Sports mode for non-Kakadu models

[randog78 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close randog78]

Since the Kakadu offers three different "drive modes" (Comfort, Eco and Sports) but otherwise has the same transmission and engine as the other models, it must be a simple setting in the ECU. Is there any known tricks to force "sport S+" on a VX model? I am not a big fan of autos to start with, and even the slightest improvement in responsiveness means a great deal to me.

PS: the mode might also affect the KDSS, but this is of course irrelevant on a recent model VX (2019).

[cuda Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close cuda]

Since the Kakadu offers three different "drive modes" (Comfort, Eco and Sports) but otherwise has the same transmission and engine as the other models, it must be a simple setting in the ECU. Is there any known tricks to force "sport S+" on a VX model? I am not a big fan of autos to start with, and even the slightest improvement in responsiveness means a great deal to me.

PS: the mode might also affect the KDSS, but this is of course irrelevant on a recent model VX (2019).

Be great if someone had some info on this? Great question

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

After a bit of online research and testing on this - Yes you should be able to retrofit an ECO/Sports Driving Mode switch to most Aust version post 2017 facelift Non-Kakadu Prados.

Edit: We have confirmed this works plug-n-play for the VX.
However there is additional wiring required to be added with the GX/GXL even if the connector is there so please see Toopy's posts #47 to #51 below before purchasing the switch as not everyone will be willing to pull their console and dash apart to complete the mod.
For the post Jun 21 models 'Normal' switch activation has changed from pin 8 to pin 9 on the Engine/Trans ECU so if following Toopy's instructions if applicable please alter your Normal connection point.

Edit2: For those doing the GX/GXL install Trac Electronics has now produced a premanufactured wiring patch harness to do Toopy's mod in posts #47 to #51 - link here Eco-Normal-Sport mode patch harness - Trac Electronics

For those that are not aware what this does :

• ECO mode dulls throttle response and upshifts earlier plus automatically minimises A/C and dc power use to save fuel.
• Normal is the default mode you normally use without the switch.
• Sports Mode sharpens the engine throttle response and changes the transmission shift points to give more sporter and better towing performance but the negative offset is increased fuel usage.
• The vehicle will switch from Sport to Normal Mode on start-up but stay in ECO until deselected.

(See the operators manual for additional info if needed - Noting this is a different feature to the ECO driving display light and menu idisplay tem).

If you remove the blanking plate behind the gear lever there should be a 10 pin connector used to connect the switch under it.(This Link shows the removal of the blanking plate and the 10 pin connector - Gear Stick Phone Slot - Install Guide (downandaroundcampers.com.au).)

If the connector is there you are in luck :-) Noting the following information is to be used at your own risk but I have done initial testing on my 21 VX and it did work.

For those wanting to test before buying an OEM switch or to use aftermarket switches, the switches need to be momentary on switches or push buttons.

The 10 pin connector uses the following pins to select Mode:

• Pin 5 Ground (white with black stripe) used as a ground return for all modes.
• Pin 6 Eco Mode (yellow with white stripe) momentarily connect to Pin 5 to select ECO - Centre display upper changes colour to blue and ECO displayed in lower area.
• Pin 7 Normal Mode (light green with black stripe) momentarily connect to Pin 5 to reset to default/Normal Mode.
• Pin 3 Sports Mode (blue with white stripe) momentarily connect to Pin 5 to select Sports - Centre display upper changes colour to red and Sports displayed in lower area.

The other pins are for switch illumination and ? but I haven't located on the wiring diagrams as yet.

Pin 1 (red with white stripe)
Pin 2 (green with white stripe)
Pin 8 (pink)
Pin 10 (Black with yellow stripe)
Pin 4 & 9 blank


To use OEM parts you can order either the VX 3 mode (ECO / Normal / Sports) P/N 8471160020 / 8471160040 I believe these are the EU/General numbers





, or VX-L/Kakadu 5 mode (Conf_Eco / Normal / Sports S/S+) P/N8471160030 ECO Driving Mode Switch.



Either version can be connected to the 10 pin connector and installed in place of the blanking plate. If you use the 5 mode version (which will most likely be easier to get in Aust) the centre information display will still only show 3 modes i.e. ECO Mode / Normal Mode (default) / Sports Mode.

Hope this is useful to someone else out there.

Edit: Ordered the 8471160030 ECO Driving Mode Switch through Amayama today $101.32 delivered from Japan - 6-8 weeks estimated delivery timeframe.

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

This link provides some pics and a write up on an equivalent installation done on a Russian 2019 Prado 150 using the 8471160020 switch. (May need to be translated if you want to read)

[gunda Member Find all posts View Profile Close gunda]

The vehicle will alway default to Normal Mode on start up.

