Help problem with Gauge cluster

[chinola69]

Didn't know where to post Moderators Feel free to move

I have a 2007 Toyota Camry that has intermittent instrument cluster problems. The Speedometer and Tachometer will cease to indicate proper readings and drop to zero. The tachometer will then bounce between zero and what I can only assume is a close approximation of the actual engine RPM. At the same time, the ABS and parking BRAKE warning lights illuminate and stay on for the duration of the "episode". These last anywhere from 10 seconds to 10 minutes. In the meantime, the car runs normally from what I can discern. I can be driving down the highway at 70 or sitting in the parking lot idling and these episodes occur. There are no other indications that something is amiss...no rough idling, no engine stalling, just the display. This is a 2007 Toyota Camry, 4 cyl, 5 spd automatic. I have inspected the transaxle input and output shaft sensors and they appear to be in good working order. There are no indications of oil buildup or broken/shorted wires. Connections all look good from what I can tell.

[wrencher]

The IPC (cluster) is a networked item on all these new cars.
There are many inputs to the cluster on the data lines.

I have seen some of these with loose connections @ the IPC.
Can also test for powers & grounds but the wiring diagram is needed.

You can check that, but beyond that it will need a scan tool to talk to the network & ensure there is no communication isssues.
Might not be a simple easy fix, you never know what your gonna run into with these things.

[chinola69]

Originally Posted by wrencher

The IPC (cluster) is a networked item on all these new cars.
There are many inputs to the cluster on the data lines.

I have seen some of these with loose connections @ the IPC.
Can also test for powers & grounds but the wiring diagram is needed.

You can check that, but beyond that it will need a scan tool to talk to the network & ensure there is no communication isssues.
Might not be a simple easy fix, you never know what your gonna run into with these things.

putting a scan tool on it today. Will pull out the cluster for loose connections. Someone on a toyota forum with similar problem said his mechanic replaced the ECU and I just can see that going bad when the car is running fine just the cluster and ac going haywire.

[wrencher]

It will help to have a scan tool capable of talking to toyota's network, & all the modules within.
There is a gateway module & the body control modules involved in runnning the cluster along with the PCM.

[chinola69]

Originally Posted by wrencher

It will help to have a scan tool capable of talking to toyota's network, & all the modules within.
There is a gateway module & the body control modules involved in runnning the cluster along with the PCM.

Hopefully will put a scan tool on it today. The only strange thing that remains is why the AC shut off also? Thank you so much for the help.

[chinola69]

Took it to toyota Saturaday, they said I have approve 3 hrs of Diagn. time at 100/hr I said do it. They called later that day said needed to keep it till monday, Ask will I get charder for Diagn time they said no so I said ok. They called today said needed 2 more hours, 5 * 100 = 500 diagn time dont have that kind of money flipped out on them. So far ECM is fine, fuses are fine, all they told me was cluster not talking to ECM.

[chinola69]

Toyota tech please help. Looks like I need a new cluster can I just buy a used one and have it programmed at toyota?

[wrencher]

I wondered what happened with this.....
Many times the infomation about the programming of modules is not easily obtained.
Meaning used modules vs new ones programming them & introducting them to the network.
I am going to say it's unlikely that a used one will work. It may but sometimes some things cannot be programmed out. Lke the vehicles network module build list, the VIN & other various RAM componets in a used module.

You never know, like I said that info is not really put out there by MFG's because they dont consider the used market at all.
I have never tried a toyota, but I know other cars you can put used clusters in & program them.
Have to talk to a friendly toyota shop & see if they'll help you.