st215 drama

[Jingle Balls]

Hi there

I've done as much research as I can with no definitive view on what should be done for my auto 97 caldina gtt issue.

The issue:
It seems when rpm goes above 2000 for a few seconds, it throws CEL and VSC lights and will not shift from 3rd.
My search:
It seems there is a common fault with the dash cluster in these cars that cause an issue with the VSS that generates similar symptoms (but not quite the same) so I will look into that, however the speedo always works fine so it doesn't seem like this issue?
I've tried using my OBD2 scan tool to check the code, but this car doesn't seem to be compliant. On searching how to check the codes, I can't find any info on how to physically retrieve them, other than what the codes are

Any help is appreciated

Cheers

[Stu-]

Yes it will more than likely be the faulty track inside the gauge cluster - had the same with mine.

[Jingle Balls]

I've located the common fault chip and there is nothing wrong with the solder, it looks perfect. will continue to look into this further, any help would be appreciated

[Stu-]

The old fashioned way of getting codes with Toyota ecu is to bridge te1 and e1 on the diagnostic plug. I had a 97 gtt and the scan tool worked fine on it for some reason

[Jingle Balls]

Great thanks. I might buy another scanner and try that

[fivebob]

Some scan tools work, most don't. Easier to bridge the TC & CG pins on the connector for ECU codes (IIRC it's pin 12 & CG for ABS codes)

[Jingle Balls]

Thanks I will do that as the cheap Bluetooth one I just bought also doesn't work.

After reassembling the gauge cluster, the VSC light now comes on straight away rather than once the check engine light does. Given the only things to be touched, I'm thinking the problem either is in the gauge cluster inspite of the appearance of good condition, or the dash wiring harness

[Stu-]

It was a faulty track in mine, no visual give away, just bad connectivity when testing with a meter. I just soldered on a bridge wire - job done.

[Jingle Balls]

That's great info thanks. I might buy another cluster to use for parts/testing

[Jingle Balls]

New cluster didn't help, maybe it has the same issue. Bollocks.

Without throwing more unnecessary parts purchases at it, I better find out how this vss system works.

My questions are now:

Which wire in the harness is the vss? Does the sensor send a voltage or resistance to the dash cluster and what is the expected range? How does it then get to the ecu? Where is the sensor(s)?

[Jingle Balls]

For anyone in the future that searches the symptoms and finds this thread, the knock sensor had failed

[Dell'Orto]

Thanks for that, always good to hear the resolution!