If you select Sports or Sports+ then yes, it will revert to Normal on next start up, which is a pain. However if you select Comfort then that setting is retained at subsequent starts. Off the top of my head I don't recall if Eco mode is retained or whether it reverts to Comfort.

For those that don't know, there are five settings despite there being only three buttons. Multiple presses of the Sport button cycle between Sport and Sport+, and likewise for Comfort and Eco.

If you're just after improved engine responsiveness then personally I think an EVC / iDrive electronic throttle controller is a better investment. It provides more control and ultimately more boost if that's what you want. Towing is far better with a throttle controller than in Sport or Sport+ mode.

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

Hi Gunda,

Agree on there should be 5 modes but Comfort and Sports+ only appear to be available if you have the adaptive air suspension ECU fitted to the Kakadu (which I'm assuming you have based on the details you mention). During testing my VX would only show the 3 modes even with multiple presses.

I haven't really done any real world driving tests yet to see what difference it actually makes on performance and fuel use or costed the OEM switch but it was an interesting exercise to see if it could be done.

I'm actually surprised that it's not a standard inclusion like on many other Toyota models, or at least a factory or dealer fitted option on the GX/GXL/VX here in Aust as the only thing missing appears to be the switch.

Edit: Confirmed that ECO does remain on until another mode is selected.

[Lee0110 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Lee0110]

Unfortunately, no, there are no known tricks to force "sport S+" on a VX model. The only way to get this type of performance out of the vehicle is to upgrade to the Kakadu, which is equipped with the 3 drive modes.

[gunda Member Find all posts View Profile Close gunda]

Yes, I've got a Kakadu. TBPH, I don't know what Sports+ mode does over Sports mode. I can't pick the difference. If it alters the suspension in some way, the effect is subtle.

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

From what I read the difference in Sports+ is it adds in stiffened suspension settings and alters the steering response hence why it needs the additional AVS ECU in the Kakadu to activate it.(same for Comfort but in the other direction)

[humungusmon Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close humungusmon]

I'd be keen to hear how it goes too.

Edit: Ordered the 8471160030 ECO Driving Mode Switch through Amayama today $101.32 delivered from Japan - 6-8 weeks estimated delivery timeframe.

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

I have been trialing this using a shorting link (piece of single strand hookup wire connected to pin 5 and touching 3, 6 or 7 as needed) and happy that the ECO and Sport Mode differences were enough to warranty spending $100.

I didn't check to see what the price and availability was though local Toyota dealers as it wouldn't be a common failure item so unlikely anyone in Aust would hold stock.

[Brisbane4101 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Brisbane4101]

Has anyone tried this on a GXL ? I have checked mine, and there is a plug under the blanking plate, so it appears I can order the switch as per the above posts and it should work. My question is though, do the dash lights change as you change the different drive modes, as the GXL doesn't have the same info on the dash as the vx/kakadu does.

For the $100 for the switch, I am going to give it a go, but just wondered what to expect with the dash lights (the owners manual says the dash lights up blue in eco mode, red in sport mode and normal in normal mode)

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

Hi Brisbane4101,

Is your GXL an Aug 2017+ facelift update version and has it got the centre multifunctional display? If yes then it should work if you have the plug.

If you want to test just do as I did and get a thin piece of wire locate pin 5 with the white with black stripe wire and place one end of the wire in the pin 5 socket. Touch the other end to the pin 6 yellow/white and you should get ECO mode (Blue in upper display and ECO on bottom right). This will stay on until you change modes.

Touch pin 3 blue/white for Sport mode (Red upper display and Sport on bottom right). This will revert to normal when you turn the car off so you need to reselect if you want on next drive.

Touching Pin 7 Light Green/Black resets to normal mode from ECO or Sport.

At least one of the other wires has 12V on it so double check you have the correct pin before touching 3, 6, 7 as if you touch the wrong one you will most likely blow a fuse.

If this all works getting the switch will make it a permanent feature.

[Sas477 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Sas477]

2023 GXL. Found the plug and grounded the pins as per the above post and nothing happened.

when I’m next in might test that black/white line and see if it’s even connected further down the line.

[ptommo59 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close ptommo59]

Hi Sas477,

Damn I thought it would work if the connector was there.....

Have you got a scangauge or torque pro etc? As there is a PID that shows which mode it is in to see if it is changing when you touch the pins. If it is then it could be that the GXL ECUs are missing some of the programming to implement the mode features.

For scangauge the PID is:

TXD: 0700221004
RXF 046205100604
RXF 3008
MTH 000100010000
Name: MOD

Torque Pro

Mode/PID: 221004
Name: Driving Mode
Short Name: MOD
Equation: A
OBD Header: 700

Value on gauge 0 = Normal, 2 = Sport, 6 = ECO