Overhead Compass/Temp Fix

I was browsing this sight to update my gf's tacoma. I saw the gauge fix. I asked my gf about her's. She said it's been out for years.

I followed the instructions, and voila, works. In my case, both resistors where disconnected. You can't really tell. But if you gently lift the resistor, you will notice it's not soldered in anymore.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=170187&stc=1&d=1347920034

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=170188&stc=1&d=1347920034

 

That repair will get you some points for sure! See above in red, do not try to lift one edge as they are very brittle and will snap in two pieces or more. Just add solder to what is already there to build up the thickness of solder on each end. Just a helpful tip to prevent someone from snapping it into.

 

Just thought I would add a quick update:

(OP feel free to copy this info to the first post)

I used the "Siliconmethod"

(AS Siliconmethod HAS SAID, IF YOU JUST TRY AND RESOLDER THE FACTORY 510 RESISTORS, YOUR DISPLAY WILL FAIL IN TIME. SAVE YOURSELF SOME TIME AND JUST DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME)

Assuming you have a pen-tip soldering iron like I did, the resistors and solder are just over $5 at RadioShack.



1. Like most owners I am greeted with this, a dead display:



2. Drop in to your local RadioShack and pick up some 60/40 Rosen solder, and a pack of these: (47-ohm resistors - 1/2 watt - 5% tolorance) RadioShack Item number: 271-1005




3. Take a razor blade and pry off the factory 510 resistors, this is rather easy and clearly proves where the problem lies. Toss them in the trash:



4. Add a drop or two of solder to the original connection points, this will be used to tack the resistors in place. Take the resistors and bend both ends 90 degrees, then bend them more to align with the drops of solder. Repeat, then add final solder to make everything permanent. Should look like so:




5. Reinstall and enjoy the extra $165 dollars in your pocket!



***Be sure to update your region code by holding the button until the "VAR" appears. Finally calibrate the direction by holding the button down until the the "CAL" appears, then use an open lot to drive in a counterclockwise circle at or under 5mph. One circle, two max should be enough.



Goodluck,

-Jb

 

Just fixed my neighbors Tacoma display, using the information here. Thanks for the tutorial and sharing your knowledge!

 

Hello new on the forum.Just wanted to say thanks .Had a issue with the compass not working for over a year took to toyota dealer to get repaired and was very expensive but your quick fix works great. once again thanks.

 

Just got done doing the Temp / console fix. Very easy to do just following the instructions found in this thread. It was working early this morning, around noon I was back in the truck & looked up at it, not working. I knew what was wrong as soon as I looked at from reading about this before. Took me about 35 to 40 minutes from start to finish. This fix saved me a pile of cash !
Thanks everybody on Tacoma World for the info here.

 

Curve ball.........what do you do if temp/compass work, but temp sticks on any given temp at any given time? I have been back and forth on this issue with the dealer....my temp will say 69 degrees all day, when it is a scorching 103 out...they have replaced both display and recently, the sensor...still a no go...intermittant problem = cranky owner.....
How long does it take you temp gauge to adjust?

 

Exact same problem since day 1. Three years later and several trips to the dealer no change. Its an intermittent issue that only seems to happen during 2 situations:
A- its way too dam hot (100+)
B- the sensor gets wet after a wash

It eventually updates by the end of the day. I only notice it about once a month.

 

damnit, mine broke again today. My fix lasted for 3 years though using original resistors.

TBH with the above post using radio shack resistors, I don't know how that would work any better considering you're still soldering to the same connection point. It just needs a tad more solder if you ask me.... or, if the board allows, drill through the board and sink the radio shack resistors in. I may just do this instead of resoldering.

 

Mine seems to "act up" on my days off, when running errands, (so i notice it and get pissed off)
happens no matter if I just gave it a bath or not.....i have noticed it more this summer than last winter......
inaccuracy sucks....i know it is hotter than the hubs of hell outside, but I paid enough money for my truck, the damn thing should tell me the exact temp of HELL....
At least mine isnt the only one that is doing this.....

 

Another happy customer, everything came off easy, one 510 was rattling around; Resoldered and Bob's your uncle.

Now what to spend the $$ I just saved on..

 

Back to the dealer for another look....they have no clue, so they starting throwing parts at it.....replaced the display again...now it is sticking at 84° all the time and it smells like burning rubber when standing next to my truck...

 

Cindy,

What parts have been replaced by the dealership in trying to fix your stuck temperature problem? Only the accessory meter? (the display)

If I were them, I would replace the temperature sending unit first, and then look at wiring. Have they done that for you?

-greg

Tacoma compass/ambient temp gauge repair

*edited because I re-read your posts. I see that they replaced the sensor (sending unit) already. That pretty much leaves wiring / connectors as the culprit, which is a definite possibility...but not one the dealership is going to want to tackle. If you know someone handy with a multimeter, check for resistance in the wires leading from the sending unit to the display. Check for shorts, too. If something like that can be identified and 'proof' of a defect shown to the dealership, they will be more inclined to take action. Good luck!

 

DevilTaco,

Good job! Excellent soldering skills there, my friend. That repair will last forever.
On the 181 resistors, you may want to fill in a bit of new 60/40 on top of the old solder. I've seen a few of those fail, also (about one in every 30 repairs).

I just do a preemptive strike and hit them all.

Tacoma compass/ambient temp gauge repair

 

Been back and forth with the dealer since I picked it up....i guess the display is supposed to update every 2 minutes, so I asked them to look into what sends the signal to update....I'm not taking it back til they have another solution besides just replacing the two things they have already replaced......this will be try #6 for them to fix it....

 

Still looking for a console if anyone got one they want to get rid of....

 

CONFIRMED FIX: Thnaks for all the info guys!




Thought I was sunk because the display has a burnt looking mark on the top corner. But all works well.

Truck just went from dope to baller with this fix!

 

Cindy,

Try #6?? That is crazy. Sorry you are having such a rough time getting this taken care of.

The meter is receiving input of *some* kind on a continuous basis, because when there is no sending unit installed it displays dashes where the temp readout should be. I'm 90% sure the meter is not the issue.

Have you looked to see if the dealership really changed out the sending unit (sensor?) It is visible between front grill and radiator.

They need to be checking voltages / ohms and not just replacing things willy-nilly. It is wasting your precious time (and patience) in addition to unnecessary parts.

The wiring could easily be the issue. Are you up north where the roads are salted in the winter?

Tacoma compass/ambient temp gauge repair

 

Round two with mine



Broke a tab each time



Not the prettiest but it works..thought for sure I would have messed things up. 2nd time soldering..think I know how it works now





Is the calibration really necessary?

 

you´re the man...its that i want to know....my taco is 2008 and now lights is off looks black, out off....i though was about battery inside the overhead compass/Temp do you think i need to do same as you did...

thanks compadre!!