ECU TSB Update

One confirmed soft brick on a cheap cable, one on a genuine Tactrix cable. This brings into question whether it's the cable or the user? I'm sure there are some cables that are so cheap they won't work. But not all cheap cables are created equal. Still won't risk my ECU.

 

A few weeks back I had a .cuw fail on me while flashing a customer using the vF provided Tactrix and cable. Tried multiple times until I decided to close and restart the computer. When I tried again, the update file said they were already up to date. Then when flashing a tune onto my truck just the other day, it failed at 40%. Tried again and it took. Wonder if a windows update is causing some sort of issue? Seems to be a rise in failures lately...

 

Windows update is pretty good at randomly breaking shit. I’ve got it disabled on my flashing computer..

 

I need a dedicated tuning computer... A tablet would be nice, but when making/editing tunes, I like having dual monitors. With the new vF update, I'm not sure having two installations of vF is capable anymore. One to edit and one to flash.

 

I don’t have a dedicated computer, I just have a dedicated partition i boot into for tuning purposes.

 

That could work. My hard drive is already partitioned. Could just wipe that 2nd partition and install windows on top of it. Damn, you just gave me a bit of work. Wonder if I would need a new reg key.

 

It would have a new system ID so yes. But if you install the new version you dont need a reg key anyway, just your account and master key.

 

I have no idea either. Folks can toss info into the map, if they would like.

You're at the latest version, for now. I expect that there will be an update for you soon.

 

It is just an error in vF. 04B81 is the latest for the 2020 ATs.

 

Toyota has some obscure codes in their TSBs. In the warranty information section there are two codes T1 & T2. These are problem codes sent in by the dealer to Toyota for warranty claim reimbursement.

T1 is nature of problem
T2 is cause of problem (service tech's findings or general comment)

For TSB-0043-20

T1 8A = Engine check lamp on/MIL on
T2 74 = Poor programming

A T3 code is for paint issues.

 

So I purchased the vFtuner software and 2.0 tune packs. When I requested my tune pack for my ECU ID (04A60), I asked if they would recommend updating the ECU ID to 04A61 and they told me they would recommend updating first. I've read through this entire thread as I'm a bit cautious about this. I have the tactrix and TechStream v14 as I've messed around with techstream before. Assuming worst case scenario happens and I soft brick my ECU, would it be possible to save it by reflashing the stock 04A60 tune from vFtuner? I'm really just wanting full peace of mind going into this that I would be shit out of luck if I soft brick the ECU.

 

@lapoltba is the expert at bench flashing. But you should be fine!! Don't worry, just double click that CUW and it will walk you through the process. I have updated many trucks without any problems.

 

You cannot flash at all while soft bricked and your Taco will not start. There is assistance if it happens, but it is very rare.

Just follow the tips in the 1st Post as best as you can. TS requires an 11.8v battery voltage, which is plenty to get through the 10min flash. Be sure that your computer is solid and charged.

 

Set the computer on the seat and dont touch it while it flashes! A bump or loose USB port could be a bad day.

 

Totally!

I'm gonna add that to the tips.

 

Since the 1st Post got shortened up with the chart, I took the tips / instructions out of the spoiler.

 

You guys totally made me feel better about doing it and I am happy to report all went well. Not sure why I was worried in the first place. All in all it took 10-15 minutes including resetting all of the learned values and letting it idle for 5 min. I'll probably drive on the 04A61 for a few days to see if I notice the difference and then dive into flashing the OVtune 2.0. Thank you for the insanely helpful thread!

 

You're welcome!

It is good to be worried. You're messing with big $$$ equipment.

Trying it out for a couple days is a good idea. It give you the feel for the TSB tune and will make you appreciate the OV Tunes.

Enjoy the new tune!

 

Had an interesting mishap the other day. Helping a friend use TechStream to perform the TSB update which I've done several times and the techstream would not flash the files because voltage was reading like 4v from the OBDII port. Checked battery with a multi-meter and it checked ok at 12.4v. Any ideas?

 

That's odd. I have never seen that great of a variance at the OBD port. It is within 0.1v or 0.2v of the battery terminals.

Any mods near the OBD port that could affect things? What is the OBD reading when using a phone app and Bluetooth adapter like Torque or OBD Fusion?

You also cannot discount some kind of damage or harness connection issue.