Your trucks computer system and you...

I don't even own my Tacoma yet, but I used to program LSx engines for years so I wanted to share a few things:

The engine, transmission, and emissions system on your truck is electronically controlled. Each of these devices has some sort of base programming so that when you buy the car or your battery dies- your vehicle will still operate, but it then takes awhile to optimize itself/learn your specific usage habits.

For example many folks have posted about using ECT or sport mode for their transmission all the time...that's fine...but realize you're essentially overriding the learning process. Likewise regarding the engine: it isn't so much the engine mechanically breaking in so much as it learning your driving style and typical environmental conditions.


Case in point: when I watch ignition timing on the LSx series engines the base map would be set to a certain amount of advance...but that could be a little aggressive depending on where you lived (temperature, fuel quality, etc)...the computer would sense pre-detonation and the timing would get cut back aggressively by a default amount to prevent ANY possible issue. Eventually, however, the computer would learn "wait when the intake charge is this temperature I'm always doing an emergency retard of the timing...lets see if I can reduce the advance a little and what happens". Eventually reaching a new base that did not require the retard and therefore had a greater overall level of performance.

In short: bear with it and drive normally, many of the issues you may have will go away as your vehicles computer learns itself and you. My Saab is awful the first few days it's cold outside in the morning...then it finally learns and is good for the rest of the season.

I also really simplifies my example...fuel trims and in the case of the Toyota valve timing and play a huge role as well...but I'm sure you get the point.

 

Good post. I have found that most problems seem to go away after I ignore them.

 

Haha. I should specify "obviously this does not mean ignore mechanical problems or anything that is clearly not right".

 

Never touched the ECT button for first 1000 miles, lived through a little hurt, but now has a complete different feeling. Very much like my 2nd Gen off the line.

 

You program engines? Really, as in change the fuel map or trims? and your suggesting to let the motor learn about me and everything will be alright, what are you talking about...? OP.

 

Ha ha......that is the same philosophy my kids have.....

 

Seems like you're knowledgeable so will this still happen to some aspects of the engine/powertrain/tranny with a manual transmission?

 

Also, what do you recommend fuel wise?

 

Will the computer lose its' "learned Memory" if the battery is disconnected and have to learn all over again?

 

Not suggesting "everything" will be alright- a shitty base map will always be a shitty base map (hence why I used to program LSx engines and there was still value in programming a stock vehicle). But as the various modification tables fill out the vehicle should definitely run better than the day you bought it.

 

Whatever the manual recommends unless you have a good reason to do otherwise (modifications, perhaps certain extreme weather conditions...maybe)

 

No idea on the Tacoma. The LSx would lose its long term trims when the battery was disconnected as they were stored in volatile memory- but that's not this vehicle.

 

There are some other threads on this out there how it seems to be consensus that after x amount of miles the AT would "seem" to have better shift points and not feel so bogged down at lower speeds. Not sure why this is, except to guess that there may be some type of adaptive drive algorithm that works off a number of conditions and values that the ECU compiles. If that aint the case I would fall back on the old addage of break in time on the motor and drive train makes the ride more enjoyable than that first 200 mile experience.

 

I don't feel like mine has really changed at all.

 

The drive for me has been adapted in my right foot, the first 200 miles or so I used the eggshell approach on the gas. After I got used to the 3.5l atkinson cycle motor with VVT-iW and D4-S stuff its liking riding a new horse. Although there are times I have to use ECT to satisfy my RPM urge with out flooring it...I have no regrets and am enjoying my new mount.

 

Man every time I drive my gal's 2016 4Runner I'm reminded how gutless my 2016 Tacoma feels on the front end of the powerband. As long as I don't drive her runner, I get used to the "neutered" feeling.....

 

I am still looking a my tranny with my head shifted to the side because of how it keep aggressively shifting when on the freeway @ 70, but I have noticed a difference overall in the truck demeanor in the plus. The exhaust is also starting to sound much throatier now.

 

or higher, If you tow. I would not suggest using 87, imo

 

Wow thanks for the informative post