Speedometer not working
09-19-13, 07:55 PM
#16
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My speedometer just completely failed. I can go 100 mph and the speedometer would still show me as not moving. My local non-dealer mechanic told me that he doesn't know how to fix it, and he recommended that I take it to the dealer, but I don't want to pay $400+ to find out what the flow of the traffic is. For now I would rather keep driving with the dead speedometer. What sucks is that the odometer still runs--damn!
09-19-13, 08:10 PM
#17
Moderator
My speedometer just completely failed. I can go 100 mph and the speedometer would still show me as not moving. My local non-dealer mechanic told me that he doesn't know how to fix it, and he recommended that I take it to the dealer, but I don't want to pay $400+ to find out what the flow of the traffic is. For now I would rather keep driving with the dead speedometer. What sucks is that the odometer still runs--damn!
Now you need to distinguish it . Only the sticking of the needle or the completely dead speedometer?
09-19-13, 09:40 PM
#18
Lexus Champion
I don't want to pay $400+ to find out what the flow of the traffic is.
09-20-13, 03:58 AM
#19
Lead Lap
well until you fix your speedo (which can also be messed up due to failing ECU caps) here is an Android app that will project your current speed into the windshield while you drive and it's FREE!
And - AGAIN - In 23 years of driving and helping people with LS400's, I've never heard of bad ECU caps causing speedometer issues.
09-20-13, 07:24 AM
#20
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And - AGAIN - In 23 years of driving and helping people with LS400's, I've never heard of bad ECU caps causing speedometer issues.[/QUOTE]
===================================================================
What solution(s) do you recommend to fix a sticking speedometer that is not related to a faulty ecu?
I.e., what did you find as the most common cause and how would you rectify it?
Could one use a high grade electrical solvent/lubricator to clean out any potential buildup
of material that might be causing the needle sticking or is this too risky?
===================================================================
What solution(s) do you recommend to fix a sticking speedometer that is not related to a faulty ecu?
I.e., what did you find as the most common cause and how would you rectify it?
Could one use a high grade electrical solvent/lubricator to clean out any potential buildup
of material that might be causing the needle sticking or is this too risky?
09-20-13, 07:49 AM
#21
Lead Lap
Most of the companies I know about that fix them replace the instrument cluster circuit board with a refurbished one. One company in Florida repairs the specific problem and they are the least expensive I have found - but I do not know if they are good.
09-20-13, 08:46 AM
#22
Pole Position
What solution(s) do you recommend to fix a sticking speedometer that is not related to a faulty ecu?
I.e., what did you find as the most common cause and how would you rectify it?
Could one use a high grade electrical solvent/lubricator to clean out any potential buildup
of material that might be causing the needle sticking or is this too risky?[/QUOTE]
I like the fix that Och has done in post #30 in this thread; https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...ot-work-2.html but the pics are gone. I've heard good things with that fix.
Post #88 in the same thread describes what causes the sticky needles. (and another fix)
09-21-13, 05:49 PM
#23
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Not Even The Dealer Knows
This sucks. I just took my car in to the dealer and even showed them a video from my smartphone showing that the speedometer is dead. However, the speedo started working this morning before my appointment and the service manager at the dealer told me that they cannot diagnose the problem if the speedometer is working. I just got a call from him and he told me that the computer shows nothing is wrong, so they can only diagnose the problem if I bring in the car with the speedometer dead. What sucks is that the speedometer does not always die on me, the intervals are irregular, and I cannot drive into the dealership impromptu. To top it off, the dealer will charge me $140 for looking at the car today, and the least they could offer is to wash it. Still, I am out $140. The dealer sucks.
09-21-13, 07:11 PM
#24
Lexus Champion
I really must shine some clarity on all of this!
A few short years ago, most all speedo issues on LS400 were sticking needles, the lubricant originally used gets gummy with age and causes intermittent sticking.
More recently, as our ECU and cluster circuit board capacitors have gotten old, this capacitor plague is becoming the culprit in a higher percentage of intermittent speedo issues.
So when your speedo is intermittent these days, there is no clear cut 100% answer, you have to kind of try one thing and then the next, although on 98 and newer models, ECU is less likely to have issues than 97 and earlier models.
There is also Yamae's ripple test for those of you with some electrical prowess, which will give a pretty good insight into the state of the ECU capacitor's health!
A few short years ago, most all speedo issues on LS400 were sticking needles, the lubricant originally used gets gummy with age and causes intermittent sticking.
More recently, as our ECU and cluster circuit board capacitors have gotten old, this capacitor plague is becoming the culprit in a higher percentage of intermittent speedo issues.
So when your speedo is intermittent these days, there is no clear cut 100% answer, you have to kind of try one thing and then the next, although on 98 and newer models, ECU is less likely to have issues than 97 and earlier models.
There is also Yamae's ripple test for those of you with some electrical prowess, which will give a pretty good insight into the state of the ECU capacitor's health!
09-21-13, 07:46 PM
#25
Pole Position
The dealer needs to charge you for the time they put into your car, even though they didn't find anything wrong. You're the one that wanted them to diagnose it. Dont get me wrong, I do think they charge too much sometimes but, it's just business.
That's why it's good to find an independant mechanic that knows Toyota/Lexus.
09-21-13, 08:24 PM
#26
Lexus Champion
09-22-13, 08:25 AM
#27
Lead Lap
The occasional speedo needle sticking in my 2000 LS400 is entirely related to temperature - it has to be over 90 degrees and is more likely to stick after the car has sat outside all day. A mild rap (per forum member Billy Powell) on the top of the dashboard just above the speedometer always gets the needle working and it continues to work as the interior cools down.
I had planned to have to have it fixed but it is now too cool to verify that a repair has been successful. The needle may not stick again until next summer by which time the LS will likely have been replaced.
I had planned to have to have it fixed but it is now too cool to verify that a repair has been successful. The needle may not stick again until next summer by which time the LS will likely have been replaced.
Last edited by Kansas; 09-22-13 at 10:43 AM.
09-30-13, 08:04 PM
#29
Lexus Champion
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