Valley Tune Sport Tacoma

I have the "NORMAL" Valley Tune on my Tacoma manual transmission, and like it a lot. Little better mileage, little more power, smoother....I was content.
Then I got an email from Valley Tune that the SPORT version was finally available, and 25% off.
So I rushed to it, asked a few questions as to the differences between the Version 1 and Version 2.
Decided on the 2.
Paid the bucks, got the tune.
Then when I went to install it, it gave me error E13....which Mathew at OV Tunes said it meant wrong file for my Tacoma.
So after numerous emails back and forth with valley Tune, the problem was that the tune was for the latest 04B42 Firmware.....but my truck is still in 04B41 older firmware.
I live in rural Alaska, hours from a Toyota dealership. So I was suggested to download and install the Toyota Program Techstream.
Fine, after numerous tries and different keys provided, it would just not activate.
So i asked the local tuner how much to upgrade my firmware....$100.
So now I either pay $100 to do it...or keep trying Techstream product keys....or forget it...after 4 days of aggravation, I decided to forget it.
Told Jeff at Valley Tune to put in a disclaimer on the tunes, saying to the prospective buyer, that you better have the latest ECU firmware installed, or the program is useless....the answer was: It is publicly known we create tune files on the latest versions of engine computers. Its not impossible to update your engine computer.
So it's on you to know that you should be updated, they don't have to tell you.
so if you have the 42 version, you'll probably happy by now....but if you don't, and still have the older 41 firmware...save your bucks....or pay at least an extra $100 to update it.

 

@tonered has a thread with easy to follow instructions on installing Techstream and updating your ECU.

Link to thread is here.

 

thanks

 

tried it...but the north america key the guy in the hoodie gives you, for either choice, just won't activate it...what am I missing?

 

Maybe the step by step instructions provided by @Shellshock would be easier? I don't think I've seen anyone report they were unable to get Techstream installed, so hopefully it's something easy.

Link here.

 

Only problems I know of are when people hit the wrong number where you select the version in the activation tool

 

I assumed that was the most likely culprit but Op stated that he tried both options. Unless I misinterpreted what he meant by that.

 

Thanks FMJ…I’ll try it

 

FMj....it downloaded fine and it registered....but when I went to connect to vehicle, it gave me a pop up saying: Check for Updates (S826-04) this version of software become obsolete on August 15th 2019. At this time you must update to the newest version...... and then the only one of the 3 buttons that's active, is the one UPDATE NOW...and of course it takes you to the TIS log in page.
so it won't work so far.....any ideas?

 

Disconnect from the internet when you go to run Techstream.

 

thanks that worked....now it says to do the CUW file and follow the prompts to update firmware....where do I find that?

 

I'm using the VT tunes cable i bought from Mathew at Orange Virus to connect to the truck

 

...at least I got to turn off the driver's seatbelt buzzard that drove me crazy....don't need it around my property.....the thing is, now where do you get the 04B42 update from? and is it worth doing? reading another thread, and some people said not to do it....any thoughts on that?

 

Look at the post I mentioned @tonered had created. That'll give you instructions on how to update your ECU and it includes all the necessary files.

 

thanks so much...got it...updated to 04B42, scared like crap of bricking my ECU....but it worked. but now it won't flash the Sport Valley tune V2, gives same error 13....so no advance on that front... and now driving a stock 04B42, driveability sucks..

 

I recall sometimes flashes didn't like to take one right after another. Could give it a shot after a bit of driving. Otherwise, it's likely a simple fix. Check your setup: ignition on but engine off, Tactrix connected to OBD and computer.

Also, you don't happen to have an aftermarket stereo or anything else that interfaces with the OBD/CAN do you?

 

Got it to work…turned everything off and reset and tried it again…this time I did the Prepare ECU before choosing file…and this time it took…it started fine and it showed 14.55v charging, so the AGM part of the tune is working.
I have to thank you big time FMJ…you got me through the hump…..thanks so much….now let’s see how good the Sport tune is….was thinking about buying KDMax and comparing how they run….any experience with KDMax?

 

Awesome! Glad you got it all figured out!

@PapaRee sent me a copy of KDMax Pro a while back. I don't think you'll have any issue with either tune, it's really just personal preference or whatever matches your driving style.

 

Had an FJ manual, and my wife has a 4.0 4Runner….and they have torque to spare, mom’s truck rips…..my wife said if I gave the FJ to my son, she’d give me a Tacoma, I fell for it…and 5 seconds after driving the Tacoma I regret it big time…..the 3.5 sucks, it just has no torque for moving a 5000 lb. Truck…..it revs nice, maybe in a old single cab 2WD pickup it would rip, but not in a Tacoma…..so to me torque is king.
Don’t know why Toyota would do that….my wife’s automatic 4Runner, heavier and still gets better mileage than my 6-speed Tacoma….Atkinson cycle is for blackboards and mental jerkoffs, not reality…
Want to off-road the thing….and here in Alaska specially…..so how would you compare the tunes?
…and of course, thanks again…

 

Hit up @mZiggy and get the yotawerx tune. That’s what most MT guys run.