ShiftSense Pro - transmission shift controller for Gen3 Tacoma

Sure, toggle switch on the device would be easy but has some drawbacks which make it less ideal as a design option. For one, it would require a hardware change in addition to the software. The circuit board would need modified and switch added. This would mean the original units without the switch would not be upgradeable, and we wanted to make sure they were.. Secondly, many users have mounted the device inside of the console or up under the dash, where it may not be easily accessible. That said, we needed to use a 'toggle' switch which is easily accessible to everyone, without requiring a hardware change... Best option - the shifter.

 

I'm also curious about this. Not really interested in upgrading the chip for minimal gains.

 

Just ordered a V2, order #1642. Really looking forward to trying this out when we drive to Santa Fe, NM in a few weeks.

 

me either, and no answer from the vendor... i want shift points with higher rpm's, without playing the peddle game..

 

Level 3 map moves the shift points up by about 8-12% above the Level 2 map. (Level 2 is the essentially the same as what was used on the prior V1 units). It is definitely noticeable as it will hold out longer before upshifting. The minimum upshift speeds are also increased by about the same amount.

Similarly, Level 1 map is about 7-10% lower than the Level 2/V1 map.

 

Got to tow my 4400 lb boat today with the new V2 chip set to profile #3. This worked great. First in rolling hills it held 3 rd gear to about 3200 rpms on flat land before going to 4th. Uphill I roared up to about 4100 rpm making good power before shifting to 4th. Then I got to steep grade. To describe it, it is steep enough to need to downshift or the vehicle speed would increase when going downhill. I ran at it in 4th gear and very soon downshifted to 3rd, now at about 3500 rpm, with speed still dropping it shifted to 2nd and now I had power to hold my speed and stay in 2rd at about 4600 rpm. The nice part was I no longer needed full power and normally it would want to shift to 4th but now stayed in 2 rd gear. In town no gear hunting, just much higher rpms as the shift point was significantly higher.

 

subd

 

You know - I was on the fence about getting this, but with the selectable map, you have a lot to offer there. There are essentially infinite maps you can create - which is pretty great.

Another thing that would be perfect for this would be a unit that fit nicely into that coin holder/void thing to the left of the steering wheel. Nice faceplate & stick a 'toyota looking' on off switch with a digital selector for the modes (1->X). Would be a clean install and give the user a lot of options based on driving style/mode. The 'older' units could still update/ etc the way they do now.

Anyway - hats off to you on this. Looks like you've done what Toyota either is unable or unwilling to do!

 

So just got my new chip installed today, took it out for about 20 miles of driving, about 10 miles on setting 1 and setting 3. In setting 3 (the more aggressive setting), I averaged about 17mpg. I noticed the shift point to go into 5th gear didn't happen until I almost hit 70mph. To me that was a bit high to stay in 4th gear. I can see the advantage for towing, but don't think I'll stay in that setting much.

Setting 1 felt a bit more sluggish, my average mpg was right at 20mpg, which is right about what I get in the standard setting anyway. With that, I don't see myself going out of setting 2 very often unless I really want that extra power for some reason that the hit to mpg is worth it. Either way totally worth the $12 to upgrade, imo.

 

@jmar180

How does shifting differ in Mode 2 vs. ECT On? I pretty much drive with ECT on all the time and am averaging about 19.5 MPG with my lead foot.

 

So I haven't tested it with ECT on, I'll do that in the next few days.

 

Installed the new eprom today and tested it while running errands...

Map 3 is really fun and I look forward to towing with it. Map 2 is still excellent all around and map 1 would be good for when I am taking it mellow or for long trips.

Another winner - thanks for this!

 

Just pulled the trigger on it: Order #1655
For $185 it's an incredible deal if it does half of what folks are saying + figured why not support a fellow engineer!

 

$12 well spent. Just dropped the V2 chip in. The unit is now where I want it to be with multiple options. I don't travel far to work so the level 1 mapping is perfect. I'm so glad OP listened and was responsive to consumer needs. Thanks so much for the programmable options.

 

i thought he didn't recommend using SSP with ECT on ?

 

Can someone explain the differences between this device in say Mode 2 and ECT mode?

From my understanding this device adjusts shift points and holds gears longer, thus making the truck feel less sluggish. This is also exactly what ECT mode does when turned on.

 

thats what i'm saying..no need then to have it activated with ect on as well

 

From their FAQs section on the website.

And from what I remember, the ECT and SSP maps will try and compete with each other in a sense, so I don't think it's recommended to run both at the same time.

 

Thanks for sharing this, it sounds like this device is simply a better or more aggressive version of ECT mode that can be changed with maps for various driving situations. May just have to give it a shot here soon, my truck is fine in ECT mode but could use some help when towing.

 

You're welcome. I don't have any experience using SSP while towing, but going through the mountains going to up Flagstaff from Pheonix, there is a lot less downshifting which is nice. It'll still downshift to a lower gear than what SSP wants to be, but it won't be a drastic and as many downshifts. I'm still using V1, about to purchase V2 here shortly. I'm sure that'll help out a lot with towing.