3rd Gen Automatic to manual swap

needing more info. liking the idea. i want a 2021 dclb with a 6mt.

 

The first image under other is auto trans. That same diagram shows circuitry with and without push start (labeled 1 and 2). To me it looks like it won’t work with push start as there is no physical ignition switch in push start (in other words, pressing the push start button actually just tells the ECM to start the engine). I assume it works the same way how you can start the engine on from your phone, using the Toyota app.

If you follow the circuit for push start it goes directly from ECU to starter relay. So basically ECU controls the starter, the push button just tells the ECU you start the engine. I doubt manual ECU would work in this system, as it would be a non-push start ECU. Non-push start ECU cannot control the starter relay, as the ECU is not part of the circuit in that case (it goes from ignition switch to start).

 

My buddy Bill knew I was playing around....can’t speak for the others.

 

I see something call Ignition Switch 2. The diagram seems to imply that it is a physical switch.

 

Yes, but check the left lower corner of the diagram. It says that switch is only present in w/o smart key (or without push start).

with push start ignition switch is gone, but there are output/input connection into “ECU certification”. Output from ECU certification goes to starter relay. Basically, when we push start, ECU certifies everything is in place and start the engine.

 

Tacoma sex change = bad idea

Just buy a new truck. They can dealer swap anything you want at least here in california.

 

I think it only matters that power gets sent to the starter relay. Isn’t it still possible that would happen if the manual ECM has the same STA input/output as the smart key version?

 

Why not swap something that isn’t already available in a Tacoma...like an 8 cylinder engine?

 

Very insightful. I don’t think anyone mentioned that yet.

 

this what im talking about right here, how can I build a 4 runner like dis

 

Maybe. But on the diagram they called it smart key ECU assembly. It looks like those systems are integrated. So I would think manual ECU would not work with smart key chip or module (what ever Toyota calls it). And manual ECU might not have an output for starter since even remote start is not an option on the manual. One can potentially bypass the ECU and put in a physical switch to the starter. But I don’t know how that would interact with the anti-theft system. In my opinion that would cause the immobilizer to kick in.

 

Yea, maybe. My point is that we still don’t have enough info to say whether it’s possible or not.

 

Based on these diagrams, I’m almost certain you could get the push button to work with the manual ECM without a lot of effort. The ECM only seems to care about the input/output at pins 12 and 13 which appear to be the same for smart key, non-smart key and manual. The routing is slightly different for smart key vs no smart key, but that shouldn’t matter. If the ECM sees a signal from the ignition switch whether through the smart key module or the key cylinder then it sends power to the starter relay.

The only thing that needs to be wired is the clutch safety switch in place of the neutral switch (this is EXACTLY the same as the 2nd gen and really most vehicles for that matter). It’s pretty straightforward, not the rocket ship some of you made it out to be.

 

But smart key ECU has built in certification process (it looks like all those input lines labeled as C29 are the things ECU check before allowing the engine to power on). How are you going to make make it authenticate manual transmission? If you look at the diagram smart key ECU doesn’t have any physical switches that regulate the power going to the starter, it is all computer controlled. If you put in manual transmission and connect it to the ECU, it will not recognize it, authentication will fail, and therefore it will not send power to the starter.

A non push start ECU that can recognize the manual transmission on the other hand would not recognize the push start system.

 

I’m almost certain that the smart key ECU doesn’t care about the engine ECM. There is a separate immobilizer unit that needs to be “synced” with the ECU (the procedure to do this is pretty straightforward). The smart key ECU appears to intake the signal from the push button, verify the remote key and send the start signal to the engine ECM. The engine ECM sends the 12v signal to the starter relay to close the contact to send power to the starter. I don’t see anything in here that would suggest that it somehow needs to “recognize” the manual transmission. I think the only electrical connections to the transmission is the reverse switch to turn the backup lights on. Also, I think you are assuming that the automatic engine ECM would be retained. I suggest swapping to the manual engine ECM so there would be no conflict with the transmission. I think we are just trying to determine if the push button start could work with a manual ECM and transmission since that combo was never offered from the factory. My opinion based on what I’m seeing here is yes it could work.

 

nicely done! I’m making a mental note to find your posts about your conversion and read up on it more. Impressive.

I spent 3 years looking for my truck. I know firsthand how hard it is to find what you want, used, in good condition, at a price you like.

Exactly my thought. If OP makes this happen and we have a roadmap, DCLB MT would be a very unique truck to own.

Also, for the comments on Tesla motor(s), that’s my end game plan for my truck if I’m able to learn enough in the next decade to attempt it. Hence I’m highly interested in this but for a different reason.

Good luck OP!

 

What I would probably do is find a bare bones OR or Sport with the MT and use that as the donor.

As.you go, moving parts over, which would include the RD (or perhaps the entire rear axle) and drive line, ECU, internal trim pieces, etc, you replace the parts in the donor vehicle.

When everything is done, you could sell the base MT OR/Sport for what you paid for it (or even a profit) as it would now have the more desirable AT.

Potentially, aside from the initial outlay of another $30k (or so) the entire transfer of transmissions wouldnt cost you a dime (Give or take).

 

Almost certain = uncertain

 

It's called the clutch start switch...

Maybe..since it's a dream...

 

the OP got his post count up ...............no less full bore down the rabbit hole

tooooo EZ to drop the auto trans

EZ to find a wrecked ........salvaged......total taco whereby trans.....drive shafts

pedals & console would volunteer to find a new home

all the above the EZ part

cheap with NO headache unless the OP wants to go with NEW OEM across the counter Toyota

a CPA + Brinks truck would need to be Front / center at the parts counter

no surprise Many are negative about the idea

ALL should have agreed to see if the OP would pull the trigger...................

NOT