ECU TSB Update

Shellshock · Mar 3, 2021

NickJacq23 said: ↑

Do you need to have the latest Tsb to have your truck tuned?
Click to expand...

No but it’s recommended.

whitedlite · Mar 3, 2021

NickJacq23 said: ↑

Do you need to have the latest Tsb to have your truck tuned?
Click to expand...

anyone that tunes your truck can, with a little patience, update the ECU.

I updated one tonight, and it took maybe 10 mins.Your results may vary.
Haven't done it in months and last one I done gave me all kinds of fits, I figured it was bad drivers, but could not get it to work one time with a new PC i took back to bestbuy.

NickJacq23 · Mar 3, 2021

@whitedlite do the tsb updates come with vf tuner or do you need to have the other program listed here? & how do you figure out your ECU/Others ecu number?

whitedlite · Mar 3, 2021

NickJacq23 said: ↑

@whitedlite do the tsb updates come with vf tuner or do you need to have the other program listed here? & how do you figure out your ECU/Others ecu number?
Click to expand...

@Shellshock is your man and he has the best writeup to do it.

To answer your question no, TSB's have nothing to do with OVtune. However, update your ECU before paying to unlock that ECU for tune editing.

IDK how tech savvy you are, but may be worth some beer money to see if anyone local can help you in your regions local subforum.

C41n · Mar 3, 2021

NickJacq23 said: ↑

@whitedlite do the tsb updates come with vf tuner or do you need to have the other program listed here? & how do you figure out your ECU/Others ecu number?
Click to expand...

Detailed instructions are in the first post of this thread that will walk you though the process

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ecu-tsb-update.562550/#post-18431380

DontPanic · Mar 4, 2021

Color me disappointed. 2020DCSB AT; 04B80 to 04B81 not much improved‍... heavens didn't part, angels didn't sing, drives just as schizophrenically as before (thankfully I'm used to it at this point).

tonered · Mar 4, 2021

DontPanic said: ↑

Color me disappointed. 2020DCSB AT; 04B80 to 04B81 not much improved‍... heavens didn't part, angels didn't sing, drives just as schizophrenically as before (thankfully I'm used to it at this point).
Click to expand...

Did you do it, or a dealer? If you did it, did you do the Learn Value Resets?

These are the steps in TS:

tonered[OP] initial post: ↑

It is recommended to Reset the DTCs, Learned Values, and the AT after you flash. MTs do not have the AT to reset. So, after the ECU flash:

-- Start the motor briefly to test.
-- Shut the motor off and then turn the ignition back to On without the starting the motor.
-- Launch TS, connect, and find the Reset functions.
-- Hit the DTC Reset, the Learned Value (LV) Reset, and the AT Reset, if you got one.

DTC Reset:

LV Reset:

AT Reset:

-- Once done (just a few seconds), start the motor and idle for about 5min while touching nothing.
-- The idle will be a bit rough after that 5min and the first few miles will be a bit wonky. Things will smooth out and be really, really good. The tune will settle in, learn, and adapt over the next 400mi or so.

Credit to @G8R_Taco for the screenshots!
Click to expand...

DontPanic · Mar 4, 2021

tonered[OP] said: ↑

Did you do it, or a dealer? If you did it, did you do the Learn Value Resets?
Click to expand...

Dealer did it. Adaptions cleared twice - their conclusion is that I am driving it incorrectly...

tonered · Mar 4, 2021

DontPanic said: ↑

Dealer did it. Adaptions cleared twice - their conclusion is that I am driving it incorrectly...
Click to expand...

At least they did that step since it is not in the TSB.

That sucks though. The weird part is that there is still inconsistencies between Tacos. Not everything can be blamed on the owner.

DontPanic · Mar 4, 2021

tonered[OP] said: ↑

At least they did that step since it is not in the TSB.

That sucks though. The weird part is that there is still inconsistencies between Tacos. Not everything can be blamed on the owner.
Click to expand...

They redid the adaption game when I went back. The appropriate update made more of a difference on my 2017 (went from the 00 to the 04 versions).

tonered · Mar 4, 2021

DontPanic said: ↑

They redid the adaption game when I went back. The appropriate update made more of a difference on my 2017 (went from the 00 to the 04 versions).
Click to expand...

Yes. The mid-2018 TSB made a big difference on mine as did the TSB that is similar to the one that you got.

Oh man! The Stock 3rd Gen tunes generally suck, but 04B00 is in a league of its own.

NickJacq23 · Mar 4, 2021

Does the tactrix cable need to be purchased from the site directly? Or are you able to get a similar cheaper one off Amazon?

tonered · Mar 4, 2021

NickJacq23 said: ↑

Does the tactrix cable need to be purchased from the site directly? Or are you able to get a similar cheaper one off Amazon?
Click to expand...

