2001 Toyota Corolla Werid Speedometer problem

Tiny
EDTA1
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 121,000 MILES
Hello All,

I press on the gas, and my speed is 0 (but I'm moving). I let go of the gas and let it coast, my speedometer comes alive again. I've checked the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) and it's not it. It generates about 12 volts 4 times per rev of the pinion. I'm getting about 12 volts from the harness as well. So it's not like its not getting voltage. I use an OBD reader and it corresponds to what the speedometer reads (fluctuating as mentioned). What's the problem here? Is there something that links the speedometer to engine revs? Please advise.
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 AT 8:38 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
VSS generates electrical output called pulses per mile. PCM converts to readable MPH, if VSS is OK then problem lies in wiring to speedometer or the speedometer gauge itself.

While possible the VSS is outputting voltage, the VSS gear mat be loose giving erratic readings.
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Thursday, April 30th, 2009 AT 5:22 AM
Tiny
EDTA1
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
When you say vss gear, do you mean the pinoin that's on the end of it?
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Thursday, April 30th, 2009 AT 6:11 AM
Tiny
EDTA1
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Also, if the problem is in the guage, how do you fix that? Replace the guage? Is there a quick test to test if the guage is good or not?
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Thursday, April 30th, 2009 AT 6:12 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Make sure pinion is seated fully. Dealer or trusted garage can test speedomter gauge.

They can also test VSS output. If you have a scan tool you can read VSS output in live data mode.
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Thursday, April 30th, 2009 AT 6:49 AM

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