ECU TSB Update

Props to @tonered and @MOC221_ for steering me towards the OBD Fusion app. I got a cheap iOS friendly OBDII dongle on Amazon and it worked after a few connection attempts.

So here's confirmation that they actually did the update and some thoughts (i.e. opinions) after a few days of driving:


The update doesn't feel as night and day as others may have made it seem. Somewhat noticeable improvements are:

• the throttle response (imagine tightening a throttle cable on a much much older vehicle)
• 1 to 2 shift smoothness and
• reduction of the bucking that would occur in low (1000-1300 rpms).

In the last 2+ years, I have changed my driving style to cater to the truck (revving higher than normal and feathering more for a good 1 to 2 shift, faster shifts in higher rpms, etc.) but this kind of feels how most manuals I've driven in the past have behaved; I'm doing some re-learning on how to drive the truck. My favorite part of the update is how the truck behaves in lower RPMs. Low speed 2nd gear right turns (for example) don't have the same bog or lack of control that they used to, and getting on the gas after the turn does not result in the same stumble as before. I've caught the truck start to buck and the ECM seems to try to correct it and subdue it.

I'm expecting the update to mellow out as I gain miles and the ECU does it's "learning." I'm also expecting it to become less noticeable as I become accustom to it. I've posted my service receipt below (30k mile service at the dealer, actual mileage is 296XX) so everyone can see what they coded it as. For those in the Richmond area, I had this done at Mechanicsville Toyota. This was the first time they gave me rafts of shit over a service request, but generally a good experience otherwise.



OA

 

You're welcome!

Sorry if I oversold it, but considering that it was an OEM update, the change was more than I would have expected. As others have said, the learning will cause it to feel a bit better but then degrade over time, about 1,500mi. So, it will end up feeling about as it does now. Honestly like you said, relearning to drive the Taco was a bigger deal than the ECU learning, IMHO.

I would not go back to 04B12 if I was paid to. And, I will not be tempted to try 92 octane again.

 

I too felt some of the old behaviors poking through once I put more miles on 04B13. In particular, the bucking at low rpm - exactly the way you describe it. All in all, it's still way ahead of the factory calibration. The improvement in throttle response alone is reason enough to flash it.

 

I would love to hear from someone who has driven a 2016-17 with the 04B13 and a 2018 with the 04A71 for a comparison. After 1500+ miles with the 04A71on my 2018 Sport, I just don't notice much of a difference, other than slightly smoother shifts.

 

*Update* So according to the dealership, truck is ready for pick up with all repairs and updates done. Not holding my breath until I see it on the write up sheet. Ill keep you guys posted. I hope this is for real this time.

 

Goodness. Finally!

 

Which dealer?

 

Malloy in Winchester

 

*Update* According to my paperwork they updated the ECU! I only live like 3 miles from the dealer so I don’t have much driving time plus it’s busy this time of day, but it felt much smoother shifting for sure. It felt way more natural when shifting and giving it some gas to get the RPM’s up!

Also, the clutch made a huge difference in the take off from a stop. They replaced the clutch assembly, master cylinder, and reservoir hose. All warranty stuff so obviously something was whacky with it. Glad these guys actually tried to help and rectify the issue!

 

What was your issue with the clutch to prompt them to replace it? Did they replace the disc and pressure plate or pedal and hydraulic system?

 

It was related to a creaking clicking upon the last 1/10 of releasing on take off. It was there and obvious for about 5,000 miles now. One dealer told me I was crazy twice and this one obviously saw the issue. They just replaced the hydraulic side of things. Seemed to have made it like when I first bought it.

 

Congrats, glad they took care of it, definitely let us know how it feels after you get some quality drive time in.

 

Checked the calibration # on my 7/18 build date. I have not had the TSB done yet.
A7000 is what it’s showing, I think the latest is

$50 A7001 MARKSIGN 100% Waterproof Hitch Carrier Cargo Bag 59'' x 24'' x 24'' (20 Cu Ft), Waterproof Zipper and Rain Flap, 6 Lashing Straps with Cam Buckles, Zipper Lock Included

A7001.
What I’m wondering is are the numbers chronological? Would one assume the A7001 addresses the power steering surge (I think that’s the lastest TSB?). Engine surge, shift and MPG increase would have been a earlier calibration before a my build date.
Hope that makes sense.

Just trying to decide if I’m willing to potentially waste time at the dealership.

 

From everything that was said and posted, TSB-0058-18 and TBS-0125-18 give the same end result. For your 2018, it is the highlighted text.

From TSB-0058-18:


From TSB-0125-18:


For whatever strange reason, they did not cover the 2018s in TSB-0125-18, but taking both TSBs with you to the dealer and showing the correlation for the 2017s (04B12 to 04B13 in both TSBs) should help folks get a solid update. There is software for each model year up to what seems to be the August, 2018 builds.

Similar for the AT folks, TSB-0058-18 and TSB-0062-18 have different descriptions but apparently load the same software for them.

 

Just inquire at your next service visit, being it's already there it's not really wasting your time. Good luck

 

I’m not planning on using the dealership for maintenance, even if it is free.

 

Fight the power!!!

 

You probably know this, but you'll lose your warranty.

 

As long as the required maintenance is performed you will not lose your warranty. I do my own and never had any problems, just keep records and receipts and you are good to go.

 

That is absolutely not true.