ECU update at Dealer

I have one of the first 2017 models - bought end of Aug 2016 and had some of the weird trans stuff. I took the TSB into the dealer and told them I was having some of the issues at the 20K service. They said they needed to drive the truck and if it exhibited the issues they would update. They did the update and it really helped in multiple areas. Truck would hold gears much longer rather than jumping to 5th too early and then having to downshift again to 4th to accelerate. Add in the tune and it feels like the truck lost 1000 lbs.

 

Attached is TC 1601 PDF. It is dated 14 July 2016, but OP just had the re-flash. We probably need to check if this TSB was done on our trucks.

I find it hard to believe that this existed for so long without Smitty screaming from the rooftops to get this done.

 

On Nove 15, 2016, they revised it to include some 2017 models but it is the same revision from July 2016.

 

Op's model is a 2017 with 10K miles probably about 6 to 8 months old.(right OP??). Mine is 14 mo w/ 25K ( I drive the tar out of her)

Below is how to check for revisions to the ECU. It looks like a sticker on the hood.

It probably has "Intel Inside" on the label"

 

I'll definitely take a look for this! Yea, I got the truck in January (almost 11 months old).

Whatever they did, the truck feels great!! Just a slight press of the gas and away we go. Passing is no longer an issue! No lag between pressing the gas, the down shift and the acceleration!!

 

We have learned over in the OVtune development thread that much of what controls auto trans shifting is incorporated into the ECU code (shift maps etc). I'm afraid none of these "shift feel enhancement" TSBs are intended for your M/T Taco, and you can see this in the document itself as it refers to the auto trans specifically.

To my knowledge, a TSB does not exist that specifically addresses M/T trucks and their drivetrain related issues - the most annoying being terrible throttle response/delay. Another eye-opener is the fact that there are actually three versions (so far) of OEM ECU calibration for V6 M/T trucks (04B10, 04B11, and 04B12). My truck is an early build '16, and runs 04B10, while other members driving '17 models have reported their calibration version is 04B12. SO, if there have been changes to the coding, what are they? If they enhance throttle response etc, why no TSB Toyota? Well, the 3 versions could take into account other things like Sport/OR/Pro differences.. or stupid shit like power sliding rear window added in 17 - I honestly don't know. What I do know is the dealer will not apply the above mentioned TSB to your manual trans Tacoma.

There is only one solution at this point, and that is OVtune. Yep, paying $800 shipped for something that corrects stuff that Toyota should have addressed seems ridiculous. It's either that or lose a lot more $$ getting rid of your truck - or living with it (which I will not do).

Frank

 

Hopefully i get the ecu update next time i go in if there is one, whatever they did for now the truck drives a lot better! even the cruise control is a little better no more crazy shifting to get up the tiniest hill. I'd recommend everyone go get this done if you can.

 

I purchased my 2017 in April 2017. Do you think this update was already on my truck when I purchased it or is this something that just recently came out? Thanks!

 

Same boat as him ^ Just purchased a 2017, what are the chances it has the update?

 

I guess I'll mention this to the service dept when I go in for my 5k service. It can't hurt and seems to make everyone happy on here!

I've only had my 2017 for a couple months (2k miles on her) and wonder if it applies to mine as well.

Does anyone know if there is a way to check if our VIN applies to this TSB, or is it only the dealership that can check?

 

I'm pretty sure if any of these listed numbers in additional information are in your vin, yours probably needs to be updated, at least my vin contains one of those codes.


i could be totally wrong though

 

Thanks, Frank.

Yeah, my hopes died when the invoice was posted. Automatic changes only.

That just gives me a target to save for.

 

I purchased my truck in February 2017. When I went in for my 5k mile service I asked about the ECM reprogram and my truck already had the update applied. I have the harsh 1-2 shift/clunk when cold occasionally, the delayed upshift when on cruise control, and hunting for gears. Cruise control is definitely the worst for me as I use it often. Any grade at all and the truck upshifts. I drive my truck <20 miles a day and commute on mostly backroads, so it isn't much of an issue most of the time. I do love the truck, but I wish it would hold the gears better. When I go in for the 10k mile service I'm going to have them check the ECM again. Will report back. I'm at just over 9200 miles now.

 

I wonder if this will last, or if the truck will learn it's old behavior again. It's been reported that other updates have helped for a time, then the transmission "learned" it's bad habits again.

 

That's why I use negative reinforcement. I whip the crap out of the truck.

Funny... the truck calls it positive reinforcement. She loves to run free.

 

Took mine in two weeks ago for 10,000 mile service and mentioned that I had the 3-4 shift flare. When I picked up the truck they mentioned that they applied a TSB. The truck is much more responsive now around town, and I wasn't even disappointed with how it was driving when I took it in. Unfortunately my highway experience regressed and it's doing the 5-6 gear hunting again. I'm hoping that works out over time. Mine is a 2017 that I picked up in September of 2016.

 

I don't see this sticker under the hood.... The only sticker there states the engine type.

 

Whatever they did to mine, it definitely holds the gears much better and is much more responsive/peppy.

I heard the "clunk" this morning when the engine was still "cold", but it was very minor compared to before. In cruise control it still goes from 6-5-4 on minor inclines, but that doesn't bother me.

I'd really like to hear what your experiences will be...There seem to be a couple of us who are having positive results.

 

I need to do this.

 

When did you buy your truck/when was it manufactured? Mine was made in late 2016.