A couple of questions from a new owner and a story.

Hello.
Firstly I would like to introduce myself (already did so on the new member forum but want to expand on the story). A month ago I totalled my car. It was a dark, wet, foggy, unlit construction zone and I was far from home. Probably one of the worst experiences of my life. In a couple of short hours I discovered how shitty car accidents are and how great the southern hospitality is.
I found myself needing a new car and quick. When I got back to Toronto I started looking for a Tacoma. I was after a 2009-2011 V6 AC. I found a silver 2010 for a great price and bought it. The night before I picked it up my plated and registered truck was stolen off the dealer lot. Needless to say I had to start looking from scratch. I ended up finding a 2009 Barcelona Red Manual TRD OffRoad. I am over the moon and sort of glad the other one got stolen.
Now on to my question.
From my understanding in 2009 they released Hill-Assist as standard. Now when I look in the manual it said "if equipped." Now when I try a less than tactful hill start I am sure it is not equipped. What models had this and what didn't. I figured a TRD would have it. Is there a way to equip this after the fact? I am not 100% adept at the park break start at the moment as the relocation from my other cars is throwing me off.
There is a distinct lack of gauges and fuel consumption data. It's my understanding that most people went with the ScanGauge. Now what's the thought on Ultra Gauge for a OEM style install in the sunglasses pocket. I want any installs to look factory or fairly close so I was planning on getting a aluminum plate routed with a cutout and mount for it. But the downside of the Ultra is the buttons are on the back. In the process of surface mounting it I could relocate the buttons to the plate but don't want to void warranties if it's not a must.
Other than those two questions right now I am stoked to have joined the Taco addiction.
Thanks for your time.
Kieran

 

Pretty sure the 2009+ hill assist modes were standard on TRD Off Road automatics only, so you've got the right year range & trim package but not trans. No input on other queries.

Crazy about a purchased/plated rig getting swiped before pickup. Musta been fate.

 

I don't know if it can be added or not, but you might just want to live with it this way for a while and see if you get used to not having it. My last car was a 6spd Subaru Forester, it had hill start assist. The hill start would get in the way of a smooth start on steeper hills, it would hold too much and release hard making for a jerky start. My car before that was a 6spd ecoboost Fusion, its hill start was even worse(especially slippery weather as it used the rear wheels to hold but the front wheels to drive) but it was much easier to disable I never used it on that car.

 

To have hill start assist, you need to have downhill assist which, as stated, is not available on manual transmission models

 

toronto eh... check this site out; www.sontt.com, all toyota's from your area! nice truck.

 

Another thing to consider when choosing between Ultragauge and Scangauge is that the Ultragauge cannot be programmed using additional codes. I've managed to add rudimentary AFR, full transmission temperature, and some other neat readings to my Scangauge using codes that can be found on this website. The Ultragauge doesn't allow for that sort of programming.

Manual means not hill start control on this truck as others have mentioned.

I installed my Scangauge with the rear view mirror kit. It looks very good IMHO. Maybe not factory but very close.

 

Hill assist is only for auto transmissions. Sorry.

 

Thanks for the replies. I understand now that hill assist is auto only. I guess I assumed it only made sense that it would include the 6speed. I figured manual trans would benefit more from it. I guess I will practice the e-break start a bit. I used to be good at in my E28 and E30 BMWs but maybe I got a bit rusty..
From my research it seems ScanGauge despite its archaic display it offered the best features. I will do an aluminum plate over the sunglasses holder or mount it by the rear view. I need to assess how I want to use it and what kind of ergonomics I need.
Thanks for your help. .

 

Also the Scan Gauge has the buttons on the front while the Ultra Gauge has buttons on the back. If you are mounting the unit where back access is limited you will be better off with the Scan Gauge. I got the Scan Gauge as I mounted mine in a pocket so would not have back access.

 

Manuals have always had hill start assist. It's called the hand brake.

 

I am finding the dash mounted park break a little cumbersome to work on hills. I am used to it when its mounted in a normal position but these truck ergonomics are getting the best of me.

 

Hold it in the quarter turn "release" position but hold pressure on it. As you release the clutch, ease off on the E-brake pressure. You won't move an inch even on steep hills.