2LM PnP - Plug and play 2WD low range for the 3rd gen. Tacoma

In for one as well, sounds awesome!

 

Not sure I understand, this is for day/night cab lighting? I haven't noticed my switches dimming when I turn the headlights on.

 

this would be to dim the switch lighting manually when you dim or increase the lighting on the center display by turning the trip odometer knob left and right.

 

Yes, it also turns off the switch lighting for the text when you turn off your headlights (like the other stock switches).

Below is what I have so far put together with parts I have available now for the "PnP dimmer mod". If people find it beneficial, I may switch to bullet connectors for the two wires so that you can add more than one switch in the future. Keep in mind too that these can be used with ANY other switch of the same type. It doesn't have to be used with the 2lo harness. So if you want to add other custom switches, you can use these to get dimming functionality.

This one is for switches mounted left of the steering wheel. The switch is hard wired.



Here are the switch plugs with bullet connectors installed. This one will be for the center console area under the HVAC controls when I get the 5 pin connectors for the 4x4 selector.

 

That's really cool!

Nice work.

 

I keep looking for this dimmer switch.

SR Tacoma = no dimming lol.

 

It's the trip reset knob in the instrument cluster. You can twist it left and right. It doesn't really rotate, just clicks, but it adjusts the brightness of the dash display and most of the cabin switch lighting.

 

This is good stuff.. Thanks for going through all the trouble to make it happen @lapoltba, and @BigWhiteTRD for the R&D. I filled out the google form and am looking forward to this mod!

EDIT: I have the AOB light blue center console switch on order. If you do end up doing a plug and play illumination solution, I would 100% be in for that.

 

Well, learned something new, thank you sir!

 

I'm glad people are finding this useful. The 2LM for me was a no-brainer, it's crazy helpful. Since I have had it I found myself using it even when I probably don't need to. I love that I can let the clutch out and move at an idle when I need to maneuver up a hill or tight spaces. I understand a lot of people aren't good with electronics and wiring, but it's pretty much what I do for a living. I'm glad I can help people out with stuff like this to let them use their trucks as they want.

Like with all things, economy of scale.... I have the "DIY" dimmer mod kit that I posted first out to quote, but I realize that people are really looking for a PnP solution. I need to make up a few drawings for the others and have them quoted. I would still need to make at least 10-20 to make it worth while. If there is less interest than that I can make them myself, but the price will likely be higher than if I can get my vendor to make them in batches. The parts are all readily available, which is awesome. The internet is amazing in that you can find pretty much anything if you ask the search engines the right question. It took some digging through catalogs and squinting at horrible pictures to confirm part numbers, but I have a source for pretty much every connector on our trucks even if my vendor doesn't .

 

I’m confused as to what this would be useful for?

 

If you check out the FAQ in the 1st post there is a brief explanation.

Basically, our trucks come with a tall reverse gear ratio (especially MT trucks). Anyone that pulls a trailer on a regular basis knows how much it sucks to try and back it up, even on flat ground. Now imagine trying to back up a hill and/or turn while doing so. TONS of clutch slip are required to maintain a speed that makes maneuvering a trailer possible. It is less of an issue with the AT, because you have a TC, but having the TC slip a lot causes issues too (transmission temps go up - wear & tear). This mod lets you run low range while being in 2WD so your driveline doesn't bind up. That means you can safely use this on dry pavement unlike 4Lo.

 

Being able to dim the switch with the rest of the dash is just icing on the cake - that's awesome

 

Ahhh that makes sense now lol. I was racking my brain on why a 4x4 wouldn’t just use 4 lol but I get it. Thanks!

 

Your welcome.
Glad its has helped a few people so far, and happy that @lapoltba has productionized it to help alot more people.
(Stress analyst here, so I dont have any of the connections on getting production for something like this).

I definitely find myself using it when 'not needed' in my auto, like backing trailer up my driveway and one side of the trailer goes in soft dirt. In 2lo, truck doesnt even notice...

 

Wait, so is the PnP dimmer mod for sale? Cause if so I'd like to order one for the left of steering wheel.

 

It should be *soon*.

 

Roger that! I tried to tap the wires on the cargo light switch to backlight my ditch light switch and it didn't work; so this would be a great option. Is there a thread other than this one I should follow to make sure I'm aware when they're available?

 

Yeah, I realized after figuring these out that they are useful for people that don't want the 2LM too. I'm still working on finding a good way to tap into the illumination circuit for the overhead console. I need to pull mine down and look for myself, but my dash is still almost completely apart, so I want to get that together first. I am working on getting pricing for the other 2 locations though. I need to get drawings made up, but work is a shitshow this week.

Keep an eye here, I'll probably announce it here and create a separate sale post.

 

Any idea on the ETA for the harness? I realize you said it could be a month or longer, just wondering if you have heard back from them yet? Not rushing, just curious and eager.