VSC Mod with Factory Switch

S

Snesley Wipes

New member
OK I have been wanting to do the VSC mod that everyone has been doing and finally got myself a factory switch. I have a 2007 limited. Original mod thread here. So I went to pull off then panel to install my switch and found a set of wires that actually match the back of the factory traction off switch I purchased. In the VSC mod thread a member also encountered this but mentioned it did not work just to plug it in. There are 4 wires in the original harness and 4 connector ends in the purchased factory switch so my question is, why is this not a plug and play setup? Why would there be a factory harness that plugs right into the factory switch but does not work when activated? I tried popping a fuse in some of the empty fuse banks to see if that would activate it but to no avail. Why in the world would toyota even have this in the vehicle if it was not active? Could anybody shed light on this situation?
Thanks,
Snes
VSC1.jpg
VSC2.jpg~original
 
Last edited:
Register to hide this ad
Out of curiosity, did you try just holding it down? I remember vaugely something about these switches being pulse width modulated and not just a simple click in click out deal...

But it should be fairly plug and play from what I remember.
 
I just tried holding it down but that didnt work... The button seems to be getting power because when I turn the lights on the button lights up as well. I wonder if the dealer needs to activate it with their little flasher setting device. I think I may give them a jingle tomorrow and see if its possible. If anyone knows otherwise, please let me know. Thanks for the reply also BlackWorks.
 
Last edited:
Ya, it may look like that. I put a call into the dealer yesterday and the service manager said I was talking about stuff he is not even remotely familiar with so he put me on with one of his master-techs. Explained everything to the tech regarding the live harness, factory switch, etc...and asked him if customizable settings were available in Techstream where he could activate or allow that portion of the ecu to operate. He told me that Toyota does not have many, if any customizable settings of the ECU vs Honda vehicles. I asked him about a potential ECU swap and he told me he was not sure but that would be a very expensive route. Nevertheless, I have a PM to SSTR4 to verify a couple of things then I think I will just do his snip-snip mod. I was specifically inquiring if just bridging those two wires he was working on was an option vs cutting one.
Thanks for the reply,
Snes
 
My theory is that they have that connector behind the dash prewired for the 2wd versions which probably have a different version of the basically the same Skid Control ecu that the 4wd have. Just a theory tho.
 
That's kinda what im thinking as well but I am not electrically inclined. I do have the 2007 and 2008 wiring diagrams here. The RW wire is the same on both but says "Auto LSD SW" on the 2007 and "VSC OFF SW" on the 2008. I really don't know what to do with these from here.
2007.png
2008.png~original
 
Decided to just go ahead and do this. Initially, I was hoping for a way other than cutting a factory wire but when I found out the switch wire was dead anyway, I could do no harm. Decided to just tap the wire under the hood and tape it up like it was stock. Just need to replace the pins in the factory switch to make it on/off and should be good to go! Thank you jbtaco2002, bulldog, SSt4r, and everyone else for the extra guidance. I highly recommend this route for those who want a clean stock look.
Snes
IMG_2197.jpg
IMG_2199.jpg
IMG_2200.jpg~original
 
deedst4r said:
Do you have a step by step write up for this mod? and is it the same for a V6?
Click to expand...

Step-by-step is in my first post...click the link and it will direct you to the original thread created by CJ3Flyr. Page 3 of that thread has SSt4r's write-up via the "under-the-hood" route. Pretty sure its the same for the V6 but don't quote me on that.
Snes
 
The 2007 V6 4WD does not have the blue connector, or a wire from the junction connector IC2. The red/white wire to pin #43 is there, but as stated, does not do a thing as long as you ground it for. I rigged up a pin and wire in case someone ever finds a way to get the VSC ECU to respond.

The fact that it does do something in the 2WD models says there are things in the VSC ECU that can be enabled or at least is aware if the vehicle is 2 or 4WD.

An enterprising Toyota tech that can access Toyota's electronic files and get a copy of the 2008 VSC ECU flash could do a great service flashing older (at least the 2007 with the same wiring) ECUs to enable the VSC cut the factory designed way.

I never poked around in my Chinese version of Techstream to see what was in the ABS section, but if there was any sort of enabling switch, I'd think it would have been found by now.
 
robtmc said:
The 2007 V6 4WD does not have the blue connector, or a wire from the junction connector IC2. The red/white wire to pin #43 is there, but as stated, does not do a thing as long as you ground it for. I rigged up a pin and wire in case someone ever finds a way to get the VSC ECU to respond.

The fact that it does do something in the 2WD models says there are things in the VSC ECU that can be enabled or at least is aware if the vehicle is 2 or 4WD.

An enterprising Toyota tech that can access Toyota's electronic files and get a copy of the 2008 VSC ECU flash could do a great service flashing older (at least the 2007 with the same wiring) ECUs to enable the VSC cut the factory designed way.

I never poked around in my Chinese version of Techstream to see what was in the ABS section, but if there was any sort of enabling switch, I'd think it would have been found by now.
Click to expand...

I wish you could... Unfortunately unlike some other manufacturers, Toyota is almost tyrannical about their software. Most modules won't even give you a ECU Calibration Number (Software ID Number/Version) such as the ABS, let alone let you change/flash it. You can't even use the part numbers to identify what flash/functions it can/can't do (something I am trying to help a member in the 5th gen forums right now with.) All the Master Cylinder Assemblies on '06+ 4Runners, '10+ Tacomas, and '07~'14 FJ Cruisers are physically the same but the Skid Control ECUs have different part numbers. Part Numbers that Toyota does not show in their parts fiche (the Master Cylinders are sold as assemblies and you cannot buy the Skid Control ECU separately), yet they have something special about them because if you recall my http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/174680-class-participation-time.html thread, the customer ended up having to buy an entirely new Master Cylinder Assembly because the Skid Control ECU thought it was a 4WD for some reason (working theory is that it was purchased online from a 4WD Land Cruiser Prado and installed on the customer's 2WD 4Runner prior to being purchased, I go in detail about it in the thread if you're curious.)

They really don't let you do much with them anymore, I just tried to program a '15 Tacoma for a customer so the doors locked when you put it in Drive; but Toyota seems to have removed that option in the last few years!
 
robtmc said:
Read your thread in detail.

Thought about buying a brake booster from a salvage yard to get the 2008 ECU, but chickened out.
Click to expand...

My working theory is that the Skid Control ECU part numbers dictate the trim/drivetrain set-up of the programming. i.e one part number may be coded for a '06~'09 Sport Edition 4WD V8, while another may indicate a '06~'09 Limited V6 2WD.

If you get the part from a vehicle that is similar in year & trim you should be okay I think.
 
BlackWorksInc said:
If you get the part from a vehicle that is similar in year & trim you should be okay I think.
Click to expand...
That is the rub, I lost faith that the salvage yard knew or could be trusted to do it right.

Now if I could go pick the part, but no way do I want to fly to the mainland for that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 349 (members: 5, guests: 344)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,307
Messages
3,554,053
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top