1998 Toyota Camry Instrument Panel issue

Dinkar,

Thank you for visiting and your donation. Before we go any further, let me ask you a couple of questions.
1. You said the instrument panel went dead. The Speedometer, Tachometer, Odometer does not operate.

Now, what about all other instrument panel operations? When you first turn the key on right before starting the engine, do you see any other gauges (fuel, temperature, oil) and/or other lights (brake, airbag, abs, etc) light up? Also, when you turn on the headlamps, is the panel illuminated?

2. Are there any other system affected (example: dome light, cigarette lighter, etc)

Now, to start answering your questions:

While it is not common it is not unheard of, power surge sometimes do occur. You may have inadvertently left a few circuits stayed on the last time you turn off the vehicle (example: you may have left the AC/heater, wipers, something was probably attached to the cigarette lighter), so when you turn the key today, the least powerful fuse "sacrificed" itself in order to protect all the electronics and electrical connections. So I want you to check is a few fuses under the dash and under the hood.

No need to pay a technician to do this. Just open the instrument panel junction box (fuse panel) under the driver side dash to look for gauge, panel, and ignition fuses. The diagram should be on the inside of the cover, and go under the hood junction box 2 (fuse panel), left side of engine compartment and look for dome fuse. One or may two of the fuses explained has/have burned out.

You don't need the entire panel, just one may be two fuses. Depending on the amperage of the fuses, you may have to replace two different sizes. You local parts store should carry a few different options for you. You will probably need one these combinations: 5A and 7.5A , 5A and 10A, 2 7.5A, or 7.5A and 10A. If you need 2 7.5A fuses, just purchase a pack of 5 7.5A for around $3. All other combination, they should have a multi-pack for about $4.

Let me know what you find out.

Toyota ECM uses 2-Trip Logic Diagnostic for certain check engine light codes. P0500 is one of them. In a nutshell, it means that if the ECM "sees" a code, it will store it in the DTC, but will not turn the check engine light. If it sees the code again the next cycle the car is running, then it will turn the check engine light on, providing that the ignition is turned off and then turned back on. In your case, that is why the check engine light is on the next time right after the fuse was replaced.

Your mechanic was partly correct when he said that the speed sensor sends signal to the computer. But he is incorrect when he said there was nothing wrong with the sensor each time the fuse blows.

That fuse also sends power to the speed sensor. I believe that your sensor is faulty and grounds itself once the shifter is moved to "D" thus powering the sensor.

Hi Dinkar,

I am still not 100% well, but I am getting better. Don't worry about how many questions you have. I am here to help as much as I can, so you can take care of your vehicle. So, to answer your questions,

1. Since I aam not a handy person, what should I tell the mechanic at the repair shop to look for and fix? Also, what are the approximate costs if I have to go for a VSS replacement?

***Tell the mechanic that you are having an electrical problem having to do with the VSS circuit. Every time you shift the gear out of park, the fuse blows. Show him which fuse. I can provide you with the wiring diagram if he doesn't have one. But I do need to know if you have engine immobilizer or traction control (diagrams are different). Make sure that the mechanic checks the wiring and performs the diagnostic procedure that I have outlined before replacing the sensor. It is quite pricy. Here is an example of the VSS available online at rockauto.com

That is of course in US dollars. Based on your email address, you are from India. You may need convert to your Rupee or get one locally, if there is one.***

2. If I decide to defer the repair for now, is it safe enough to drive the car for short distances (within the town)? Will this issue cause any further damage OR will the battery drain out and then the car fails to start?

***Other than the annoyance of non-operating instrument panel, I don't believe it may cause any damage to your vehicle. That fuse is only active when the key is at ON position, therefore it will not drain your battery even if the VSS is not replaced.***