ShiftSense Pro - transmission shift controller for Gen3 Tacoma

Order #1202 on May 25 2017
Received June 7 2017

 

The shift-lever connection would not trigger anything on a scan as it does not cut or modify any of the OEM wires; it only taps into them. This applies if the SS is left in the 'on' position as well. And most service centers are used to seeing things attached to OBD, with all of the gadgets, readers, and insurance monitors out there. From my experience, they typically just pull it out, do their thing, and move on.. (and if you're lucky they may even plug it back in for you).

 

My initial thoughts:

• Install is dead simple. I did it in my work parking lot, so I could try it on my commute home.
  • A couple of suggestions for the device: the OBD2 wire should be on the opposite side of the plug. As it stands now, its on the exact opposite side of where you would run the wire.
    
  • The wire needs to be longer to help provide more routing options
  • I have no clue where the zip ties are supposed to attach this to anything
• The beep people mentioned is absolutely a non-issue. Anyone complaining about that is being ridiculous imo. It's quiet, short, and not harsh or otherwise annoying.
  
• This holds gears like I would if I were in control of shifting. Unfortunately, I am now programmed to expect a super early down shift, and I've caught myself (my body) preparing or expecting the shift. When it doesn't happened, I notice. I'm hoping after a couple of days or a week I wont notice anymore. I really like the idea of not thinking about this transmission ever again...to just be able and drive.
  
• It did really well in bumper to bumper / heavy traffic. I got in the MPG ballpark of what I typically get. (I honestly dont pay *that* much attention to my MPGs--its usually 18.3 by the end of the tank. We'll see where this puts me. As long as its within 2mpgs and keeps performing well, I wont mind the loss.
• I need to make the adjustment that doesn't show the gear changes on the display. I think that's on p97 in the manual (or so I read). Having it pop up just reminds me about the transmission, which like I said above, isn't something I want to think about when driving.

I am very happy with my purchase.

Someone tell me what I'm supposed to zip tie this to.

 

Anyone ? Anyone?



What do I zip tie this cord to?

 

I think the zip ties are for any remaing length of wire.

 

I'm about to head down to my garage and figure it out. In the install video he mentioned "several places to tie it to" like some wiring harnesses and whatnot but I don't see anything obvious.

I'd thread it under the floor mat and call it a day but it's just short enough that it would leave a semi-taught wire right where my feet would most definitely rip it out of place when I try to get in and out of the vehicle.

Similarly, I'd just jam it in there and hope it stays, but I'm worried it would plop out and I'd rip the wiring out with my feet.

When I figure it out I'll post pics to help the next guy.

 

I used one ziptie right next to the obd port. The taut cable, rests on the 'shelf' of the knee panel. The slack is ziptied to the other cable and stuffed into the forward part of the console. I mounted the SS on that flat black plastic piece by the pedal.

 

Just received this item in the mail and installed it right away and it works great! The installation was really simple and easy. The only problem was that the adhesive wouldn't stick to the side. I rubbed it with alcohol for a good couple of minutes and let it dry but its still falling off.. I also tried a different adhesive tape and its doing the same thing. Any suggestions?

 

I went another direction with mine. I put 3m Velcro stickies on the back so it sticks to the carpet. Sadly, I'm at the dealership more than I'd like to be, so this let's me remove it much faster. The Velcro is enough to keep it in place and out of the way.

I am planning on doing a quick write up with pics for everyone.

 

I have a report on my SSP after a tank of gas. Luckily I had the same drive including mountain highway to my cabin on each tank. I am running KO2's at 265 75 16's and have a Relentless LoPro Bumper with winch. So, bigger tires, minimal added weight up front.

The drive is (40%) in town short commutes involving 30-40mph stop and go with short bursts of freeway to and from work and kid taxi to swim. I also made a trip up I-80 on each tank to my cabin. From sea level to 5300 feet. (60% highway) Here is what I got. Each number below is impression after a full tank of gas used. (3 tanks total).

1st Tank) Driving S4 (S5 or S6 on highway) with ECT button: bearable. Still shifting weird at times and not enough power when I need it. Not horrible though. Averaged 15.5 MPG.

2nd Tank) Driving in D only, trying to baby throttle. Same driving conditions. Shifting and power sucks. Hate it. Averaged 16.1 MPG

3rd Tank) installed SSP and did exact same driving pattern. Not babying it. Feels much better and yes, driving higher in RPM range which sounds a bit like a lawn mower but response improved. Less downshifting. Never get into 6th period. Same driving conditions except this trip to cabin loaded with bed full of gear and full passenger compartments. (2 adults and three kids). Not babying throttle at all but not drag racing. Averaged 15.9 MPG.

I like it. Worth the money. I agree that spending all this dough on a new truck that I have to improve to make acceptable sucks but WTF. In a couple years I will trade it in on a newer improved Tacoma or a F150 / Ranger Raptor will be out. By the way - in 4-Lo this thing is still great. This cabin trip and that mileage on SSP included a little 5-6 mile jaunt in 4-Lo and I have always felt this is the only place this truck shines.

 

My dad bought it new in 82.. Handed it down to me in 86. No power, 65 MPH top speed down hill with a tail wind, but it got 40-50 mpg! A turbo would have fixed the power issues, but that was way above my mechanical skills. It was sold in 88

 

I was wondering if this could be changed...good to hear it can be. I didn't use zip ties. I used a few small pieces of gorilla tape.

 

Longish term review.... installed on May 15th (updated eprom as soon as received - maybe 2 weeks). Probably go through a tank of fuel each week (at least) - includes city, suburbia and freeway (traffic & open). Did several 2-hour trips (each way). Basically any and all types of driving conditions (except towing as I am waiting on 7x14 trailer to arrive).

An absolute must-have. I actually planned on not keeping this vehicle much longer - and I usually keep vehicles for around 8 years...

This has totally transformed the driver experience and MPG is about the same or improved slightly.

I'll admit - I do hit the ETC button on a certain long hill when I am driving 'sprightly' and with the radar detector watching out for me... But it's not even needed under 'normal' conditions.

I'm actually really enjoying this truck thanks to this device. Well done OP - thanks!

 

Are you still going to trade in your truck or going to keep it now that you got this device?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ups-lost-side-steps.495507

 

I've taken it in twice now and no words or anything from the dealer.

 

I'll keep it thanks to this device... I am completely sold on this device and this truck - it NOW is everything I want in a mid-sized truck.

I'm enjoying driving it as I 'SHOULD HAVE' from the day I bought it.

 

Did yours ever show up? Mine didn't and the USPS is not much help other than to say look it says delivered.

 

Yea, mine showed up the next day. 4 other people in my building had the same issue. I think the mailman had a brain fart.

 

Scroll to the right 3 or 4 clicks on the display above the steering wheel until you get to "Settings". Then choose "Pop Up Settings". Then scroll down a few clicks to "Shift Display" and un-check that sucker.