Speedometer/Odometer Not Working + Related Warning Lights (P0500)

[skcolb]

Ordered a salvage part for $200 on eBay...plug and play outside of the gymnastics of ratcheting a bolt off and on when it's about a foot north of the hood latch lever.

Haha, yeah I don't think I mentioned that in any of the original posts, that area is really awkward to work in!

 

[01thunder]

Finally scored a ABS/TRC/VSC module (P/N 89540-35270) on eBay for a decent price ($119 shipped). It was from a rollover and had some surface rust, see below. For anybody looking for these, on junkyard search engines they are listed as "Computer Box Not Engine" and go for around $200-300. On eBay the Buy It Now listings are usually $240-300.

Bolted it in and hooked up all the harnessing, and all the lights went off except Check Engine, VSC OFF, and VSC TRAC. Drove it around the block to confirm that the speedometer and odometer were working again. I then used my OBDLink MX and my phone to clear the codes, and all the lights were off. I was a little surprised that the VSC lights went off because I thought I might have to recalibrate the vehicle yaw sensor with this new module, but apparently not.

Anyway, figured I'd update this with the resolution for anybody who has this issue in the future. I might tear open the old module later to see if I can figure out what went bad with it.

where is it located? same issue here, with P0500 code.

 

[Mike Canizzaro]

Thanks bey much

Visited the dealership in Modesto CA immediately after having gotten the same error lights and inoperable speedometer as noted below. I Was told, after the 4Runner was in their shop all day, it would need an ABS/TRAC and VCU HYDRO UNIT (part number 47050-35010). Total estimated repair cost $3,525. I purchased the part on EBAY for a net of $400.00, freight prepaid - after $100 rebate for old unit). The problem is not resolved. Lights still on and no speedometer..

Wish I'd seen your post before buying the new master cylinder!

it is now my intention to purchase ABS/TRAC and VSC module (89540-35270).

Thanks for your help.

 

[skcolb]

where is it located? same issue here, with P0500 code.

It's by the driver left foot.

Visited the dealership in Modesto CA immediately after having gotten the same error lights and inoperable speedometer as noted below. I Was told, after the 4Runner was in their shop all day, it would need an ABS/TRAC and VCU HYDRO UNIT (part number 47050-35010). Total estimated repair cost $3,525. I purchased the part on EBAY for a net of $400.00, freight prepaid - after $100 rebate for old unit). The problem is not resolved. Lights still on and no speedometer..

Wish I'd seen your post before buying the new master cylinder!

it is now my intention to purchase ABS/TRAC and VSC module (89540-35270).

Thanks for your help.

Sucks that they led you astray with the other part. In their defense there's not much in the service manual about this. Hope the ABS/TRAC/VSC module fixes it!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Something to point out is that the reason [MENTION=105603]skcolb[/MENTION] is right about this being a possible solution for '01~'02 3rd gens is because (IIRC) that is when they started using the hydraulically assisted units that eventually evolved slightly in the 4th gens (if I remember correctly in the 3rd gens the ABS and VSC systems were in separate modules while in the 4th gens they integrated everything into one module attached to the hydraulic master unit itself). Additionally these units rely heavily on the ABS Wheel Speed Sensors and the VSS (Vehicle Speed Signal) is not derived from a transmission mounted sensor but rather an average of the 4 ABS Wheel Speed Sensors being compiled and then sent via a square wave from the ABS Module; so if your VSS signal is not being output correctly (but your ABS Wheel Speed Sensors are transmitting correctly into the module) then the culprit could be the module itself as long as you've ruled out issues such as wiring integrity and so on.

 

[ramonortiz55]

I had the same problem as described in the OP.

Picked an ABS control module for $175 shipped.

Plugged it in - check engine light is off and speedometer and odometer now works.

Still have the VSC off, ABS, and TRAC lights on.

Do i need to clear those codes?

Hopefully driving around will clear them.

 

[skcolb]

I had the same problem as described in the OP.

Picked an ABS control module for $175 shipped.

Plugged it in - check engine light is off and speedometer and odometer now works.

Still have the VSC off, ABS, and TRAC lights on.

Do i need to clear those codes?

Hopefully driving around will clear them.

I cleared them manually after I replaced it, and they didn't come back.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...related-warning-lights-p0500.html#post1945019

They might go away on their own, not sure.

