ShiftSense Pro - transmission shift controller for Gen3 Tacoma

Well, many of you have asked for it, so here it is.. I am excited to announce the release of the first of its kind aftermarket transmission shift-controller for Gen3 Toyota Tacoma (2016/17 and soon-to-be 2018 model years).

The product, named the ShiftSense™ Pro, is now commercially available for the 3.5L V6, 6-speed automatic. If you are frustrated or annoyed by the shifting performance of your Tacoma, please check out this device as it effectively addresses all of the major Tacoma OEM complaints of un-optimized shifting patterns, early shifts, too-much shifting, etc.

The ShiftSense Pro is designed and manufactured by DZ Custom Innovations, LLC. It is a totally plug & play solution, requiring no tools for installation. Installation can be completed in approximately 10 minutes, requiring one electrical connection to the OBDII port, and one connection to the shift-lever console. It will control all transmission up-shifting and down-shifting based on speed, rpm, throttle, and accelerator position, which is obtained through the vehicle's OBD interface similar to any ELM327 reader. When it is engaged by the driver, ShiftSense Pro’s microcontrollers perform calculations of optimum shift-timing at a rate of approximately 10 calculations per second. It operates by sending its shift-commands through the sequential/sport-shift 'S' circuit. It is very important to note that this device does not work like other programmers or chips on the market. It does not modify, replace, bypass, or in any way effect the stock vehicle instrumentation, ECU programming, emissions controls, or any other OEM feature of the truck.

The shift-mapping offered by the device differs significantly from the OEM and ECT options and has been refined and optimized over many thousands of miles in all driving situations and all weather conditions. It has been tested on all trim-levels of 16/17 Tacoma V6 automatic, including oversized tires, as well as while pulling heavy and light-weight trailers. If you want something that improves performance and feels right, (and makes you say "YES' when you feel a shift, instead of NO"), this is it.

Please visit our website for more details and to purchase: www.dz-custom-innovations.com

We have a lengthy FAQ section on the website which will answer the majority of your questions. If you have any other questions, please dont hesitate to email our customer-service at info@dz-custom-innovations.com

A bit of History:

I was one of the many frustrated Gen3 owners who otherwise loved the truck, but hated the shifting performance. With a background in robotics and engineering, I decided to take it into my own hands to solve the problem. In mid-2016, I developed a prototype of a device along with the necessary programming, which performs all shifting of the transmission through the sequential/sport-shift circuit. Some of you may remember I posted some images of the first prototype after it had completed its first several months of testing, At the time, the device was very un-refined, basically a bread-board. I literally drove thousands of miles, highway and city, with a laptop in the passenger seat, tweaking shift-points on the fly.

The design has come a long way from that first prototype! After expanding the capabilities, finalizing the design, programming, and installation procedure, I built several units for friends, family, and other tester's who own 2016 or 2017 Tacomas of various trims-levels. Through their insistence as well as the encouragement of many members of this forum, I had to offer it to other Gen3 Tacoma owners.

It took many months of hard work and a significant amount of time, energy, and investment, but we went through all necessary steps to commercialize the product as an aftermarket-automotive solution. We performed all necessary design evaluations, while at the same time ensuring compliance with all applicable Federal motor vehicle and safety standards.

I am an engineer and vehicle enthusiast, but I’m also my toughest critic. I do truly believe this device is a game-changer for all Gen3 Tacoma owners, and again I encourage you to visit the website and purchase a device. I can confidently say that you will no longer recognize your Tacoma when using the ShiftSense Pro. Again, if you have any questions, please go to the website, as we have a detailed FAQ section as well as videos (coming soon) which cover installation.

Lastly, since we do not have an unlimited advertising budget, we need to rely heavily on word-of-mouth. I would ask you to spread the word to any of your friends and family who are Tacoma owners. If you purchase and use this device, please post a review to my website or other forums.

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy!

 

Ha! I was just wondering what happened to this and if you were going to sell one.

Ordering Monday!

 

@gearcruncher @ToyoMann

 

Interesting!! Seems like a step in the right direction for those having issues. Smitty99 this might be something right up your alley.

 

I lied. Order placed!

 

I didn't notice anything on how this works with cruise control. Any info on that?

 

Can you post the detailed instructions or pictures of how it plugs up in the shift console and how difficult it is to get access to that plug?

 

Curious.

 

Yes, installation video has been produced. It is being uploaded to the website as we speak. Access to the connector is quite simple. Requires un-snapping the center console cover.

Regarding the cruise control operation - The device still works in cruise, and works well. Since accelerator position is essentially 'zero', the device switches over to control based on throttle position, but uses the same shift mapping.

 

Sell it to Toyota so I can get my $40k truck fixed under warranty without having to buy aftermarket hacks. kthxbye.

 

Sweet

 

Order placed.

BTW, your PayPal checkout is not working:

 

So it's been 6 minutes... is it shipped yet?

 

One website suggestion: larger fonts and darker colours. I have an excellent monitor and "better than perfect" vision (15/20), and my eyes are already tired having read through the first 1/3rd of the FAQ.

 

Sub'd for reviews. Way to go OP! I dig it.

 

This is going to be one hot mod. Hope you have some stock already built.

 

This doesn't fix anything, this just makes it shift the way you want (I hope). I like how mine shifts so I don't need it. I do you use S mode sometimes when I want to be in control.

 

Please let us know when the video is up. I just want to see what I'm getting into then I'll probably order.

 

Interesting that the transmission needs to be in "s" mode to function.

 

Order placed.
Paypal wasn't working, but credit card did.

Hope there's enough stock ready to go!