Overhead Compass/Temp Fix

Mine just went out again...this is like the 5th time since i've owned the truck...god damn its getting annoying...I don't know why the solder won't hold...oh well, at least its a easy fix

 

Shouldn't have to recalibrate anything it should do it by itself...

 

I noticed when I pluged it in before reinstalling the cover that this resistor gets very hot...I almost wonder if it is the right value? I put a very healthy "glob" of soilder on mine without spilling out on the rest of the board and haven't had to dig back into it yet...

 

Good point about the resistor being the right value.
As I posted earlier in this thread,
It's possible that the heat from the resistor melts the solder.
Something that should be brought to Toyota's attention,
Being the large amout of owners reporting this problem.
They will not issue a recall, because they do not consider it a 'Safety Issue',
Just another one of their Electronic Mistakes.
I wonder if this problem is in any of their other models...???

 

MyBrother-In- Law is very high up in the Toyota chain and I am going to mention this problem to him to and see what he says...Will keep everyone posted when I hear back from him...

 

mark me up as another victim of the bad solder job.

Fixing it right now. Hopefully I dont screw it up.

*edit*

Just finished up. On mine, visually the solder joints looked fine on both the 510 resistors. But I still solder them up and the compass works now!

 

thanks. reason why i asked is because after i popped it back in, it was reading SE when i know it shouldve been S. It did seem to correct itself after a few minutes tho.

 

For those of you who have had to re-solder the resistor several times, and for those of you who have damaged that resistor, you can replace it!

I had to re-solder mine a few times and the last time it no longer worked. The resistor had no resistance when testing it with a multi meter. So, I went to radio shack and purchased a pack of 5 (47 ohm) resistors for $2. I used 47 ohm because thats the closest that radio shack sells to 51 ohm. They are not surface mount, but it worked none the less. And I am sure they can handle more heat because they are not the surface mount type.





Its worked fine for several months now.

 

Thanks for posting that, Derek. There have been a few that asked about that...

 

I just wanted to say thanks Rich. I bought a soldering iron & tin yesterday. Having never soldered in my life, I got my temp/compass working in less than 15 minutes!

I really appreciate it as does my 2 year old who kept asking "where did the letters go?" (he likes seeing them change as we drive around and then telling me what letters he sees - LOL!).

Thanks again

~Mark

 

LOL... great story

 

Thanks to everyone involved in developing this repair procedure. Mine finally quit after four years, definitely not a warranty option. My dealer wouldn't look at peeling rims two weeks past the warranty period.

Thanks again

 

question. i just bought a 2006 tacoma with 64000 miles on it. the compass didnt work so i took it all apart to see if it was the 51 resistor. i think it is. but my question is....can i start the truck and drive it to my buddies house with it all apart, since he has the tools to fix it?? or will a computer reset and everything will get F'ed?

 

i really didnt want to read 24 pages on this thread to find out that the question was never answered. it might be a stupid question but i just figured i would be safe than sorry

 

You can drive the truck with the compass/overhead console disconnected....nothing will be F'ed up. Just make sure your take all of the parts with you so it can be assembled and re-installed.

 

Thank you for your perfect directions on repairing the compass/temp on my son's Tacoma. I bought a solder kit at home depot and together we removed the unit from the car and made the repair in my shop. At first we could not determine which 510 needed repair but when I lifted one end up with a screwdriver, it was obvious. I put solder on each side of both 510s just to be sure. What made everything worth it was the smile on his face when we connected the wires and it worked. He loves his truck. It's one of those moments I won't forget.Thanks again, peter

 

That fix is money! Literally...thanks.

 

I love this site...... now i know how hot its in AZ and just in time for the summer


THANKS AGAIN

 

1 of the 2 resistors was popped up. Bought a soldering iron and saved a buttload of cash. Thanks. Great directions.

 

Im doing mine tomorrow, Ill let you know how it goes. I hope it works.