You can either purchase the Software Bundle from vF for $349 or the License ($199) and adapter from tactrix.com ($170). You do not want to use a clone from Amazon for flashing your ECU.

NickJacq23 · Mar 4, 2021

@tonered okay it makes sense that the cable that comes from vF & tactrix is the same. that’s what I needed. It sounded like you needed both cables to do each separate upgrade.

when you upgrade to the newest TSB, does it tell you what ecu you had prior & the new one after the upgrade?

tonered · Mar 4, 2021

NickJacq23 said: ↑

@tonered okay it makes sense that the cable that comes from vF & tactrix is the same. that’s what I needed. It sounded like you needed both cables to do each separate upgrade.

when you upgrade to the newest TSB, does it tell you what ecu you had prior & the new one after the upgrade?
Click to expand...

Cool! Both the vF Tactrix and the Tactrix.com one will work for many things. I've used mine on our Mazda and Subaru.

Yes. The TS Flash program will show you your current ECU ID before it starts. When it completes, it will show you the before and after. Also, it will not update if the wrong CUW is used or if there will be no update to the current version.

NickJacq23 · Mar 4, 2021

tonered[OP] said: ↑

Cool! Both the vF Tactrix and the Tactrix.com one will work for many things. I've used mine on our Mazda and Subaru.

Yes. The TS Flash program will show you your current ECU ID before it starts. When it completes, it will show you the before and after. Also, I will not update if the wrong CUW is used or if there will be no update to the current version.
Click to expand...

Dude thanks you just cleared so much up for me lol

tonered · Mar 4, 2021

NickJacq23 said: ↑

Dude thanks you just cleared so much up for me lol
Click to expand...

You're welcome!

Happy to help.

Bastek · Mar 4, 2021

tonered[OP] initial post: ↑

Hey, All.

Sorry! This post is getting crazy. So in an effort to get you to the info, I have created spoiler buttons for some of the subjects. Hit them to get the hidden info!

This thread is for both AT and MT Tacos.

Note! Flashing a TSB has a chance of soft bricking your ECU. It is very important t to follow the instructions and flashing tips below, esp the prompts in TechStream, to the letter. You have been warned. An ECU can be recovered, but it will not be fun.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1-x8nTI7kfHsWAEzJEGPgLKLc86KiKYUi&usp=sharing

@Ruggybuggy did us a major solid finding the original MT ECU updates in the AT TSB TSB-0058-18 and starting this thread. He has moved on to the Tundra. I am updating the text for this post as this train has not stopped rolling. Toyota and Service Advisors have been generally difficult to get this TSBs applied for both ATs and MTs. So, this thread is the guide for updating your ECU at home.

From @Ruggybuggy :

"There now is a new software update similar to the one that the auto guys got. I've always had a surge with my '18 in second gear and the truck was annoying at times to shift. I purchased the OV tune and it made the truck acceptable to drive but still had the surge/stutter in second. I just did the update and it is a definite improvement even over the OV tune. My surge/stutter in second is gone. I've only driven the truck for about 10 miles so I'm hoping it doesn't come back. To get the update go on to your dealer and complain of a surge between 25 and 40mph and they will do the update for you. I'll get the TSB number later on. Sorry busy right now so maybe someone else can post a copy."

2018 MT ECU ID info from TechStream:

Credit to @mstrbrc , @Ruggybuggy , @Shellshock , @Saeros , @dilbert , and others.

All of the 3rd Gen ECU TSBs are attached.

All TSB Software (CUW files) are the same for each updated ECU ID. The different TSBs just note different symptoms and coverage. Strange, but . . .

Current TSB Info:

-- TSB-0134-16 -- Official ECU Flash Instructions.

These instructions are summarized below.

-- TSB-0058-18 -- 2016 through 2018 MT and AT Update
-- TSB-0062-18 -- 2016 through 2018 AT Update
-- TSB-0125-18 -- 2016 and 2017 MT and AT Update
-- TSB-0013-19 Rev 1 -- 2016 through 2018 MT and AT Update plus several other Toyotas

Includes Mexican Market ECU IDs
-- TSB-0043-20 Rev 1 (USA) and T-TCI-5349 Rev 1 (Canada) -- 2016 through 2020 MT Update
-- TSB-0092-20 (USA) and T-TCI-5380 (Canada) -- 2019 and 2020 AT Update

-- 2021 MT and AT Tacos - no update

MT ECU ID 04C30 and AT ECU IDs 04C00 and 04C01 (Mexico / South America) and 04C20 do not have TSBs yet.
2021 Tacos require TS V15 to Connect and use Customization, diagnostic, or test functions.

