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Toyota Camry: Why is My Speedometer Inaccurate?

Although rare, the speedometer in any car can fail and the Toyota Camry is no exception. This article will show you how to find and fix the problem.

By Peter Sessler - August 4, 2015

This article applies to the Toyota Camry 4th, 5th, and 6th generation (1997-Present).

The speedometer is a pretty reliable car component, but as mentioned earlier, it can still fail. The 1997 to 2001 Toyota Camrys use a speed sensor that is attached to the transmission, which is then attached to the speedometer cluster. Usually if there is a problem, replacing the speed sensor is all that's required. From 2002 to present Toyota Camrys, the speedometer was attached to the ABS system via wire harnesses to the front and rear end of the vehicle.

If your Camry's speedometer is no longer working correctly, there are several things that you can do to fix it. If you live near a large parts store (such as AutoZone, O'Rellly or Advance Auto), go and have your speedometer checked, assuming that you don't have an OBD-II scanner. The scanner will indicate if there is a problem by scanning one of the following codes:

  • P0500: Vehicle Speed Sensor Malfunction
  • P0501: Vehicle Speed Sensor Range/Performance
  • P0502: Vehicle Speed Sensor Low Input
  • P0503: Vehicle Speed Sensor Intermittent/Erratic/High
Figure 1. OBD-II scanner by Actron.

Materials Needed

  • OBD-II scanner (optional)
  • Ratchet and socket set
  • Flat head and Phillips screwdriver

1997 to 2001 Toyota Camry

In a 1997 to 2001 Toyota Camry, the first thing you should do it scan its on-board computer system. If the trouble code you pull up indicates that a defective speed sensor is causing the problem, replacing it should fix the problem. To replace the speed sensor:

  • Open the hood of your car and find the sensor on top of the transmission.
  • Simply unscrew the single bolt holding the old sensor in place, and unplug its wire harness connector.
  • Install the new sensor in reverse order to removal.

If there is no indication that the speed sensor is damaged or faulty, then the problem is likely a defective instrument cluster. There are several aftermarket instrument clusters available for your Toyota Camry, or you can search online (or through a junkyard) for an OEM cluster.

  • Figure 2. 1997 to 2001 instrument cluster.
  • Figure 3. Toyota Camry speed sensor.

2002 to 2015 Toyota Camry

Again, scan the on-board computer using an OBD-II scanner. If the speed sensor is not working, you will need to replace it. If the sensor is working however, you will likely need to replace the instrument cluster.

Since the cluster is part of the ABS system and has two wire harnesses, the replacement process might be a little more demanding. When removing the cluster and installing the new one, make sure that both wire harnesses are in good condition and properly attached.

  • Figure 4. Toyota Camry 2006 to 2011 instrument cluster (front view).
  • Figure 5. Toyota Camry 2006 to 2011 instrument cluster (rear view).
  • Figure 6. Typical ABS harness for 2002 to 2011 Toyota Camrys.

Note

Changing to bigger or smaller tires will cause the speedometer to read inaccurately. If this is the case, you will need to re-calibrate the speedometer. Check out this general how-to on doing just that.

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