What the..?

So, here's the story... I have had my Tacoma for roughly 2 years now, and the directional/temperature display has never worked. I bought my Tacoma used at a lot and never knew if that was standard or an option. Today I came home after a visit to Jiffy Lube and where they typically check the pressure of the tires they failed to fill them accurately so I had the low inflation light on my dash. I came home to fill up my tires (aftermarket tires) and filled them a little more then I typically air them up. I get into my truck to clear the warning light and Wah-Lah! The directional/temperature display is now working and burning bright..

So here's my ridiculous question, does the tire sensors some how tie into the trucks computer and it somehow kick started the display to work again since I was at a more proper tire pressure? I know, stupid question, it just seemed odd to me. Anyone else have their display just randomly pop on after a lengthy time? Does Jiffy Lube have a way of play with a trucks ECU that corrected this?

 

I guess I always figured it was just busted. I've never been great with electronics so I never figured I should be playing around with it. If it goes out again or the sensor gets "jiggled" out of place, I'll be sure to give it a look on here and hopefully make it a quick fix. Glad I didn't pay money if its a quick and easy fix! It was on my to-do list..

Thanks man!

 

Aaaaaaaaaaaaand my display went out again. Well, it was fun while it lasted. Its got to be either the electrical harness or re-soldering the resistor broken end. Haven't looked at it yet, but I haven't soldered much so hoping its not that, though I plan to look at it tonight and see what I can do.

Thanks again for letting me know about the DIY fix. It gives me a better idea now!

 

there is a 50ohm resistor (square),that is famous for going out. there is a thread in here on how to fix, its real easy. or find someone you know that can solder and they can do it. I did mine twice, then went to frys and bought some there, its been working fine for over 2 years.

 

Yea, I have absolutely no soldering experience but tonight after working up the gonads decided to give it a shot. I went off the thread that you and Beavis are both referring to and took the overhead console apart. To be honest the 510 resistors didn't even look to be disconnected or out of place. I decided to risk it and try to solder them anyways, what did I have to lose? After reconnecting the wire harness it is now showing the temp and directional display again. I didn't solder much due to lack of experience but I hope that this will do the trick... at least until I can get more experience in the art of soldering.

Thanks for the response!

 

Yeah...common problem in these trucks. My husband works with electronics and makes circuit boards. When he looked at mine - he couldn't believe how bad the quality was. His trained eye could see cracks in the solder just about everywhere (I couldn't see them). He touched up what he could reach...(and see).

He called it ..."Must have been a low bidder"

 

Just Google the internet for soldering tips. Lots of videos. I was a circuit card repair tech. The basics are easy. a little flux is always the key to success

 

I hear you, that's what it looks like since I've been reading up on it, seems a lot of people have been having this issue. I soldered as best I could working on it last night, I don't think I did as solid of a job as probably someone with experience working on circuit boards but I hope it'll last me longer then a few months. I may go back in and hit it one more time in the future just to make sure this wont be an issue again. I appreciate the insight!

 

Werd. I googled a few videos and looked up some tips on YouTube (after the mini operation), I believe what made it difficult for me last night was I was using a larger/thicker size soldering wire instead of a thinner wire which made it a bit messier too. It did the job thankfully but next time I'll be more mindful of this. Live and learn I guess. Thanks!

 

i'll just leave this here...
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/jiffy_lube.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf6KY6rrqYU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiCAJ8ULnaI

 

Annnnnnnnd note to self. Thanks for the heads up! I guess it can potentially happen anywhere but I'm glad I can be more aware of what's going on in the places I particularly use. I'm always a little concerned these issues exist and try to stay on top of them with checking behind the service work done and what's printed off on my receipts. Thanks!