I have a 94 4Runner automatic. My speedometer works 70% of the time, but randomly it will stop functioning and go to 0. My vehicle shifts and runs fine except for a nonfunctioning speedometer and odometer (with a few exceptions-the check engine light seems to come on after a prolonged outage, but goes off immediately when the speedometer starts working again). Sometimes it will start working again, at random, and work for a long while, or go out again after several miles. The one reliable trick I have found to get it to work again is to shift into 4WD. I can simply stop, shift into 4WD, shift out right away and when I start moving again, voila, it's working. Until it randomly stops again. Do you think I need to replace the speedometer sensor (part #83181-35051)? I believe I saw a good post somewhere on the forums here on how to do that.

 

Loose plug behind the cluster?? Might pull the dash and see whats going on back there? Not sure why the 4wd kicks it in for a few though?

 

I found this post with similar problems to mine: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...ng-else-13801/

I think I'll try giving the speed sensor a good cleaning and see what happens.

 

Your symptoms point directly at the VSS1. It's a hall-effect sensor, so dirt has nothing to do with its operation, and if cleaning helps it will only be by accident.

But it is an expensive part, so if cleaning it gives you another few months, go for it. But while you have it out, take some pictures. There are several parts (depending on transmission, 4wd v. rwd, and trim level), but they are different enough that you can tell from the picture.

But I do think you have the right part number.

 

I recently swapped in an uncracked dash pad. After reinstalling everything I get Code 40 something for speed sensor also.

 

Bummer. Now you're going to have look up what the Code 40 actually is. And maybe follow the diagnosis procedure in the Factory Service Manual.

Or maybe you could just post on YotaTech, and somebody will tell you exactly what to do?

 

Always a forum wisea**. I was simply saying I have the same issue. I forgot what number code my OD is throwing. It doesn't effect the drive ability of MY truck so I haven't messed with it. Taking the dash out sucks!

 

Actually, other than the two of you both having good looking dashboards, your problems are unlikely to be related. I assume your code is thrown from the transmission, not CEL, and is probably in the VSS2 circuit. funpow lost his speedometer, which is probably in the VSS1 circuit. Two different parts, functions, harnesses, and locations.

But you are fortunate to not have the drivability problems that a bad VSS2 could cause.