Speedometer stops working

In 1993 Toyota moved from a cable operated speedometer (on Corolla's), to an electronic VSS (vehicle speed sensor).

Check electrical connections to VSS (clean them). If problem persists, replace VSS. If problem still persists, then problem is in Instrument panel speedometer gauge.

I would probably go to a junk yard and get a used VSS, new ones are $230 or so.

Hi antman258,

I believe we have found the cause of the problem. Both the meter clusters are faulty as they react differently. Quite often erratic behaviour are due to bad contacts on the printed circuits, connectors or attaching screws.
Check the priinted circuit for contaminations, especially at the connectors.
Check circuit board for cold solders and if possible resolder them.
Unloosen attaching screws, clean the contact areas and retighten them. DO NOT use excessive force to avoid damaging the unit.

Hi there, you will have to check that the cable is not broken, you will see the cable at the rear of gear box, you will need to unscrew the large round nut to remove it from the drive, you can spin the cable in your fingers to see if the speedo flicks, if not the cable will more than likely be broken, if it does flick the drive in the gear box will be faulty, I will see if I can find a pic to assist in the location for you.

Mark (mhpautos)

As Mark said, check cable.

There are two cables, lower that connects to trans and upper that connects to IP.

95% of the time it is the lower one that goes. It unssrews at both ends. Toyota still has them available.

Hi,

It could be the vehicle speed sensor, mounted on the back of the instrument cluster, is used to monitor actual vehicle speed. Vehicle speed information is used by the ECU for fuel injection, air injection (on equipped vehicles), cruise control and electronic control of automatic transmissions. The VSS inputs the ECU through terminal SPD. It can be tested
I'm attaching repair guide and schematics below for to reference.

Jack-up one front tire and shift trans-axle into N range. With the ignition turned off, unplug the ECU connector.
Locate terminal SPD on the ECU and connect an Ohmmeter probe between the SPD harness terminal and ground.
Slowly rotate the raised front tire and count the deflections of the Ohmmeter. There should be 3 - 4 deflections per revolution of the tire.If not as specified, check wiring to the instrument cluster.If no problem is found, replace the VSS.
Reconnect the ECU connector and lower the vehicle front tire.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Thank you
Joe T.

Have you checked to see if the speedo cable is broken yet?

Undo the speedo drive at the rear of the transmission (the flexi drive cable) and check to see if it is broken. You aan pull the inner driove cable out to check.

Thanks for the assist I was just getting ready to post that.