Toyota speed sensor
Introduction
This page documents Toyota speed sensors.
There are two main types of Toyota speed / position sensor, ‘3 Wire’ and ‘2 Wire’. These are described in more detail below.
3 Wire Speed Sensor
The 3 wire speed sensor output signal is a square wave signal that connects between the input power source (battery voltage) and the power ground. The speed sensor outputs 4 pulses (High to Low voltage transitions) for each speed sensor revolution.
Most Toyota 3 wire speed sensors have the below (90980-11143) plug connection, however it is worth noting that there are some 20 pulse / revolution Toyota speed sensors that have a different (triangular) plug connection. Note, the below plug (90980-11143) connects to the speed sensor, the below plug image does not show the pin out of the sensor, it shows the pin out of the plug that connects to the speed sensor.
Pin | Symbol | Definition | Input / Output (To Sensor = Input) (From Sensor = Output) |
Description | Usual Wire Colour |
1 | IGN | 3 Wire, Speed Sensor Power (Ignition Switched) | Input | This pin is used to supply ignition switched battery power (+12V) to the speed sensor. This pin needs to be connected to an ignition switched power source that supplies battery voltage when the ignition is in the RUN and CRANK Positions. | Yellow (Y) |
2 | 3 Wire, Speed Sensor Ground | Input | This pin is used to supply the power ground for the speed sensor. This pin needs to be connected to ground. | Red (R) | |
3 | SP1 | 3 Wire, Speed Sensor Output | Output | This pin is used to output the speed signal. This pin most commonly connects to the dash cluster, however in some arrangements this can vary.
The 3 wire speed sensor output signal is a square wave signal that connects between the input power source (battery voltage) and the power ground. The speed sensor normally outputs 4 pulses (High to Low voltage transitions) for each speed sensor revolution. |
Light Blue – Red Dash (L-R) |
2 Wire Speed Sensor
The 2 wire speed sensor is a variable reluctance, also refereed to as ‘reluctor’ or ‘inductive’ type sensor. This type of speed sensors outputs an AC type voltage waveform transition each time the speed sensor passes past a ferromagnetic tooth. The sensor requires no external power, unlike the 3 wire speed sensor which requires external power.
It is relevant to note that when the polarity of the two wires of the 2 wire speed sensor are correct the voltage will rise and then fall.
The voltage and frequency will both increase as the rotor speed increases.
Toyota 2 wire speed sensors have the below (90980-11156) plug connection. Note, the below plug connects to the speed sensor, the below plug image does not show the pin out of the sensor, it shows the pin out of the plug that connects to the speed sensor.
Pin | Symbol | Definition | Input / Output (To Sensor = Input) (From Sensor = Output) |
Description |
1 | SP2+ | 2 Wire Speed Sensor Signal Positive (+) | Output | This pin is used as the positive reference of the AC voltage signal that is outputted. |
2 | SP2- | 2 Wire Speed Sensor Signal Negative (-) | Output | This pin is used as the negative reference of the AC voltage signal that is outputted. |
Dash & Engine ECU Speed Sensor Connections
There are a number of different arrangements which are used to connect the vehicle speed sensor to both the dash cluster and the engine (and other) ECUs.
The most common connection is as follows:
Gearbox mounted 3 wire speed sensor -> Dash -> Engine ECU
JZA80 VVTi Automatic have an unconventional arrangement in which the engine ECU is responsible for generating the speed signal to the dash.
Gearbox mount 2 wire speed sensor -> Engine ECU -> Dash
Later model systems use the Multiplex (serial communications network) to transmit the speed signal to the dash.
Gearbox mounted speed sensor (3 or 2 wire depending on automatic or manual transmission) -> Engine ECU -> Dash (via Multiplex network)