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

[sugjavier]

So this happened to me in the middle of the night yesterday

The RPM/Odometer/Speedometer/Gas Gauge went out
+
my fan/ac died with it.

I read the other pages and it seems no one reported it like that when it happened to them...

I was looking at that part you guys used to fix it:

01 02 Toyota 4Runner ABS Module Computer TRC VSC Control 89540-35270 oem | eBay

But I just wanna know before I buy it, is that supposed to take out my fan too?

Because I ran the code reader and got PO500

I don't have any of the ABS VSC lights on, heck even the Cruise control light won't turn on.

The only lights that still works in my dash is the back lights, but even the Park/Drive/Reverse lights are out in the bottom of the dash and also in the shifting gear.

Radio works though.

 

[96RedRunner]

But I just wanna know before I buy it, is that supposed to take out my fan too?...

No, the Trac module has no effect on fan. I bought my 01 with bad module, on the 4hr drive home my A/C was doing it's thing, stayed with traffic not knowing how fast I was going, ha. You have other problem/s than Trac module.

 

[phattyduck]

So this happened to me in the middle of the night yesterday

The RPM/Odometer/Speedometer/Gas Gauge went out
+
my fan/ac died with it.

I read the other pages and it seems no one reported it like that when it happened to them...

I was looking at that part you guys used to fix it:

01 02 Toyota 4Runner ABS Module Computer TRC VSC Control 89540-35270 oem | eBay

But I just wanna know before I buy it, is that supposed to take out my fan too?

Because I ran the code reader and got PO500

I don't have any of the ABS VSC lights on, heck even the Cruise control light won't turn on.

The only lights that still works in my dash is the back lights, but even the Park/Drive/Reverse lights are out in the bottom of the dash and also in the shifting gear.

Radio works though.

Check your GAUGE fuse. Then the debugging starts...

-Charlie

 

[skcolb]

So this happened to me in the middle of the night yesterday

The RPM/Odometer/Speedometer/Gas Gauge went out
+
my fan/ac died with it.

I read the other pages and it seems no one reported it like that when it happened to them...

I was looking at that part you guys used to fix it:

01 02 Toyota 4Runner ABS Module Computer TRC VSC Control 89540-35270 oem | eBay

But I just wanna know before I buy it, is that supposed to take out my fan too?

Because I ran the code reader and got PO500

I don't have any of the ABS VSC lights on, heck even the Cruise control light won't turn on.

The only lights that still works in my dash is the back lights, but even the Park/Drive/Reverse lights are out in the bottom of the dash and also in the shifting gear.

Radio works though.

I agree with the previous posters, sounds like you have problem(s) other than the ABS module.

I'd check your fuses first. Easy fix if it's just that (though leaves you wondering why the fuse blew in the first place). I don't remember my gas gauge or shifter lights going out when the ABS module died.

 

[96RedRunner]

Ay [MENTION=139000]phattyduck[/MENTION], Don't know all symptoms could this be a issue with the cluster PC board needing replacement ?
Don't recall hearing that affected the speedo, fan, or lights though.
[MENTION=105603]skcolb[/MENTION], You memory is good, ha. All lights gas guage fan worked in my case, just the idiot lights associated to Trac module were on.

 

[phattyduck]

Ay [MENTION=139000]phattyduck[/MENTION], Don't know all symptoms could this be a issue with the cluster PC board needing replacement ?
Don't recall hearing that affected the speedo, fan, or lights though.

Only if damage there is taking out the Gauge fuse. I suppose that is possible!

He's gonna have to start unplugging things powered by the gauge fuse and see which one is causing the fuse to blow...

-Charlie

 

[96RedRunner]

He's gonna have to start unplugging....

-Charlie

Yep, the fun part, gettin dirty.

 

[sugjavier]

Only if damage there is taking out the Gauge fuse. I suppose that is possible!

He's gonna have to start unplugging things powered by the gauge fuse and see which one is causing the fuse to blow...

-Charlie

Oh man...can you give me a guide on how to do that?
I have no clue on how to find out which things are being powered by the gauge fuse.

I do know that my AC Compressor is out...so I bought all the parts in this guide, and he will install all that Monday.

But on the way home Friday, I had to jump start the car after I made a quick stop at a store...so I left it at my mechanics for the weekend, he said it could be the alternator AGAIN but can't be sure until he's fixed the AC first.

(yea...i screwed up and a puppy died since I didn't read the thread about it until after the fact we traded my OEM Denso and he got one from his supplier with lifetime warranty..)

anyways, I had some alternator/battery/terminal issues like 6 months ago but all that SEEMED fixed (it was the terminals -- so replaced it) until this whole gauge thing the other day...

If the alternator is shot, which it is because it doesn't seem like it's charging the battery, then this will be the 3RD time it'll be replaced wtf.

I did have a Northstar AGM battery from the group buy he'll be installing Monday so a new/full battery should help with testing

Sorry for the rant, not sure how this all fits together. But if he can't figure it out (not sure how well versed he is electrical wise), then I'd like to narrow it down for him further

(I did tell him it was the gauge fuse that keeps blowing after checking all the fuses and replacing that one 2x, put the ignition to ON, I saw the gauges go up and the lights up then 1 sec after starting it blew again)

So I think that tells me it's NOT a cluster PC board that needs repairing for sure right?

