the issue is that the speedometer doesn't start working until we reach about 30MPH, then it kicks in without issues for the rest of the day. Each morning it seems 'stuck' again at 0MPH until a certain speed.
I have a 1992 4runner, is this the beginning of an issue that needs taking care of now, what parts would I need, big job? Thanks!

 

Sounds like the needle is simply sticking. Maybe just a simple raise the needle alittle higher on the post.

 

OK, so you don't think I might need one of these parts?

 

Not in my opinion. But to find out you would have to raise the needle and see if that helps at all. the only other thing is the speedo cable is loose on the back of the gauges.

 

I believe the '92 Forerunner has the electronic speed sensor (no speedometer cable), which should be part number 83181-35050. And what you describe sounds just like what happens when they go. One way to check; does it take out the cruise control at the same time the speedometer acts up?

Fortunately, RockAuto has it for about $150. (Look for Vehicle Speed Sensor under Electrical). They have pictures of each of the permutations, so you can check to see you're ordering the right one.

But it is also possible that you've chewed up the drivegear (which is plastic). The drivegear does not come with the replacement part. So crawl underneath, locate the sensor in the back of the transfer case, and remove the single bolt to pull it out. If the gear is good, put it back in. You've probably got a failed hall-effect sensor, which is the guts of the RockAuto part.

Good luck.

 

thanks scope103 for your post. sorry for the late reply. I wanted to check on part number 83181-35050 for the manual transmission 2nd gen (1992) 4runner SENSOR, SPEEDOMOTER (the one that may fix the speedo issue). I checked the part number, it's definitely a speedo sensor but it's listed for the 1994 previa on 1sttoyotaparts.com and I wanted to make sure. The part there costs $168 with a hefty $231 list. Does that sound right? The other part I found is called SPEED SENSOR and it costs less, is in the brakes section, and costs $116 with a list of $159. Since these are definitely 2 different parts I wanted to make sure. Thanks again scope

Electrical - Instruments & gauges - Speedometer sensor
Speedometer sensor, previa, 4wd 1994

 

I'm not going to be able to tell you if you have the right part just from the price (though $125-250 is, alas, the right range). I have 4wd so my sensor is in the transfer case. If you have 2wd I may be in over my head. But I would pull the sensor first so I could look at it. You might even be able to get your speedo working however it is you do it, then stop, pull the sensor plug, and see if the speedometer immediately stops working.

Good luck!

 

pull it out and see what it looks like. the 2 look quite different and are easy to tell apart. I have a harder time figuring out what makes one $100 more than the other. I found one on ebay when mine went out.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...ng-else-13801/

 

I found an older post about using the Marlin VSS but it wasn't clear if he had used it or not. The price being $59 is much better than the stock VSS. Can this Marlin part be used to replace the 83181-35050?

http://www.marlincrawler.com/htm/tra...ase_ac.htm#vss