the speedometer on my 97 toyota camary stopped working and the check engine light came on why
Toyota should recall them, seriously, there have been over 1000 complaints of this same problem on the 2002 Toyota Camry - check google.
Why?
Try replacing temperature sensor
Probably the electronics going bad.
"http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Which_fuse_operates_the_speedometer_for_a_1996_toyota_camry"
If the speedometer doesn't work either, then the cable broke or came loose. Otherwise, the gears in the odometer broke.
We had a 1996 Camry. The window activation constantly blew a fuse for the speedometer, dash lights, etc. My mechanic said over the phone that it was a wire short in the drivers door, and sure enough, that was it.
Cooling system airbound? Temperature control not working? Low coolant? Water pump not circulating coolant?
Will a 1998 Toyota Camry motor fit in a 1999 Toyota Camry
Check the speed sensor.
Most likely the speed sensor is on its way out.