Speedo problems - affecting gear changes?

[Big_ben]

Hi all,

First time poster here. I've had too Hilux's previously - '95 Mk3 single cab and a Mk5 double cab.

In the last 2 weeks I've bought a 1993 SSR-X Surf (Jap import 2.4). A few problems - (unfortunately one of them is overheating...I KNOW!....but I will post more about that after I hae had time to check a few of the basics.)

The other problem is the lack of any movement in the speedo and odometer. It doesn't move at all. I have done a bit of reading on this...and a lot of people are pointing towards the VSS or speedsensor. Where is this located on the gearbox...how would I identify it? (Haven't gotten my Hayne's manual yet!!!!)

Is there any chance that it's only a loose cable at the back of the speedo - and not a new sensor?? Also - does the VSS feed back to the ECU for gear changes? I reckoned that it was revving a bit too high before changing gears - but it's my first auto box so I'm not sure. Also - if that is the case that it's revving too high - would that rule out the loose cable at back of speedo?

I know there is probably a lot of questions in that post - but any advice would be much appreciated.

Regards,

Ben

[Big_ben]

Any one have experience with speedo issues like this?

[Albannach]

Do you get any error codes?

[Big_ben]

I'll check that at the weekend. i was reading a post about bridging two ports on the diagnostic port. So I'll give that a shot.

[Big_ben]

I presuem if I get the fault code for the VSS - then it's either loose or faulty?? And if I get no fault then it's a connection at back of speedo?

[Sir Plug]

Any one have experience with speedo issues like this?

Yep, me. Mine turned out to be the ECU circuit. It's a 3.0 and the ECU controls the engine and gearbox (Auto). It's located in the footwell kick panel on the passenger side. I took the back off and inspected the circuit boards. One of the capacitors had begun to leak on the PCB, so cleaned it with meths, put it back in and all was good. Got myself another one, though and installed that.

[Big_ben]

Sir Plug...was your speedo and odometer stopped altogether?

[BUSHWHACKER]

If the speedo and odometer have both stopped working, then it's most likely a burnt track on the back of the speedo head.

If you have a multimeter, preferably a digital one, you can check if the VSS on the transfercase is working via the smallest (12 pin) grey plug at the ECU.

Chock the front wheel/s.
Jack the driver's side rear wheel or both wheels clear of the ground.
Handbrake off, transmission in neutral.
Probe the green wire with blue stripe at the ECU with the positive lead from the multi-meter.
Earth the black wire from the meter.
Switch on ignition and spin the wheel. The voltage should fluctuate if the VSS is working OK.

[Big_ben]

Thanks for that Bushwacker! I'll have a go at that over the weekend hopefully. It's a pain with work being so far from home at the moment...would love to be tipping away at these bits and pieces during the evenings.

[Sir Plug]

Sir Plug...was your speedo and odometer stopped altogether?

Yep. No speedo or odo and gearchanges were longer than normal....

[BUSHWHACKER]

FYI, 3.0 and 2.4 ECUs are different.
The 2.4 has a seperate transmission ECU behind the driver's side kick panel.
The 3.0 has a combined unit.

[Big_ben]

So would it be the transmission one I'd be checking?

[BUSHWHACKER]

So would it be the transmission one I'd be checking?

No, the speed signal goes to the main ECU on the passenger side.

[Big_ben]

Sound

[Big_ben]

Bit of a thread revival!!!!!

I have checked the VSS as per Bushwackers instructions....and that seems to be sending a signal. It turns out gear changes seem to be just fine - I just wasn't used to the auto box!!!

I took apart the dash and removed the speedo. checked the back - and couldn't see anything obviously wrong......?

So....my rev counter works, my fuel, oil, water and battery gauges work.....but my speedo doesn't budge at all and the odometer isn't clocking up any miles. Any ideas on what to check next???