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Common problem/weak point on the speedometer gauge?

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Old 10-06-2017, 04:27 PM
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Talking Common problem/weak point on the speedometer gauge?

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?
Old 10-07-2017, 07:55 PM
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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?
Old 10-07-2017, 08:14 PM
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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.
Old 10-09-2017, 08:06 AM
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Originally Posted by scope103

Everyone has a frequency generator, don't they?
What freq and amplitude did you use?
You can download freq gen apps for smart phones.
Old 10-09-2017, 08:56 AM
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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.



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