2018 TRD PRO Grille TSS-P Radar Trouble Shooting/Fixes

As the original 2018 TRD Pro Grille/TSS-P Radar thread is getting long and and contains information that is not specifically related to the Radar issue I'm starting a new thread to focus on this issue.

I installed my grille today and I went the "ghetto Garnish" route. I installed a 3.875 x 2.675 square of 1/8 lexan, pained black in front of my sensor. Initially I had no issue, but now I'm consistently getting the failure indication on the panel.

If you weed through the original thread you'll find all kinds of experiences that people have had with their installations.

There has to be an answer to this issue that does not require the OEM Garnish.

So, if you have done this mod, please post your results as it pertains to the radar. Successes and failures. Maybe we can use this data to zero in on a fix that will help everyone.

Cheers!

 

I just purchased a 2018 DCLB OR and want to switch my grille to the Pro setup. I might be confused but why is everyone trying so hard to not use the OEM Garnish? Is it just cost?

 

Why the aversion to the OEM garnish? I appreciate your question, but there’s a point of diminishing returns here. You can buy the OEM piece for less than $50. If you value your time, you’ve probably invested more than that already, and that tally will continue to rise if you’re going to try other solutions.

 

As a side note, I purchased the 2018 Pro grille and the OEM garnish. No issues whatsoever with TSS.

 

Good to know. That is the route I plan on going. Thanks for the info.

 

Agree with Cata, why try to reinvent something that is already out there for $50? You spent the money on the new grille, why get cheap now over $20 plus your time?

 

Because, for me, while $50 is not a big deal, I just wanna know how the thing works!

OP, I think as there are quite a few variations in grills between the OEM MYs and the Chinas it may be best to get a description of the grill, as well what we're using for a 'garnish,' if any at all. That being said, I have:

Screw on letters 2 piece style China grill with a TSS screw on mount.
Plastic license plate garnish

When screwed directly onto my China TSS mount, I was popping up errors almost immediately after moving the truck. I realized the sensor sits much closer to its garnish area than the OEM Chrome Grill, which leaves a good inch or so of clearance. I have been experimenting with this spacing and have spaced out what I could out of the OEM 10mm bolts that bolt into the aluminum inserts that we transfer over. After doing that I get maybe 10 minutes or so into my drive before getting a sensor error, and I can even have it turn off and on throughout the drive as well.

I am at the point now where I'm going to look into longer bolts with the thought of getting a solid inch of spacing between the sensor and the garnish, and will then report back.

 

I have a 2018 TRD Sport 4x4. I installed the ebay knockoff Pro Grille with the OEM garnish.

It’s been on for 2 weeks with zero radar issues to date. I use the adaptive cruise control on a regular basis.

 

Because, like others have said, I want to figure out why it wouldn't work this way not to mention the OEM Garnish is UGLY!

 

Good observation, was thinking along those lines too. Keep us posted on your findings but it sounds like you're moving the ball in the right direction.

 

I’ll give you that!

 

Ok, I'm going to try spacing my sensor back away from the grille. I'm going to add 3 10mm plastic spacers between the sensor and the grille mount. The original hardware was 6x15mm, so I grabbed two 6x25mm bolts. I also found a suitable sheetmetal screw in my bench stock that should work for the screw replacement.

I'll report my results.

 

As we speak I'm working on the exact same thing, with the same solution, too. I measured the dead space between the OEM bracket mount and the stock Toyota logo, and compared it to the dead space between the China bracket mount and the 'garnish' area I was using...

OEM - 1"
China - .5"

I'm using 1/2" wing nuts as spacers, and also to make the adjustments if necessary and will bolt back up. FWIW the 10mm bolts are

$9 M6-1.0 M6 Black Acorn Cap Nuts, Stainless Steel 304 (18-8) Black Coating Acorn Nuts, 20Pcs-Pack

M6-1.0 bolts. I grabbed a set of 40mm long bolts so I have room to play. Will report back.

 

Update:

Installed 10mm spacers on my sensor, the system fails twice as fast as privious. So no luck there.

Interestingly, when I first installed the grille I tested the system and drove 10-15 miles with no issues, now I get about 5 miles before failure. What's killing me is I love the look of this grille but the amber failure icon is driving me nuts!

 

Is the garnish even necessary? Mine has been off for a week and I have had no issues. Toyota wants me to come in tomorrow to put it on and I'm debating even having them put it on because it looks so much better without it.

 

Where did you order it from? Message me if you would like.

 

When you say you don't have the Garnish installed, I assume you have the grille piece in place that comes with the grille, right?

 

Um yes? Unless you want to buy a new sensor if an object or small rock strikes it and damages it, the garnish at $50 is a good insurance policy...plus over time, dust, dirt and depending where you live, snow can accumulate and render your sensor ineffective. The garnish doesn’t allow build up and can be wiped down...OEM is proven and tested so there is no question about TSS operability when using OEM...the garnish pops right in, and has all the screw holes. I get the DIY’ers side of stuff, but personally somethings are not worth the time and effort, especially when it comes to saftey. Someone said it above real we’ll, why try to reinvent the wheel? If it doesn’t work, you’ve jeopardized the reliability of your saftey system if you do rely on it. Not to mention no one will be able to help troubleshoot issues and the dealer will easily deny warranty service because it’s make shift. Even if it works, and your sensor coincidentally stops functioning for some other unrelated issue, to avoid the hassle you’ll have to spend time putting your old grille back on, or end up spending the $50 on the garnish before going in for warranty work to avoid giving the dealer any little reason to put up a fight. To me, all that time and effort spent is worth more than the $50 spent upfront in the first place, just my opinion, no disrespect to anyone and as always, to each his own! Good luck OP!

 

There is a rhyme and reason behind the OEM design and you’ve demonstrated why just right here...based on your photo, you kept the honey comb trap door and put the lexan piece behind it? If so, the reason you’re having issues is due to deflection! Your radar is scattered! If I’m wrong then a picture of how you have it would help, because I don’t see the lexan, I see the pre ‘18 pro grill, where TSS wasn’t a component to worry about...moral of the story is it needs to be flat and smooth if directly in front of the TSS radar sensor.

 

I have not seen the OEM garnish in person. Can you confirm it is flat on both sides?