Speedometer problem in 1995.5 Tacoma 2.7l 4x4 Manual Transmission

Speedometer stopped working about two years ago. I don't want to keep having to reset the engine light every time I get smogged. Preliminary internet research tells me its probably the Vehicle Speed Sensor. I downloaded the FSM but it only has info on the automatic transmission (A340E/F) and I have the manual (W59). I looked for parts online but didn't find any for manual transmission or any that looked like the part under my truck (see photo). Is that the VSS in the photo? How can I find info on my exact model? Can I just treat this truck like its a 1996 model? Where can I find this part? How do I swap it out once I find the part? Seems like it should be an easy fix but I've hit a dead end.

 

I believe 95.5 MT has mechanical speedometer - a cable going from the top of the transmission to the back of the panel with dials. At least this is how 95 FSM shows and it is how I have in my 95.5 4.7 MT truck. BTW that cable is a PITA when removing the panel - so little room to put your hand behind to release the cable.

In my truck the only electrical connectors I have are 4WD Position Switch and Back-Up light switch. I don't have CC if this matters.

 

So 95.5 doesn't have a VSS, just the Speedometer cable?

 

Ya, my 97 manual tranny has the cable, I'm sure yours is the same. Dealer only part. Had to replace mine twice, make sure you route it with plenty space between the firewall and exhaust.

 

I have a 1997 2.4L tacoma automatic transmission and also cannot locate the sensor.

 

Yours has a cable for the speedometer, the vehicle speed sensor for the PCM/Trans/Cruise is attached to the back of the instrument cluster.
If your speedometer does not work most likely you have a broken cable or stripped drive gear.
I can't find a good picture of the cable but it should be connected near where the driveshaft attaches to the transmission.

 

Ah, it's no wonder I could not locate the non existing sensor on the tranny. I had a P0500 reading. My tranny does rev up quite a bit before it finally shifts, it feels like third gear mostly. The fluid was just flushed but didn't resolve the issue. Would replacing the speed sensor that's behind the instrument cluster alleviate this issue? thanks so much in advance. I thought I was losing my mind over not being able to find the sensor on the tranny.

Cheers,

Manny

 

Does your speedometer work? If it does check the sensor as specified in the file I uploaded, if it doesn't you need to check the cable and drive gear.

 

Would that be our little friend?

 

Yep that's your speedometer cable.

 

The speedometer does work, it’s only the shifting issue that prompted me to look for the “sensor” on the tranny. The next steps are to check the sensor (another sensor besides the cable?) on the cluster unit? I’d need a volt reader of sorts?

I owe you a beer as cold as my ex for helping me with this. It was becoming very frustrating.

 

You would need a DVOM yes, you can typically find a basic one for less than $25

 

Honestly I wish I knew what I was looking at, let alone dive into this. Is there a YouTube video you’d recommend for this? That might be more helpful. I’m a newbie DIY, as you can tell, I’m pretty clueless.

If there is any issue with the tachometer or cable, could that be the cause of my tranny shifting funky?

thank you for helping here, truly appreciate it.

 

As far as vehicle specific stuff not really but if you wana learn how to diag check out some of the links in my signature, scanner danner has some good classes on electrical testing.

It's possible but I think on your transmission the PCM only controls torque converter lockup and overdrive, the rest is mechanical.
@gearcruncher would know.

 

there are a number of things internally as well as externally that can cause delayed shifting .
Start by reading this
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...sions-write-up-your-4-speed-automatic.325531/

 

I was figuring he had the A43D since he had the 2.4l, it looked like that one was mechanical other than overdrive and lockup being electronic.

 

Thanks @gearcruncher for the info! I actually noticed something today. I put the truck in gear “L” and it didn’t light, like drive or reverse do.

 

This is what I mean. It lights up on the gear selection. Gear 2 lights up but not gear L when I put it in that gear.

 

I agree .
It is most likely the A43D .
He needs to type in his information and identify his transmission .There are links above in the write up that show him how to identify properly
I do not believe the Low indicator light being out will cause delayed upshifting or possibly 3rd gear starts

 

Guys thanks a bunch for your help here. I actually returned the truck to the person who sold it to me. I ran a carfax this morning and it turned out that he altered the mileage. Took off 100K. So the truck had about 320k.