If you have a Toyota Tacoma and the speedometer is not working, there are several causes and fixes.
Common causes include a bad wheel speed sensor, instrument cluster, or ABS control module.
Often, when the speedometer is not working, neither is the tachometer and odometer.
How a Tacoma Speedometer Works
A Toyota Tacoma speedometer receives speed data from wheel sensors located on each wheel or from a sensor located on the transmission.
It can vary depending on the Toyota and year which sensors are used.
The speed information is then sent to the ABS module, which sends the information to the speedometer.
The main onboard computer (ECU) is usualy the last to receive the speed data information.
Causes and Fixes Tacoma Speedometer Not Working
- Wheel Speed Sensor
- C0200 Right Front
- C0205 Left Front
- C010 Right Rear
- C0215 Left Rear
- Instrument Cluster
- ABS Control Module
- Transmission Speed Sensor
A bad wheel speed sensor is a common problem and will usually cause multiple errors.
Each wheel has a sensor that the ABS module and ECM use for data on the vehicle’s speed.
When a wheel sensor goes bad, a common code is a P0500 Vehicle Speed Sensor.
Wheel Sensor Error Codes
Often when a speed sensor goes bad, the ABS light will also be on or another related OBDII code.
A good OBDII scan tool with ABS scanning built-in should show if a sensor is bad and which one if it is.
A digital voltmeter can be used to test each individual wheel sensor if needed.
When troubleshooting wheel sensors, keep in mind a bad connection or a loose wire can cause issues.
The instrument cluster can go bad and need to be replaced if it does.
Replacing the cluster can be done by buying an entirely new unit or a repair kit.
Repair kits are sold that replace common components that fail in a cluster.
The instrument cluster gets speed data front the ABS control module, which can cause problems if it has gone bad.
Most ABS control modules are located on the master cylinder, which can be replaced altogether or separated.
Depending on the year and model of the Toyota, a transmission speed sensor may be sending the information to the speedometer.
Usually, data from the wheel speed sensors are used, but a transmission speed sensor may also be in use.
If you have an OBDII code for a transmission speed sensor, it is likely the cause.
Summary
If you own a Toyota Tacoma and the speedometer has stopped working, there are three main components to the system.
These include the wheel speed sensor, instrument cluster, and ABS control module.
Each one of these will need to be tested to see which has failed.
A bad wheel sensor will usually give an OBDII error code and display which one is having a problem.
The wiring going to the speed sensors are a common failure point, so be sure to look for a loose connection or broken wire.
The instrument cluster can also fail and need to be repaired or replaced if bad.
Wheel speed sensors send sped data to the ABS control module, which then sends the data to the cluster.
The ABS control module is usually located on the master cylinder but be sure to check the manual for your year built.
Have you had issues with a Toyota Tacoma speedometer not working? Let us know your thoughts below.