1999 Toyota Corolla Instrument Cluster Panel (Odometer Spee

MATTFROMM

MEMBER
1999 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
124,000 MILES

I have a 99 Toyota Corolla LE. The speedometer has stopped working (doesn't move), the odometer display has gone out, and the engine is having trouble deciding when to shift. I believe all three are related. I have tried replacing the vehicle speed sensor and there has been no change. I took it to a shop and they said that the odometer/speedometer circuit on the instrument cluster panel was bad. They tried to order just that part (it is still listed in the catalog they were using) but Toyota said there have been problems with putting a new circuit in (it fails again quickly) so they have to order the whole instrument panel circuitry. This changes a $80 part to a $450 part. Before I commit to a $700 repair (part + $200 in labor for 2 hours) I want to make sure everything sounds right. Questions: 1) does the shop's diagnosis seem correct? 2) Can the odometer/speedometer circuit be ordered separately?

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi mattfromm,

Since the part is listed in the catalogue, you should be able to order it separately.

Sometimes a bad connection would cause the problem. Unloosen all screws and retighten them all over again. Resolder any points that might look suspicious and you might not need to replace anything.

The speed sensor can cause a lot of problem with the gear shifts but the speedometer should not unless it is shorting internally.