Intermittent speedometer failure

1999 TOYOTA CAMRY
283,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KEVININFLA
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  • 2 POSTS
Speedometer (only) would quit working after driving at higher speeds for 20-40 minutes. Transmission dropped out of higher great immediately. If I continue driving speedometer would work for 3-4 minutes, stop working, then kick on again for 3-4 minutes. If I stopped the car and let it sit a few minutes speedometer worked again for awhile, then problem returns. Dealership replaced instrument cluster. Didn't stop it. They pulled out and reinstalled same instrument cluster. Still not fixed.
Any suggestions on what's causing this?
Mar 22, 2020 at 9:03 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
So if they looked at the cluster I assume they addressed the speed sensor? Basically there is a speed sensor that picks up rotation from the output shaft and sends that info directly to the cluster and the cluster sends the info to the ECM. If the cluster is not getting the info to display on the speedometer then I suspect the sensor or wiring are the issue.

Take a look at all this info and let me know what questions you have.

If they have already done this then we can go in a different direction. Thanks
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Mar 22, 2020 at 9:14 AM
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KEVININFLA
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To my surprise they never suggested that the speed sensor might be the problem. I suggested it and they just shrugged their shoulders. I am leaning toward doing that on my own since it doesn't appear to be too difficult and I'm somewhat versed in auto repair.
Mar 22, 2020 at 9:20 AM
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KASEKENNY
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 18,907 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
If you are then I am sure you can do the sensor. Just try and look at the speed gear head which is what the sensor reads. I suspect that is not the issue because your speed dropped to zero. Normally when they are the issue you will get erratic speedometer action or it will bounce.

Let me know how I can help and I will get you any info that you need (assuming it exists in the manual or some other source).
Mar 22, 2020 at 10:06 AM
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