Automatic Transmission Temperature Gauge Installation

Hey My 1st Gen Tacoma Brothers,

If your automatic transmission rig doesn't offer trans temp info from the ECU, you're in the same boat I was in with my 98 4runner. So, I did something about it and installed an aftermarket gauge. My installation should be very similar to 1st Gen Tacomas so I thought I'd share it with Y'all.

Here's the video and Enjoy the Show!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/fT_2szdKXRM

 

Thank you for showing how to remove the grab handle on the driver's side without removing the steering wheel.

Unfortunately for me, I only had a short impact driver at the time I tried this on the lower screw, and it wouldn't clear the steering wheel. I wound up really boogering the screw's head by drilling it and inserting an easy-out that I then proceeded to break of level with the screw's head.

 

Already saw the video and liked, awesome work.

 

Interesting that in the video at about 0:01:20 you mention no trans temp data is available from the ECU for '97 and '98 but you don't mention the '99s. Can you pull trans temp data on '99 4Runner and Tacoma automatics via the OBD port?

 

You got some great videos Timmah. I've watched a lot of them even before I got the taco and again while doing repairs. Keep it up

 

Yes, you can pull trans temp data for the 99's and up via the OBD II port.

 

This is not entirely true. 1999 is when SOME trucks started to report this data to OBD. My 99 Prerunner 3RZ does not report this data, believe me, I have tried all possible code combinations. The 1999 4runners do report this data, but they tend to be a few years ahead in technology anyway. I have read that some versions of 1999 tacomas will report the data, but it depends on engine and transmission combinations.

 

That's interesting. I assumed if the 99 4runner offered it, the 99 Tacoma would too. I guess the Tacoma is the red-headed step child of the Toyota family.

 

Yea in my experience the 4Runner gets features about 2 years earlier than the tacoma. Face lift for 4Runner was 99, facelift for tacoma was 01. 4Runner went to 4th gen in 03, tacoma went to 2nd gen in 05... notice a trend?

 

So I’m thinking of getting the maxtow gauge and the a pillar pod and using a 12v male to splice into.


I dont care for the dimmer, just need the power. Now for the trans tee fitting will it be the same size as yours? Also I forgot which line the sending or returning line to splice into? is the line under the same location as yours? Thanks tim.