Spectre6000's Crazy Idea Thread #4: Idle Up

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spectre6000

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This isn't the crazy one I've mentioned a time or two, that one's still cooking.

I don't think I've ever seen an idle up switch mod on a 4Runner... It's a switch that boosts idle speed to allow for more power under periods of demand such as giving the heater a boost, giving the AC a boost, winching, welding, onboard air, any other task that puts a heavy load on the alternator, etc.

My immediate thought on how would be to plug it into the thermostat for a good boost, but it would be limited to that range. Beyond that a solenoid could be hooked up pretty easily in place of the cruise control unit, but for those (like myself) that have cruise control and like having it it's not all that effective. It might be possible to somehow put a Y in the cruise control cable and install a solenoid off to the side somewhere...

Any thoughts?
 
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What about an old school choke/idle cable type of setup? I've seen some the have a screw adjustment rather than push pull. Screw type would be similar to what almost all motorcycles use for idle speed adjustment. A simple metal bracket could be whipped up, then you'd just have to route the cable. Actually, I think there are two throttle stops on the throttle body, could thread something right into one of those. Sorry I know you asked about an electrical setup but my mind immediately goes to simple.
 
The simplest solution is always the best! The second throttle stop is for cruise control (which I have), and would thus necessitate the Y-splice (which I'm not totally comfortable with if we're honest). I'm thoroughly familiar with choke cables (my newest car prior to my 4Runner turned 50 a few months back), and that's exactly why my mind immediately went to the thermostat part of the existing system that ups the idle in place of the traditional choke. Since the signal there (if I'm correct in my assumptions) is a simple on/off switching thermostat set at some temperature threshold (probably about 180), it would be very easy to splice a switch in there to either cut or replace the signal. Additionally, 70 series LCs in some markets have them from the factory, so a factory style button might not be difficult to source. Since all of the provisions are already in place save a few wires and a switch, the electric method seems simpler than running cables and levers all over the engine compartment. The down side is that the idle would only boost the 500 or so RPM that it does for the warm up...
 
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Cool idea. I have thought about doing a cable setup but don't like the thought of another cable to stick leaving the throttle open.

It would be cool if you could use the cruise module.

The 2001-2002 don't have cables on the TB, they use a servo.
 
Good thing I have the best year! ('99). I've mentioned it in the past, and I'll reiterate it again here for those that haven't read any of my other threads/posts: I'm very new to modern cars, and as I said a post or two up, my newest car prior to my '99 turned 50 earlier this year. Cruise control? The most complicated electronic thing in my last car was a bi-metallic turn signal relay! I don't know the mechanics of a cruise control, but if anyone does and can think of a way to "hack it", please chime in!

There's some defeating element to the cruise control related to speed. I.e., if you stop the car, the cruise control is effectively reset or something. I haven't really dug too deep into it, but if the defeat could be defeated it seems using the regular ol' cruise control would be perfect! It would have the same essential ramifications as the blue/gray wire mod in terms of "don't do stupid things, you take the life of some part of your rig into your hands when you use this" disclaimers.

This might be the first (potentially) free mod I've seen that's actually worth the effort!
 
what does it use to step up for the AC?
its it done by the ecu now?
or does it still use a VSV?

either way, you could just add your own vsv to step the idle up.
 
spectre6000 said:
Nevada, could you please expand those abbreviations for the uninitiated?
Click to expand...

Vacuum Switching Valve.

its a simple vacuum switch, and when power/ground(whichever it needs) is applied, it opens the switch, allowing vacuum. which causes the engine to idle up.

this is whats used to step up the idle for the AC on my 85 22re.

i figure it wouldnt be too hard to tap into a vacuum port on your rig, and wire in a switch.
 
That would accomplish the same thing as tapping the thermostat without the potential for fault that comes with a million vacuum lines running all over the engine compartment.

I just dug into my manuals, and I've found that the cruise control shuts off at 25 mph. The only FSM I've been able to find so far is for a 2002 with the electronic throttle (yuck!). Does anyone have any literature as to the inner workings of the earlier mechanical cruise control setups?
 
spectre6000 said:
That would accomplish the same thing as tapping the thermostat without the potential for fault that comes with a million vacuum lines running all over the engine compartment.

I just dug into my manuals, and I've found that the cruise control shuts off at 25 mph. The only FSM I've been able to find so far is for a 2002 with the electronic throttle (yuck!). Does anyone have any literature as to the inner workings of the earlier mechanical cruise control setups?
Click to expand...

only one vacuum hose needed for the vsv. it would be the easiest, and simplest way to do it. and depending on where you mounted it, it could be a very short hose.
 
Bingo! That's what I'm looking for! Theory confirmed, and I like the thermostat approach much better than the cruise control approach. I never said it was an original idea. Too bad he never answered the question...

Anyone know where people are getting their factory style switches and switch labels? Or where to get an actual Idle Up switch from a Hilux Surf (the diesels came with them)?
 
You will need a switch that in one position it will connect the cut wire as normal. The other position will need to connect the resistor in line with that wire. Two position, both positions on. DPDT
 
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