Electronics of Tacomas

Tacomas have lots of different options and Im curious if anyone has attempted adding factory options to their Tacos. For instance, a taco with factory navi is going to have the navi pop-up on their instrument cluster. This would require computer firmware that corresponds with having that option. Or like the TRD that has tilt/angle sensors...basically, youd need the sensors, the module, and the communication back to the main dashboard display and the corresponding software.

Ive got 4 questions 1. Has anyone ever hacked/changed the software of their Taco computer to add factory options? 2. Does anyone know how the systems communicate/interact with each other? 3. Does anyone know what would be involved in adding a feature from a higher trim level to a lower trim level? 4. What is the name of the software that toyota uses to program its modules?

Im a controls technician and I have a rough idea of how this is done but if anyone knows, Id like to be pointed in the right direction.

 

There was a person here attempting to hack the head unit and center display as a teacher at a tech school. They got pulled away for other stuff. I think the internet was to use a raspberry pi as an interfacing tool.

That is about all that I know.

 

The roll and pitch screens show up on the TRDOR and I assume on the TRD PRO, but not the TRD Sport. I've never seen a way to enable those screens on other models. I tried to add the automatic on/off lights to my 2016 SR5 and failed (I was able to add the sensor and the dash dimming responded to it but not the headlights and, I couldn't find a way to enable them in Techstream. Some things seem to be auto detected has when I installed an aftermarket head unit in one of my Tacomas the Nav menu disappeared form the cluster. Some options are easy to add like the fog lights and intermittent wipers on the SR. (Just adding and/or swapping components).

 

I was reading up on Techstream but none of the info I read talked about auto-locating and configuring new modules. Does Toyota systems auto-detect and install new modules or is there an installation/configuration process? If Toyota works like most automation systems work, the modules communicate with each other on a proprietary communication bus. Some systems auto detect and install new modules but some of them need to be configured and installed.

With the exception of minor differences, in theory, you should be able to install any factory options on a Tacoma as long as the modules can communicate and integrate. You SHOULD be able to bolt on a module, install any related sensors, connect to the comm bus, and it should integrate with the rest of the system...how far off is this thinking?

Ive seen some websites claiming they have a downloadable copy of Techstream but Im always wary of these sites...anybody have a reliable link to a safe Techstream download?

 

Depends on the dealer, and if your willing to pay/wait if their able to order you the truck with those options built at the toyota plant. Local dealers i went to didn't want to bother. Had to go to one of the big guys out of state.

 

I dont want to order a truck with those options...I already have a Taco. Im trying to figure out how their systems communicate and integrate with one another. If I can figure out how they communicate with one another, I can figure out how to ADD factory options on my existing truck.

 

With the Ford software you can enable different factory options, but I haven’t been able to do that with Techstream. If you look up the “software update for the manual” tech stream is linked there. I think @tonered has the link in his signature.

 

I found a service manual on here...it doesnt say specifically but it looks like it is plug and play setup. IF the module is there, Techstream sees it as long as it is on the communications bus.

On many vehicles, if a module goes bad, there is a "relearn" procedure. For instance, if a TCM (Transmission control module) goes bad on a GM, you cant just swap it out and be on your way, you have to re-integrate it back into the ECM/PCM with a relearn procedure. If Toyota follows the same principal, adding a module and sensors that didnt exist before would either require a learning procedure or it would do it automatically.

Theoretically speaking, robbing all the parts from a TRD and putting them on a SR5 and forcing the system to accept the new modules/sensors SHOULD work. The question is, what would be involved?

 

Thank you sir!

 

Any time!