS wire and installed it. It fixed my speedometer. Apparently my pigtail ends were busted and not making contact. Oh well. However, my ABS codes remain, which are: C0215 & C1223. C0215 means left rear speed sensor. C1223 is ABS System issue. So I guess I'm having sensor issues.

Wait you didn't mention you had other DTCs besides the P0500, that would have been a bit more helpful to know.
 
Did the radio shop tap into the VSS wire for any reason?

Came across your post after searching. I'm getting the P0500 error after installing my new radio. It integrates with the Maestro RR that does have a wire for the VSS wire that I did plug in. I noticed my cruise control stopped working as well. My speedometer is working fine and all. How can I make these Christmas lights go away?

Thanks!
 

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