 

[ramonortiz55]

I was not willing to replace the module, which costs $1600 or more at the dealer, without more confidence that was the problem. I took it to a local shop that has a good reputation for diagnosing this kind of problem.

They concluded that the ABS TRC VSC Module was indeed defective. I ordered one from United Parts Wholesale through eBay for $246. Upon putting in the “new” module, my speedo and odo began to work, but the TRC, VSC and Check Engine Light remained on. After about 6 miles and a few restarts, all warning lights went out. The technician was not sure if a calibration procedure would be needed or not. None was needed, just a little driving and a few restarts and all is well.

Happy ending, without spending an exorbitant amount.

Thanks for this info, hopefully this is my case also.

 

[SunnyMcBlock]

For what it's worth I can confirm from personal experience that this fix, given the symptoms, does apply to the 4th gen as well, at least the 2003 model.

My experience-

Speedo didn't work and the ABS, VCS TRAC, VCS OFF and Parking Brake light were on. Throwing check engine light, code P0500. Had it scanned at a local shop with an ABS scan tool and every ABS code possible presented. After hours of reading on the net, including this post, I purchased a "ABS VSC Traction Control Module Unit 89540-35320" off ebay for $45.00. Swapped the unit out in about 5 min. Speedo worked right away, CEL and Parking brake light went off on start up. In my case the VCS TRAC, VCS OFF and ABS lights stayed on but that proved to be a broken ABS sensor wire in the front passenger-side harness.

Here is a link to a TSB that might be helpful,

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attachment.php?postid=223187

Man it feels good to have my ABS system finally lined out after over a year of chasing gremlins.

Cheers.

 

[Harrison408]

I had the p0500 code vehicle speed sensor on my 1996 4runner sr5 v6 automatic
Changed the vehicle speed sensor $20 - didn't help
Changed the combo meter /instrument cluster/ gauge cluster with one off eBay $60 - fixed it .

I made sure the new combo meter part number matched my old one also. Not sure if it matters because I noticed some meters in eBay looked exactly the same but had different part numbers .

Hope that helps anyone with same issue .

 

[elinichols2112]

ABS, Traction and Stability Control, Brake, and Check Engine Light

Sorry for long reply i am new to the forum and would have created new thread but cant.

I had similar issue first my ABS light, traction and skid control light, and my brake light came on all at once after my battery died while I was installing a front lift. At first I thought it might be the battery so i replaced it and no dice. I thought it might be because i have the any mod but wasn't sure so checked the connections but all good. I then decided to leave it alone until i could figure it out . And a couple months down the road I decided to remove my muffler at the flange after the cats and when I was driving it home I noticed my speedometer and odometer wasn't working and my check engine light came on. then i took it up to advanced and ran the codes it came up with 18 codes all 4 wheel sensors, something about my abs steering angle, something about my traction control, and if i remember correctly a o2 sensor code too. Put another muffler on it and the 02 sensor code went away as far as i know. but everything else stayed the same. so started looking it up and found this thread saying it was the abs module which would make sense. But i don't want to speed all that money and that not be it, i haven't found any post of it happening at separate times which kinda makes me think it could be something different.

 

[skcolb]

I had similar issue first my ABS light, traction and skid control light, and my brake light came on all at once after my battery died while I was installing a front lift. At first I thought it might be the battery so i replaced it and no dice. I thought it might be because i have the any mod but wasn't sure so checked the connections but all good. I then decided to leave it alone until i could figure it out . And a couple months down the road I decided to remove my muffler at the flange after the cats and when I was driving it home I noticed my speedometer and odometer wasn't working and my check engine light came on. then i took it up to advanced and ran the codes it came up with 18 codes all 4 wheel sensors, something about my abs steering angle, something about my traction control, and if i remember correctly a o2 sensor code too. Put another muffler on it and the 02 sensor code went away as far as i know. but everything else stayed the same. so started looking it up and found this thread saying it was the abs module which would make sense. But i don't want to speed all that money and that not be it, i haven't found any post of it happening at separate times which kinda makes me think it could be something different.

Hmm. I haven't seen anything about the dash lights and speedometer/odometer issues happening at separate times.