 

[phattyduck]

A crappy parts store alternator could actually be causing this!

The gauge fuse is connected to at least the following:
- Alternator
- Gauge cluster
- AC system (AC clutch relay and AC clutch) - only on Auto AC cars (Limiteds? maybe all later '01+ trucks)

So, the gauge cluster is still on the list - BUT the two main areas you are having problems with are also connected to it:

So, unplug the AC clutch. The AC compressor can run even if the AC light isn't on if you are in defrost. Fix it later when you can.

Check/replace the alternator. Get a Denso reman unit.

If either of those don't work, THEN you can suspect other things.

-Charlie

 

[sugjavier]

Damn you beat me to the punch. But what you said definitely nails it!

My mechanic actually had his parts store find the Denso unit which they claim has less than 1% fail rate compared to other brands.

He replaced the alternator and installed my AGM battery and then I replaced the blown gauge fuse the boom!
My gauges are back + the fan/AC controls AND didn't blow instantly after starting the car so seems like we're good.
Darn those aftermarket alternators :mad2:

He still has to replace the AC components

I'll update further, probably by next week since I'm going on vacation. Wanna make sure its not temporarily working lol

I appreciate the help Charlie

 

[sakoluvr]

My turn. 2001 4x4 auto.

CEL, Brake, VSC Off, VSC TRAC, ABS lights are on. No Spedo and odo.

Wife just gave me the news. She said it is running fine. No issues with shifting. Going to scan it when she gets home, but betting on P0500. Trying to get a head start.

Any tips on narrowing it down to the ABS module toyota part 89540-35270 or one of the wheel speed sensors?

BTW, where is the ABS module exactly located? Drivers left foot but is that inside the cabin or outside. Thanks all. Any tips are appreciated.

 

[skcolb]

My turn. 2001 4x4 auto.

CEL, Brake, VSC Off, VSC TRAC, ABS lights are on. No Spedo and odo.

Wife just gave me the news. She said it is running fine. No issues with shifting. Going to scan it when she gets home, but betting on P0500. Trying to get a head start.

Any tips on narrowing it down to the ABS module toyota part 89540-35270 or one of the wheel speed sensors?

BTW, where is the ABS module exactly located? Drivers left foot but is that inside the cabin or outside. Thanks all. Any tips are appreciated.

I spent a little time trying to troubleshoot and narrow down. It's a pain, but you can hook up an oscilloscope to the wheel sensor pins, raise the vehicle up, spin the wheels by hand, and see that each sensor is working. I don't think I made it that far.

Ultimately, I think I read enough to make a guess that it was the ABS module. Seems like for most other people with exactly the same symptoms, the ABS module was also the culprit.

It's located inside the cabin. If I recall, I worked on it by opening the driver door and putting my back on the floormat. It's kind of awkward.

 

[sakoluvr]

Thanks bud. I did run a scan when she got home. Looks like the module was the most common fix. Going to dig into EBAY today and pick up a used OEM. Can't believe what a new one costs.

 

[TheDurk]

I spent a little time trying to troubleshoot and narrow down. It's a pain, but you can hook up an oscilloscope to the wheel sensor pins, raise the vehicle up, spin the wheels by hand, and see that each sensor is working. I don't think I made it that far.

Ultimately, I think I read enough to make a guess that it was the ABS module. Seems like for most other people with exactly the same symptoms, the ABS module was also the culprit.

It's located inside the cabin. If I recall, I worked on it by opening the driver door and putting my back on the floormat. It's kind of awkward.

You don't need an o-scope or to jack it up. Use a dvm and probe the wires on the ABS module in the kick panel. Put the DVM on AC and lowest volt range. Take it for a drive, and you'll get 3 or 4 volts AC at moderate speed if the sensor is working. On my 5-speed, module is on the passenger side, which makes this easier.

 

[infamousRNR]

You don't need an o-scope or to jack it up. Use a dvm and probe the wires on the ABS module in the kick panel. Put the DVM on AC and lowest volt range. Take it for a drive, and you'll get 3 or 4 volts AC at moderate speed if the sensor is working. On my 5-speed, module is on the passenger side, which makes this easier.

and [MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION] strikes again, I can rest easy tonight knowing that you're still on the forum helping others with your knowledge

 

[sakoluvr]

Got my module in the mail today and swapped it out. Spedo and trip odo works as it should and all the trouble lights have been put to sleep. The module did the trick. Thanks OP.

 

[96RedRunner]

Got my module in the mail today and swapped it out. Spedo and trip odo works as it should and all the trouble lights have been put to sleep. The module did the trick. Thanks OP.

What are you going to do with the bad module?
If throwing in the trash I would like to have it, will pay shipping plus a bit for your troubles. PM if interested.

 

[sakoluvr]

I am holding on to it to see if someone can troubleshoot it. Any suggestions?

 

[96RedRunner]

Good luck finding someone to troubleshoot it, cost is more than a used one.
I've been troubleshooting the bad module came with a Runner I bought couple years ago, back burner project, I'm at the point of needing components.
Grabbed a couple of modules from local yard, couldn't be checked at yard I got em cheap. Both are good don't want to butcher good one for parts.

 

[vegastone]

If the took the ABS completely out of my 2000 2 wheel drive would that make my speedo not work?