My check engine light came on yesterday while I was driving on the highway. Moments later, my speedo, tach and gas gauge went out, along with my A/C. I checked the interior fuse panel and sure enough the 10A fuse labeled "Gauge" was blown. Everything worked again until I cranked the engine. Then, the same gauges and A/C went out again and the fuse was blown once again. I pulled codes and found a P0500, which is related to the Vehicle Speed Sensor. Anybody got any ideas?

 

I'm going to bump this because the Exact thing happened to me today. Ive checked the seatbelt wiring which is the only thing I could think of because I replaced the front seat not too long ago. Anyone? Any ideas? Theres really not much to go on except maybe someone knows where to look for a short...

 

My compressor clutch was causing the short. The A/C shares the circuit with the gauges. I replaced the compressor/clutch and the fuse to fix the problem.

 

Glad to see that worked for you, unfortunately my problem even happens if the engine isnt on even if I just click the key to ACC. It's an intermittent problem though, I put another fuse in there to roll my windows up (it looks like it is going to rain) and it didnt have any problems. I removed the A/C fuse (the A/C isnt working anyway) just to check the compressor. I let it sit in the socket for a while and nothing seemed to happen, then I heard the POP like 2 minutes after rolling the windows up and the gauges all stopped working. Does anyone know if this fuse is connected to a relay anywhere that could be shorting out?

 

As a side note, as soon as the fuse breaks, if the door is open with the keys in the ignition (With the 4runner turned ON) the key reminder ding comes back on and is faster than usual. I thought maybe it would help diagnose it?

 

Try unplugging the alternator. I was looking at the wiring diagram today for the charging circuit (3RD GEN) and the RED ignition on wire to the alternator gets its feed from the 10 amp GAUGE fuse.

Take a look at the online FSM under charging circuit. I dunno why but they chose to put the alternator EXCITE off the 10amp gauge circuit.


Hope this helps.

 

Exact same thing just happened to me. Alt charging very low and popped dash gauge fuse. Just clics when I apply brake. No ac no dash. Fuses look good but I'm sure they arent.