Do you know if if you specifically have a P0500 code? The current symptoms (dash lights and non-working speedo/odo) match the ABS module issue. I think that everybody who fixed their problem by replacing the module had the P0500 code.

 

[paulmofyourhand]

This thread still pulls through with amazing information.
I have a 2002 Limited 2wd 344k miles and had the 0500 code, abs/track/vsc parking brake lights, and inoperable speedo.

Purchased the abs module from the junkyard, part number 89540-35270, mounted above the driver side left foot.

I unplugged the battery then installed it and worked just fine. Everything works again and the lights are gone instantly.

 

[4runz]

Great thread!

 

[drei4runner29]

Sorry for bringing up an old thread, but I have the same problem. I have an '02 4runner and I just recently had my engine swapped. Took it to my mechanic and said that the VSS is messed up and that's the reason why my speedometer is not working.

Could this fix the problem w/ my Christmas lights or do I need the ABS module to specifically fix it? I don't want to keep spending money on something that might not be broken especially since I just replaced my engine. Also, is it safe for me to drive my vehicle for the time being w/ all the Christmas lights on while waiting for the part to come in? Thanks.

 

[skcolb]

Looks like all the replies here got lost in the recovery from the forum getting hacked.

The code P0500 is for vehicle speed sensor malfunction, which makes you think to look there first. That's where I started troubleshooting, but I didn't find anything wrong. I'd say it's likely that replacing the ABS module will turn off the Christmas lights.

It's relatively safe to drive. You just won't have a working speedometer, ABS, or traction control.

I remember there was also a question about the two different part numbers for the ABS module. The difference between them is the two different stock wheel/tire sizes that the 2001-2002s came with.

 

[drei4runner29]

Looks like all the replies here got lost in the recovery from the forum getting hacked.



The code P0500 is for vehicle speed sensor malfunction, which makes you think to look there first. That's where I started troubleshooting, but I didn't find anything wrong. I'd say it's likely that replacing the ABS module will turn off the Christmas lights.



It's relatively safe to drive. You just won't have a working speedometer, ABS, or traction control.



I remember there was also a question about the two different part numbers for the ABS module. The difference between them is the two different stock wheel/tire sizes that the 2001-2002s came with.

Thanks again for the info. It’s funny, after my son took my 4runner to my mechanic and figured out it was the ABS module, I ordered the part on eBay, and my son drives the 4runner back home. The following day, I take it to work and the speedometer along with the mileage gauge starts working again. The VSC TRAC, TRAC Off and check engine lights were still on but the ABS and Brake lights were off. The next day when I drove my 4runner to work again, all Christmas lights were gone. Never even got the chance to replace the ABS module. Now the part I ordered just arrived. I’ll just keep it and see if my Christmas lights pop up again and I’ll change it then.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[TX_twink]

Finally scored a ABS/TRC/VSC module (P/N 89540-35270) on eBay for a decent price ($119 shipped). It was from a rollover and had some surface rust, see below. For anybody looking for these, on junkyard search engines they are listed as "Computer Box Not Engine" and go for around $200-300. On eBay the Buy It Now listings are usually $240-300.

Bolted it in and hooked up all the harnessing, and all the lights went off except Check Engine, VSC OFF, and VSC TRAC. Drove it around the block to confirm that the speedometer and odometer were working again. I then used my OBDLink MX and my phone to clear the codes, and all the lights were off. I was a little surprised that the VSC lights went off because I thought I might have to recalibrate the vehicle yaw sensor with this new module, but apparently not.

Anyway, figured I'd update this with the resolution for anybody who has this issue in the future. I might tear open the old module later to see if I can figure out what went bad with it.

Sorry to bring this back up but where is this located? In the glove box or kick panel? Thanks again for this info!

 

[skcolb]

Sorry to bring this back up but where is this located? In the glove box or kick panel? Thanks again for this info!

This module is by the driver's left foot. Kind of a pain to actually work in that area.

 

[stillbrendan]

4th Gen

Sorry to bring this up post up again but it seems to have helped everyone else maybe me as well. I just replaced entire wire harness for the dash after the old one fried from an aftermarket radio install with a weird inline fuse issue. Mines an 06 and same symptoms. Christmas tree lights and no speedo unless my foots on the brake. Doesn't look like the module is inside for the 4th gens but for mine actually mounted directly under the master, thinking a change of that module would fix my problem?