ECU TSB Update

You can buy it and resell it. They sell almost instantly here for $100-130

 

I bought mine from a TW member for $150 shipped. I saved like $30 from buying directly from Tactrix, and I was already looking for one for a couple months. You could probably sell it for about the same.

 

I was able to program a transponder key with a cheapo Amazon cable (this was long before I got my tactrix cable) and it worked just fine. Not sure I would recommend it to someone else though...

 

I used a cable purchased off Amazon to program my FOB and a Lexus Key Card. No issues at all. I've been running the Lexus key card for well over a year now.

 

Ok I’m responding with advise.
Let Toyota do it.
They will scan it and update to the latest trans software.
It does help.

 

I was in for the fuel pump recall today and got mine updated at Savannah Toyota today. Not a big hassle, they just said they had to write something in the "complaint/symptom" field. I said "doesn't shift right"

I haven't driven it too much today afterwards, but it seems MUCH better. I usually hit ECT as soon as I get in. I did not feel the need on the way home.

 

I have been trying to make sense of all this information, as some of it seems to contradict itself.

OK

Or should i say some posters contradict others.

More chiefs than indians

I have a 2018 OR 4X4 and I am about ready to sell it. Theres a lot to love on the thing don't get me wrong. My biggest complaint is the erratic and unpredictable shifting. I think i am at a point where i am going to try the newest toyota update because i really don't want to sell it.

Logical and the update will make you happy.

It seems like that is the best way to go after reading mixed reviews on the OV tunes stuff. I have no problem spending the money but just want to clarify, the only way to use techstream and update the newest toyota information into my ecu is via the tactrix cable?

Yes, with regards to your talking point. The other way is to get a Toyota service center to flash your ecu by honoring the Technical Service Bulletin(s) T-SB-0058 or T-SB-0062. Either TSB will get you the same results. They should do it under warranty for your 2018. Had mine done in about 1.5 hours with no charge. Makes a difference in the performance characteristics that I suspect you are looking for.

Dont feel obliged to respond if you're not 100 percent sure.

I am 100% certain on the information.

 

There are other cables like the official Toyota / Mongoose cable, but they all cost a lot more money. A genuine Tactrix ($170) is the least expensive, reliable adapter. The latest update for the 2018s was in mid-2018. There should be a TSB soon to get the 2018s on the same tune as the 2017 MT and 2019 / 2020 ATs.

And, OVT is very much worth it.

 

You are most likely on 04A60 (AT) or 04A70 (MT). You can use your OBD adapter with the Carista or OBD Fusion apps to find your ECU ID.

Like I said, the TSBs were released mid-2018 and no known Tacos were delivered with the new ECU IDs as that was around the end of the production run.

Yes. Folks have found comms issues with the cheap cables. You need 5min to 10min of solid connection and data transfer to flash the ECU. The cheap ones are clones of the real items. They might be okay for pulling codes and customizations, but not for flashing.

 

I bought one of the cheap cables to try to program a chip key. Total waste of money.

 

The cheap cables are a crapshoot. If you don't want to flash the cable sold by dxdiag will do everything up to that point. They're a little cheaper than the Tactrix.

As someone who has been through ask of this just get the Tactrix. I own three of the cheap cables, the dxdiag version and the Tactrix. In this case trying to save a few bucks isn't worth it.

 

Does anyone use a mongoose? My tactrix has been great but looking for something a little more heavy duty. If I do get one my tactrix will be up for sale.

 

I have the drewtech cable, mfc2 / green case.

 

All right, got some more drive time in today. This is DEFINITELY a BIG improvement over the factory setting circa 2019. The accelerator is far more responsive. There are no "surprises" of failure to shift or unexpected shift.

10/10, would do again.

 

A real mongoose should work fine. The cheap clones not so much.

 

Thanks boss, for sure I would never go with the cheapo. I think I may grab the mongoose even though it's pricey.

Also if you want to add me to your list in the bottom for Denver- CO I'd appreciate it no worries if not. Finally installed your 2LO harness btw. Badass!

 

Finally broke bread today! I got me a genuine tactrix cable. they even gave me a military discount of 10% $176 out the door lol. I'm seeing everyone saying they're getting some good feedback from the ecu mod. might have to check that one out. ill check to see if it update or not. I doubt it. my acceleration is not that good now. so hopefully this fixes it.

 

04B33 is fantastic. I had two other TSB ECU updates done when I had my 2016 and they were a little better than before, but I still used the ECT button all the time. With this one it's like a new truck. I even disabled my ECT anytime mod.

 

Anyone here in the Columbus Georgia area that can help me with the updates? I dont want to go to the dealer. I'll gladly pay a reasonable fee. TIA

 

There are a few GA folks on the list: