Rev Counter, Speedo, Odometer, Not Working

[nz_aj]

1998 Toyota Caldina

Rev counter, Speedo, Odometer, not working. Speedo is not driven by a mechanical cable. Odometer is LCD, not mechanical.

This was an intermittant problem that happened now & again over the last couple of years. Appear to have stopped altogether now.

Temperature gauge & some warning lights do work.

Can't see any obvious burn marks or anything broken. Have pulled & refitted plugs.

Any ideas?????????

[nz_aj]

Now wondering if it is running a similar system to an Altezza???

Rather than One wire for water temperature, one wire for speedo, one wire for tacho, etc. Altezza system apparently runs differently. It only runs one wire to the dash for all of these, called something like 'MMC' or 'MMX'. It sends this one signal to the dash with all of the information imbedded in it; this signal is interpreted by the circuitry in the altezza dash; and sent to the appropriate gauges etc.

I see some similar sounding problems with other toyotas,

Picnic Ipsum

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=74584

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=72938

Avensis

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=70952

Also here

http://www.toyotafans.net/index.php?showto...amp;#entry49585

[nz_aj]

SOLVED!!!

A surface mount component had broken off the odometer circuit board. Only two connections, soldered it back on and rev counter, odometer, speedo, ECONO light all work again.

To get to it first pull the instrument cluster out of the dash. I noticed this problem because the cluster rattled when shaken.

Then take the odometer module out through the back of the instrument cluster by undoing 2 screws, taking out a bulb & releasing the plug from the back of the module (plug is part of the flexible circuit board on the back of the cluster).

Then take the hard circuit board off the odometer module by removing 2 screws, pulling the odometer LCD out of it's plug & releasing the 2 plastic clips holding the circuit board.

The loose component & side of the circuit board where it should be connected can now be seen. Put a little solder on each circuit board pad, hold the component down & apply a touch of heat/solder to the connection on the side furthest from the edge & then the edge connection. The text on the component should be the same way around as the square ~40 pin chip beside it (not the ~4 pin folded down transistor looking device to the side)

[marianz]

Thank you nz_aj! It worked for me. Strange how that little component comes off.

[ChronicD]

WOW dude you rock, i had the exact same problem down here in NZ. Its a fantastic car and it was really frustrating me when the intimitent problem started - my brother solution was to tap the plastic quite hard which must have made the chip contact again. anyway it obviously came off and google gave me your post

thanx a bundle

dan

[edsedseds]

This works for me too on 1997 Caldina GT ST215 4WD.

[MAgs1]

We had the same intermittent problem with my Caldina until it finally became permanent. Thanks to Google and your excellent instructions on this issue. We have now a great result after an intricate repair.

Many thanks for taking the time for sharing this information and the other users who endorsed this solution. Much appreciated from down under in NZ.

[kiwi_grant]

SOLVED!!!

A surface mount component had broken off the odometer circuit board. Only two connections, soldered it back on and rev counter, odometer, speedo, ECONO light all work again.

To get to it first pull the instrument cluster out of the dash. I noticed this problem because the cluster rattled when shaken.

Then take the odometer module out through the back of the instrument cluster by undoing 2 screws, taking out a bulb & releasing the plug from the back of the module (plug is part of the flexible circuit board on the back of the cluster).

Then take the hard circuit board off the odometer module by removing 2 screws, pulling the odometer LCD out of it's plug & releasing the 2 plastic clips holding the circuit board.

The loose component & side of the circuit board where it should be connected can now be seen. Put a little solder on each circuit board pad, hold the component down & apply a touch of heat/solder to the connection on the side furthest from the edge & then the edge connection. The text on the component should be the same way around as the square ~40 pin chip beside it (not the ~4 pin folded down transistor looking device to the side)

Most excellent!!! Thanks so much AJ - that's exactly what has happened to our Caldina wagon. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience!!

[gin2004]

My caldina '04 has similar prob; speedo @ zero, odometer stopped; but rev counter works, atleast up to 4 even at maximum gas. Also engine has erratic response to pressing gas pedal- it delays then suddenly responds. Engine light on through out.

Any help?

[nobber7]

Top class instructions thanks alot guys, mr keane is a happy man now that he knows what speed he is doing!!!!! Small chip on motherboard of lcd display was broken off, re-soldered and now everything working perfect. Thanks again to you all...

[Kal-Dina]

Magnificent Solution! Anyone got pictures on the procedure? I'm a noob...

[Kal-Dina]

Gathered the guts to do it, and hey - it works!! Many, many thanks!!

[zl2dx]

And another kiwi Caldina and this is still a good fix in 2017.

The component for the more technical is the 4.0 MHz clock oscillator and the description of the disassembly and the  fix is spot on

Thanks!

[icarus1]

2000 Caldina 4WD 200,000k

One more fixed to this list. Re-soldering 4.0 Mhz oscillator is a little tricky, its small, maybe 8mm by 5mm (mine had a 4 printed on it and had completely fallen off) its flat soldered onto the board rather than having any pins through the board. The LCD requires carefully prying from odometer module. Vehicle was randomly revving with the rev counter not operating or sticking to say 5k or 6k, engine warning light and o/d light also coming. The vehicle had this problem occasionally but it would clear so its likely it started off as a bad connection. thanks for your post nz_aj   (another kiwi)

[Than0s]

nz_aj, you legend. Over 10 years since that solution was posted and today I used it to get myself back on the road again. If you have this problem follow the instructions and just have a go. Maybe a bit of research on how to solder without rooting the circuit board would be wise and also watch that top screw, mine broke off.

[k kershaw]

Thanks for the explanation and repair instructions!!!  Just repaired the speedo on my 1999 Picnic.  It was at the intermittent stage so still working sometimes.  The speedo and tacho work after soldering one of the connections which seemed to have a hairline crack.