roadtripgeorge

So out of nowhere today, my speedometer, tachometer, odometer, and gas gauge all stopped working.

Everything else works. My lights, turn signals, check engine lights/etc..., stereo, heater/fan.

I checked the fuses and everything looked fine. I heard it might be the relay behind the glovebox, but I thought my heater/fan wouldn't work as well. My heater/fan works.

I also heard it might be a cable going to my trans, but why would my odometer stop displaying. I mean, the lights for my gauges work, but no digits are shown for mileage.

I also saw that there is a TSB for the gas gauge not working properly, but my other gauges also stopped at the same time. I didn't think one fuse had all the gauges and odometer on it. As far as I can see, my oil temp gauge works fine.

My last resort is a bad ground or a short behind the instruments cluster, which means I need to get it out to check it. Before I do that, does anyone have any suggestions?

97ltd4x4

digital ODO?........Might need to find a used combo meter on E-bay...The circuit board/componant might have burned out.....

Shot in the dark: pull combo meter and reconnect wiring harness(3 big plugs)..possibly loose connection...

roadtripgeorge

whats a combo meter? you mean just try finding a whole new instrument cluster?

I've never seen all of the gauges just stop at the same time.

by the way, i have a 00 4runner, if that helps at all.

97ltd4x4

Yep,the whole cluster..You can find them on ebay from time to time...

If you buy one,make sure its exactly the same as what you have..ie99+ 4WD will have the 4X4 indicator between the speedo and tach up top...the 2WD ones will not..sometimes you will have to switch the plastic clear faceplate(easy enough),because the used one might have a crack/chip..there might be bulbs missing,ect,but generally they will go for $75-200 w/shipping.

Also to note the milage on the digital ODO's will stay with the cluster..so if you buy one with 120k on the odo,and yours was 110k..once you install the used one it will read 120k miles,ect....also make sure all the indicator bulbs work before you button it up..might have burned out or missing bulbs...

Here are a couple I found on ebay..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1999-...Q5fAccessories

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-00...Q5fAccessories

You could also check with your local junk yard as well if you do not want to deal w/ ebay,or search online junkyards:

http://www.car-part.com/

hope that helps...FYI the ones with digital ODO's 99+ for some reason are more likely to fail than the 96-98's.....

roadtripgeorge

Thanks for the help. I took out my combo meter today and it definately was not a loose connection. I think the hardest part was maneuvering the plastic protector/cover. Very tight fit with the steering wheel right there.

Kinda sucks I can't use my truck until I get a new instrument panel.

Now, since I have it out, is there a way I can try and track down the short inside? I am worthless with electronics, but since I have nothing to lose, I thought I'd crack it open and take a gander.

I'll be buying a cluster off ebay today just for the sake of getting my truck back on the road, but maybe I can fix this one? Maybe an electrician of some sort can check it out for me? I dunno, just thinking out loud.

roadtripgeorge

one more thing, is there a big difference between limited and sr5 combo meter?

The reason I ask is becuase on the limited they have a different 4x4 light, or atleast in a different place.

98runner210

look at the circuit board and see if u can see and burns or anywhere that it may of gotten hot.

roadtripgeorge

i think im beat. i ordered one on ebay and its coming from PA so it should be here in a few days.

i looked at the circuit board and see nothing. it worried me alittle not to see anything obvious, but then again, i can't see behind the gauges. I can only see the back of the circuit board.

I'll know soon enough.

Thanks for all of the help so far!!

roadtripgeorge

just as an update. combo meter came in. Installed. everything works.

then, check engine light came on. take it to check at autozone, its a PO500 code (speed sensor malfunction). clear that code. hasn't come back yet (2 days now).

i guess the gauges needed warming up or something.

later that night, i find out my high beams dont work. Well, they work when you pull in the stick for temporary high's, but not when you push the stick forward for constant highs.

well, now last night, the high beams just start working.

all is fixed.

so strange, but thanks to all your help 94ltd4x4!!

97ltd4x4

Thank You for posting an update with what fixed your vehical......Need more of that on here.