My speedometer/odometer stopped working a few months ago after reading a zillion forum posts and running some tests I now know it is the gauge itself. I'm driving a 1992 4Runner 22re 4x4 manual. So far it looks like the only fix is to buy an entire cluster which will run about $100-200 on eBay. I'm wondering if these speedometers have a common weakness or something I can test on the gauge that I can fix cheaply. Plus I would rather not dispose of my whole cluster for something that could be fixed.

For example, I had a BMW E36 and the climate control stopped working - apparently it was a really common problem caused by a failing capacitor. So it took about 95 cents and 20 minutes to get it working again. Can't seem to find anything similar for this 22RE speedometer - ideas?

 

Electronic or cable? I was able to direct-test my electronic speedometer with a frequency generator replacing VSS1 (This confirmed that I needed a new VSS1.)

Everyone has a frequency generator, don't they?

 

Electronic. Pretty sure something happened to the speedometer circuitboard. Check out the black stuff on the top:


Judging by the pattern of the discoloration I got a circuitboard pen and tried a fix. Didn't work so tomorrow I'm going to try replacing the capacitor on the opposite side of the original black buildup above.

 

What freq and amplitude did you use?
You can download freq gen apps for smart phones.

 

True. https://www.edn.com/electronics-blog...gnal-Generator

"Smart" phone. Pfft!

You'd need to be able to drive 5volts with a more-or-less square wave. I doubt a smart phone could swing that much through a head-phone jack without some amplification.

But if you want to try it, 111.1 Hz => 100mph on my rig.