ShiftSense Pro - transmission shift controller for Gen3 Tacoma

I bet this will help out lifted guys on bigger tires more than not lifted or bigger tires

 

It's funny that the auto trans was designed for and exists in the new turbodiesel hilux. Same ratios and everything. I bet it dominates in that platform with all that torque.

 

Took the plunge. Can't get any worse than it already is. Order 1107 placed.

 

Care to elaborate?

 

He was just being unhelpful. Yes you can mount it anywhere you want, just make sure the power button is on.

I received mine last Thursday but was out if town. Got home a few days early and got the unit installed today. Took maybe 12 minutes. I have mine laying on top of the qi charger since I don't use it. I'll probably just tuck it under the console eventually. I just wanted to get it installed and see how it worked.

I only had time for a few miles but it does shift earlier without the need to push the pedal to the floor. I haven't had time for a nice long drive but so far it's $175 well spent. I think my order was #1034. Yes, for $175 I'd recommend it. It's a cheap fix if you are at all frustrated with the shifting. If you're ok with the way it shifts stock, then you probably don't need it.

The beep.....anyone concerned about it don't be. Honestly I can't even hear it. I had to ask my passenger, "did you hear it beep". Their reply "yes but it's not very loud". If you had window down, sun roof open, music playing or A/C fan on more than medium, you probably won't even hear it.

 

Thank you for the details. I'll be getting mine soon!!

 

I am happy with my truck in D 95% of the time. I applaud your efforts to fix the alleged transmission issues. What I find most scandalous is the degree to which most owners are bereft of knowledge on the most basic functions of their truck. To wit: this thread.

 

Probably because Toyota doesn't point out the fact these transmissions shift much differently than people have become accustomed to them shifting. Most people have learned over the years that when you slightly press the accelerator pedal, the transmission shifts to the next lower gear. Not having to press it more than half way and then having it jump backwards two gears. It's great you're happy with the new, different shifting. Some of us are not. Choices are good.

 

Received it Friday, installation took maybe 15 minutes - most spent trying to take off the center console - best not to 303 it the day before - it's a bit slippery if you do!

I drove around 150 miles - a combination of suburbia, wide open freeway, and then center city traffic.

Short review: The absolute BEST mod I've done to the truck!

Long review: Installation was really easy - put it inside the center console using heavy duty velcro, fired her up and put her in S mode - heard the faint beep and tucked everything away. Easy!

I've been doing this route a bit lately... The plan was to drive the entire way down as I have always done - in usual D mode with ETC engaged. The usual transmission issues that frustrate me and want me to get rid of her within a year or two... Such poor mapping on this vehicle...

Did the return trip with the new software engaged - MUCH better - transmission shifted as I would have if a manual. Sure I thought the transition from 4-5 was a bit overdue, but realized that it was actually where it 'should' be given how 5th is quite the step... Same for 6th - I normally freeway cruise at around 70-75 and drive lazy to keep from having her drop back and forth between 5th & 6th...

So I experimented - once on the open freeway, I just hit her back into D mode (without ETC) as I usually do for some 75 mph mellow cruising. Kept her there until I exited back into suburbia when I slid her back into S and the magic resumed.

Mileage was about the same 21 mpg each way, so now noticeable change - but the frustration was gone while in the city & in suburbia , and I didn't have to engage ETC at all. Much better driving experience, overall. Well done!

In terms of the beep - with the unit inside the center console, you actually have to listen for it and most people wouldn't even hear it if they didn't expect it. If you shift on the move, you wouldn't hear it at all..

I'm glad I bought it and believe it's the reason I will actually keep this vehicle... I'm looking forward to tow with it as well.

 

Are you driving all stock truck?

 

Maybe I missed it, can this be tuned manually or is the standalone unit inside this tiny box locked away like Toyota does to its ecu's?

 

What do you normally get?

 

It's not tunable. I don't blame the creator either. He probably couldn't sell one that's highly tunable for liability reasons.

Also, if it was open, then all the time and money he's poured into it could be easily copied and stolen.

The only thing that I wish it had is a way to upgrade for future releases (if there are any).

 

Toyota did not need to tell me. I noticed it immediately when I drove the truck before buying it.

 

Has anyone used this for towing?

My Tacoma doesn't like 65mph on the highway towing my camper, on any incline it downshifts to 3rd and stays there for quite some time even after getting back to flat ground. Sucks down gas too while towing.

Would Toyota be able to detect this, thus denying any related warranty work?

 

Like I said, I'm totally satisfied with the way my truck shifts. And with over 20k miles my average mpg is above 23 which is better than I was expecting. Good for the unhappy people to have an option.

 

So, it's come down to trying this product or possibly trading. What sucks is this truck is like a super hot chic that's batshit crazy

 

Yeah you dont want to put a ring on it , you love to drive it but it could be even better?

 

My cruise control is usable now!