Need Tech advice, changing driver’s seat

I love my 2022 SR5 but the seat - not so much. I have a Recaro coming along with sliders and a base from Planted. I will need to fool ECU regarding the factory seat air bag and learn how seat position sensor can be installed on the Recaro. I have read every thread about similar installs on TW.
Checking if we have a current or former Toyota Tech active here or someone familiar with coding the ECU? I am of the understanding that Techstream is the tool of choice? Anyone with experience using it - ease of use?
I sincerely appreciate any helpful feedback for this project. I will happily document my progress for y’all.
Thanks,
Chris

 

I don’t think you are making a wise decision and are opening yourself up to legal ramifications. If you have an accident a with safety systems disabled you could be subject to denial of insurance coverage. Anyway, I’m not trying to rain on your parade just saying be careful with these types of mods. Also, Techstream allows for enabling and disabling features, data logging, code reading, etc. I don’t think it allows for coding out a safety system. Why not try using seat jacks to raise the seat?

 

I appreciate your thoughts but my comfort and personal safety are my business. I have ridden motorcycles since age 12 and am willing to assume some risk obviously.
Seat jackers are a band aide. I am doing surgery . Regarding deleting safety systems- I simply intend to fool the ECU using the correct resistor and failing that then turn off the idiot light. Only air bag delete is side seat bag.
Hoping for more targeted information. Please no Nanny talk.

 

Dude you need to lighten up, just offering sound legal advice. You are more than welcome to do whatever you like, just don’t be a douche about being sensible. It’s also against the law to remove / disable airbags. Good luck with your project.

 

Relax. There will be no legal issues lol. It one seat air bag. Op could add a simple resistor to the air bag plug and still retain all the other safety systems. People do this all the time.

What exactly would an insurance company deny if one seat air bag didn't fire? If Op smashed up his truck and needs collision parts, the air bag that didnt go off will have zero to do with the claim.

 

I clearly asked specific questions. I did get one helpful response so far^. Thanks for that and I am aware of the resistor yet need specific value for it. Thus hoping a Tech could share correct value for this VIN. Failing that I will do a Pro Techstream 2 Day subscription and sort it.

 

Dear Fellow Member,

I did not seek legal advice.
Have a nice day.

 

Many folks use techstream, but I don't think techstream has functionality to program, except changing some settings in body, TPMS modules

 

I sure wish that we had a resident Tech on this Forum. Corvette Forum, BMW Forum, Harley Forum has them so I guess I got spoiled .
Need to figure out resistor value for seat airbag.
Need to figure out locating Seat Position Sensor on new seat so front airbag is functional though I will be sitting a good distance from steering wheel.
It is a leaning curve but I will document and share the progress for anyone else who loves their truck but hates the seat.

 

How about just measuring the resistance of the side airbag and getting an appropriate resister? Disconnect battery before disconnecting and measuring. Most vehicles have a 20-30 minute waiting period to allow capacitors to discharge

 

That around-the-world Tacoma guy (he is stickied on the 3rd gen forum) replaced his stock seats with Scheel Mann seats. He had a build thread, I would imagine he dealt with this same issue.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/driving-a-tacoma-around-the-world.585792/

 

Page 36, found it! https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/driving-a-tacoma-around-the-world.585792/page-36

 

I vaguely remember someone posting here a few years back, removing their seat (I don't think it was the around the world guy above,, but good info too) and needing to create the same resistance or feedback the passengers seat airbag (and whatever else eq.) was sending to the ECU, so it thought the seat and it's contents were still there.

In the end; is the juice worth the squeeze?
I'd trade it on something I liked before I went down this path,, but you do you boo

 

Tacomas don't need tech advice much. If you had a range rover, you would have hit them all that need a lot of tech advice!

 

We actually have a few good ones here, so you can drop the comparison complaints.

Its possible they've not seen the thread.

It's also possible they chose not to play.

 

I'm thinking they chose not to play. Legal issue. Op should have bought something else that needs regular tech advice rather than a Toyota! Sounds like he already has the motorcycle platform covered.

 

@Bishop84
@Empty_Lord
Both work at Toyota dealerships

 

The SST for simulating the resistance of an airbag is pretty much gone with the dodo, we don't have specs anymore, but its between 1 and 3 ohms, the kit has like 10 of them to chose from but Toyota doesn't publish the resistance needed to check anymore.

Found an older one in google that says 2.1ohm. This is where I would start.

Technically, there's no risk with trying resistors, but obviously caution is important.

Measuring the bag is obviously dumb and could detonate it. Had to be said.

 

The links and humor are much appreciated. I am only doing driver’s seat so passenger sensor no issue.
Yes, measuring resistance can happen but was hoping for a shop guru to share that data so I’d have the resistor on hand. I live in a small town so it’s a haul to source parts.
I certainly wouldn’t want anyone to assume risk in sharing data and can respect reticence as to offering help.
Was not bashing forum as I have learned a lot on here and my comparison to other forums was just that - a comparison.
Not trading this truck as I really like it and just want a more comfortable seat.
THERE - I think I responded to all member’s comments and suggestions.
@Bishop84 - thanks so very much and I will buy a spread of them and start there. Definitely was concerned about detonating the bag.
If I may ask - is there any info on relocating the seat position sensor, please.
Regardless I appreciate you made the time to help.

 

UPDATE - You meet the nicest people at a brewing company. I was introduced to a retired Toyota Tech who has lots of experience with interior work as well as the engine / wiring. The world works in mysterious ways sometimes and this happenstance proves it yet again. I am definitely blessed to have this guy living locally. He is going to guide me through the process. My seat, sliders and base will arrive mid-August and I will update when we get on it.