Download and install TechStream on a Windows 7 or 10 computer:

TechStream V15.30.026:

I am asking for trouble by posting this, but here's a TS release from November:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jmUlDRESTXG4QUZqw2YxT9g5T6ZQPlSr/view?usp=sharing

The only known way to activate it is to pay for an account at the MHH Auto forum:
https://mhhauto.com/

All that I am going to say here is that it is worth it to get a current version and you're on your own. Just follow the instructions from MHH and search out a V15.30.026 thread to get an activation key.

TechStream V14.20.019:

This is a known, working version of TS for the 3rd Gens. This version will allow checking, monitoring, or customizing of 2016 through 2020 Tacos also.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rHumlcFInkXdfAGgap0XS0KijFZumfSA/view?usp=drivesdk

To unZIP (extract) and install TS V14, you need to turn off all antivirus software on your computer (real time, ransomware, and malware monitoring, etc.). If you do not, the key generating file (techstream-act.exe) will get deleted. There is an instruction file in the ZIP download.

Note: this version of TS will not work on 2021 Tacos.

** For a step-by-step installation guide, see @Shellshock 's excellent work at the end of this post.

-- Link back to @Shellshock 's Instruction Post: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ecu-tsb-update.562550/page-161#post-23971823

-- These instructions are also the last PDF attachment to this post. Thanks, @CAG Gonzo !

Download and install the drivers from Tactrix.com:

https://www.tactrix.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=38&Itemid=61

-- The Tactrix unit can be purchased on Tactrix.com also.
-- You just need the basic Tactrix OpenPort2.0 unit.
-- No extra Mitsubishi or Subaru reflash adapters are needed.
-- You will receive a Tactrix OpenPort 2.0 adapter with a miniUSB cable.

Before connecting to the Taco, plug the Tactrix cable into your computer to verify that the drivers recognize the cable. Open TS to test drive the program and pick the Tactrix connection from the drop down menu.

Attached are the CUW files for both MTs and ATs. @dilbert put together this excellent spreadsheet to simplify things. Thanks!

From the attached CUW files, place the one that is needed for your Taco on the computer desktop.

If you have an aftermarket head unit and maestro interface you may need to disable ODB communication in the head unit before using TechStream to connect to vehicle.

man these are awful photos. Let me try again tonight when glare won’t be an issue.

Credit: @daveeasa

IMPORTANT - Use this Checklist for Flashing. As best as you can:

Do not use hacked versions of TechStream for an ECU update.

Do not use a virtual machine environment to do an ECU update.

Do not use Bluetooth or WiFi dongles for an ECU update (USB only).

The Tactrix is a proven option. Other USB adapters (cheap chinesium ones) are not proven. A few folks have bricked their ECUs using them.

Turn off Windows Update service.

Turn off Windows system sleep functionality.

Use the “always on” setting in power management pane.

Turn off USB Power Management for the USB port you are using.

Plug the laptop into a wall outlet.

Set the computer on the seat and do not touch it while it flashes! A bump or loose USB port could be a bad day.

Hook up a battery maintainer to the vehicle during an ECU update.

Turn off all electrical consumers during ECU update.

Open the hood.

Once you are ready to flash your Taco do the following:

-- Key out of the ignition
-- Plug in the Tactrix to the OBDII port by your left knee
-- Double click on the CUW file on your desktop that applies to your Taco
-- Follow the prompts exactly

It is recommended to Reset the DTCs, Learned Values, and the AT after you flash. MTs do not have the AT to reset. So, after the ECU flash:

-- Start the motor briefly to test.
-- Shut the motor off and then turn the ignition back to On without the starting the motor.
-- Launch TS, connect, and find the Reset functions.

-- Hit the DTC Reset, the Learned Value (LV) Reset, and the AT Reset, if you got one.

DTC Reset:

LV Reset:

AT Reset:

-- Once done (just a few seconds), start the motor and idle for about 5min while touching nothing.
-- The idle will be a bit rough after that 5min and the first few miles will be a bit wonky. Things will smooth out and be really, really good. The tune will settle in, learn, and adapt over the next 400mi or so.

Credit to @G8R_Taco for the screenshots!

** TS V14 Installation Instructions (credit: @Shellshock )

Here's step by step setup instructions to setup TechStream V14. @Shellshock just did this using the download link from above on a clean state machine with nothing else installed so everything should be captured and documented. If you get a UAC pop up from windows, click Okay.

1) Download V14 from above

2) Click download

3) Click download anyway

4) Save the file

5) Browse to the file download location (typically in your downloads folder)

6) Right click and extract the files

7) Browse to the extracted files

8) Double click GTS_14.20.019_NDSI and click next

9) Next

10) Accept the terms. Next

11) Put something in User / Company. Next.

12) Install

13) Finish

14) You'll now see TechStream on your desktop. Double click TechStream

15)

16) Select North America. Next.

17) Select English. Next.

18)Fill in Dealer Name, Dealer Code, Dealer Phone. Click Ok

19) Any time a Java pop up appears, Click No. It also appears when you launch TechStream.

