YotaWerx Tuning Services and Development

Hey Folks,
Been lurking here, and messaging mZiggy for a while, and to be honest, any tech like this scares me.
A tune to me when I started modding my cars and trucks were carburetor, and distributer changes haha. I've had every gen taco, and 2 pickups before that. My 2021 was a retirement gift to myself.
I have the 2021 TRD Offroad, 6 inch BDS, Deaver 6" rear leaves, Auto, 4x4, 35's, 5.29's, Magnuson, and full aFe exhaust from downpipe to tailpipe. I'm also in FL with an elevation of 11 feet. My computer is only a couple of months old and runs windows 11.

This is the first time I've had to had the mods done for me due to some messed up shoulders, elbows, etc, so I fell like I'm at a disadvantage with the tune.
I have the OBD link, and Torque Pro for my info and management.
I had the Magnuson, exhaust, and tune done by Titan Motorsports in Orlando, (excellent shop).
I regularly throw the P0420 code, that and the terrible Inconsistent power at different ram's, and when cold are my biggest issues.
I have the VF tuner that came with the Magnuson.
Does 7e8 for ECU sound right for the ID for the engine and 7e9 sound right for the transmission control?

Is there like a step by step video that shows how to install the tune?

What else do I need to install the tune?

I dont know if I have the Magnuson tune software, is that programmed into the VF tuner?
I'm terrified about bricking my truck, any answers or guidance is greatly appreciated, as I've had the setup I've had for almost for a year now, and feel like this is an unfinished project until I have the tune.
Thanks for reading

 

WRT your 0420 code, have you checked your exhaust system for leaks? You likely have a poor connection from dumptube/header to y-pipe on your passenger side, as the secondary O2 sensor mounts just after the connection on stock and most aftermarket y-pipes.

If you are catless or running high flow cats, this could be a cause as well. When I had my twin turbo kit with the OV catted downpipes, I went with fabspeed o2 sensor spacers with mini cats, but this an expensive option and may not be for everyone, nor will it guarantee success.

The codes *could* be turned off in the tune, but you may encounter emissions/inspection issues for your state. This should not be considered the go-to option from the start.

your magnuson tune file should say the ecu ID in the file name; 7e8 is not part of any 3.5L Tacoma ECU version. It may be part of the hardware ID, but not the software. What model year do you have? That will help us narrow it down.

Regarding install, your concerns are understood. This is why all YW customers receive a helpful tune guide supplement document covering things like basic flash procedure, steps to take to avoid ecu bricking, and ecu recovery procedure. I'm sure that someone local to you could also be located to assist you if necessary.

Your VFTuner software from magnuson, along with the tactrix device and cable, will be sufficient to install the tune.

 

Had it checked for leaks, and none found, I do have the high flow cats, and I'm in FL, so no inspections.
It's a 2021, would the VIN be helpful?
I talked to my installer and they said the the Magnuson tune is loaded on the VF hardware, if I plug that into my computer can I find it there without damaging anything?

 

Based on the tune file name is my ecu Id 04b81?

 

Yes

 

You can use the VFTuner software to identity your ecu version

 

@mZiggy , I just installed 04B82 Toyota update, and now that I have almost 100 miles on it (truck is stock except Spec-U exhauset), I must say that for normal driving, the throttle response and the shifting is vastly improved over the 04B81, which i have 13,000 miles on. The major improvement to shifting is that is stays in gear longer, on a gentle to moderate launch, and it back-shifts more predictably when the grade increases. The only thing I do not like, is that is consistently downshifts if you touch the brake, creating an engine brake, and I prefer it not do this, typically I am only touching the brake because the truck is accelerating too much over the speed limit, and the downshift then slows dramatically requiring feeding gas, while still on the downhill. I often slip it in neutral at that point, and hope it learns.

Anyhow, too much info; My point in this is that the ECU Update is a noticeable improvement, and so I am wondering if there is an advantage to updating the ECU, before installing the Maggie tune or the YW? Does the Maggie and YW tune completely overwrite the current tune, such that the updated ECU makes no difference?

Obviously too late for me, but wondering for Zoey'sTaco, and to understand this process.

 

It's best to think of an ECU version as the overall architecture, with the tune itself being more like the fine details.

It's always recommended to be on the most up to date ecu version available to take advantage of any benefits that may not be obvious, or even accessible via tuning.

 

How does one upgrade this?

 

you can have the dealer do it, it is a Toyota file, though you may need to learn just the right thing to complain about, as some dealers are reportedly not cooperative with this optional TSB.

you can have installed by your custom tune installer, if you have one, tends to be inexpensive.

tou can do it yourself, with a laptop and some time, totally free unless your truck is 2021 or newer. This is what i did, and was a bit nerve wracking, but with hepl from the forum, got it done. next time would be easy. Following is the link to that forum, and the first page has lost of instructions, and links to the software and update files.

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

 

seems ill advised to have it done at Toyota as I have the supercharger installed. I'd need to update the new ECU and then whatever tune on top of it in order to drive the truck. right?

 

Yeah you'd need the updated Maggy tune already in hand if you're already supercharged.

 

I think @Murd3rd had just reached out to Maggy and basically said hey my ECU is updated, I need the tune and they hooked him up

 

In addition, keep in mind that you won't be able to *just* update the ecu. EROM files like the Maggy and the YW SC tune change the ecu ID prefix from 89663- to V9663-, so Techstream won't be able to recognize it to proceed with ECU update.

You'll need to flash a non erom tune (stock, VF2.0, etc) and then proceed with ECU update.

 

Yep, they made me a new tune file rather quickly. Did the ECU update myself with @tonered 's thread and then pushed the Maggie updated tune. Easy squeazy.

 

I learned this the hard. Flash back to stock tune first. Then do the ECU update, then load whatever new tune you want.

The vftuner forums are good to subscribe to as well. Tonered posts a lot over there as well and that's how we figured out the work around for the new tune files.

 

I also learned the hard way after doing some driving to different tuners and tons of helpfrom here and internet pucker factor lol

 

eh. never mind. way too many ways for it to go wrong. ill just stick with what I have.