20) Copy the Software ID (highlight, Right click, Copy)

21) Double click techstream-act.exe to run (found in the folder of extracted files, Step 7)

22) Enter the number "2" for TechStream V14.20.019 (the version we have installed). Press Enter / Return Key

23) This step is optional but will make the next few steps much easier. If you don't do this one, you will need to manually type out the Software ID and Activation key. I'm lazy and can't type, so I copy / paste.
Goto the upper left corner of the window, right click, select properties. Check the box for quick edit mode. Press Okay

24) Right click anywhere in the window. The key you copied earlier will paste. Press enter. The activation keys will appear. Select the "NA Activation Key" and right click. This will copy the key.

25) Paste the key into TechStream.

26) Techstream will now show 5000+ days remaining in the lower left

27) In the top menu bar Click setup and VIM Select. Change the drop down to Openport 2.0. Click ok.
If this does not appear as an option in the drop down, you need to install the Tactrix drivers and plug in the cable.

** If you get a forced TS Critical Update prompt when trying to connect, turn off wifi and try again. The 30 use countdown will restart if you try to connect on wifi again.

28) At this point TechStream is fully configured and operational. You can click "connect to vehicle" in the upper left to complete any customizations (seat belt chimes, blinkers, etc).

29) To apply a TSB, all you need to do is double click the CUW file and follow the on screen prompts.

Off Topic -- Programming Customizations in TS Step by Step (credit @CdnSldr ):
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/techstream-tips-and-tricks.597998/page-3#post-22827797

Note!! Some 2020+ have the ability to turn off the Door Chimes. See the 3rd screenshot.
Click to expand...

Shellshock said: ↑

Here's step by step setup instructions to setup Techstream v14. I just did this using the download link in the first page on a clean state machine with nothing else installed so everything should be captured and documented. If you get a UAC pop up from windows, click ok.

1) Download v14 from the first post

2) Click download

3) Click download anyway

4) Save the file

5) Browse to the file download location (typically in your downloads folder)

6) Right click and extract the files

7) Browse to the extracted files

8) Double click GTS_14.20.019_NDSI and click next

9) next

10) Accept the terms. Next

11) Put something in User / Company. Next.

12) Install

13) Finish

14) You'll now see Techsteam on your desktop. Double click Techstream

15)

16) Select North America. Next.

17) Select English. Next.

18)Fill in Dealer Name, Dealer Code, Dealer Phone. Click Ok

19) Any time a Java pop up appears, Click No. It also appears when you launch Techstream.

20) Copy the Software ID (highlight, Right click, Copy)

21) Double click techstream-act.exe to run (found in the folder of extracted files, Step 7)

22) Enter the number "2" for Techstream 14.20.019 (the version we have installed). Press enter / return key

23) This step is optional but will make the next few steps much easier. If you don't do this one, you will need to manually type out the software ID and Activation key. I'm lazy and can't type, so i copy / paste.
Goto the upper left corder of the window, right click, select properties. Check the box for quick edit mode. Press ok

24) Right click anywhere in the window. The key you copied earlier will paste. Press enter. The activation keys will appear. Select the "NA Activation Key" and right click. This will copy the key.

25) Paste the key into Techstream.

26) Techstream will now show 5000+ days remaining in the lower left

27) In the top menu bar Click setup and VIM Select. Change the drop down to Openport 2.0. Click ok.
If this does not appear as an option in the drop down, you need to install the tactrix drivers and plug in the cable.

28) At this point Techstream is fully configured and operational. You can click "connect to vehicle" in the upper left to complete any customizations (seat belt chimes, blinkers, etc).

29) To apply a TSB, all you need to do is double click the CUW file and follow the on screen prompts.
Click to expand...

Hey guys. Thank you very much for your work on this!! Following your write-ups I successfully installed TS on my Surface, and was able to connect it to the car (via adapter I received from OVT)!
I'll try to update my ecu from 4B03 to 4B04 maybe tomorrow (then maybe I'll get to ovt....)

tonered · Mar 4, 2021

Bastek said: ↑

Hey guys. Thank you very much for your work on this!! Following your write-ups I successfully installed TS on my Surface, and was able to connect it to the car (via adapter I received from OVT)!
I'll try to update my ecu from 4B03 to 4B04 maybe tomorrow (then maybe I'll get to ovt....)
Click to expand...

You're welcome!

I have enjoyed my Surface for updating and logging. I keep thinking about getting a mount for it, but I don't log that often.

Enjoy the flash.

ktbell444 · Mar 4, 2021

tonered[OP] said: ↑

You're welcome!

I have enjoyed my Surface for updating and logging. I keep thinking about getting a mount for it, but I don't log that often.

Enjoy the flash.
Click to expand...

Would be a good investment, regardless

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ECU TSB Update

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