Adding ECO/Sport Driving Mode, Crawl Control and MTS functions to Aug 17+ VX Prado

[Toopy Member Find all posts View Profile Close Toopy]

Yep I checked today and the wiring isn't present, I mean I know copper is expensive but I wish they would have just installed the wiring.
Didn't get to TS yet, maybe on the weekend.

Interesting, I was reading through the features manual of the prado and it alludes that sport mode also "improves" the steering feel. I wonder what the steering ECU is doing?

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

"In the Variable Flow Control (VFC) power steering system, the power steering ECU receives the steering angle signal, steering zero point memory, steering speed, vehicle speed signal, L4 status signal, drivetrain information, AVS mode signal and engine speed signal through the CAN communication system. The power steering ECU also controls the power steering solenoid valve mounted on the vane pump assembly in accordance with whether the vehicle is driving straight or turning in order to supply an appropriate power steering fluid volume."

The steering ECU controls the amount and rate of assist the power steering system provides so you will either get more or less feedback and/or slower or faster response when turning the steering wheel in Sport at various speeds.

[Toopy Member Find all posts View Profile Close Toopy]

This is what I was looking for

Drive Mode Cooperative Control (Models with Drive Mode Select)

• By optimizing discharge rate control based on the status of the driving mode, the steering conditions of the vehicle are easily conveyed to the driver, achieving improved steering feel and a sense of unity between the vehicle and driver.
• Models without AVS
  • When SPORT mode is selected, the discharge rate of the power steering fluid sent from the vane pump is reduced and the steering feel will become heavier than that of ECO mode and NORMAL mode, producing a steering feel suitable for a sporty drive.

[1coolbanana Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 1coolbanana]

Just found this, very interesting stuff.
I tried buying the ECO switch for my 19 VX but there appears to be no stock worldwide.
Everybody is cottoning on :-)
Would love to get Crawl control activated!

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

1coolbanana,

Haven't done the final testing to confirm it works on the VX as I really don't need it for my vehicle and didn't want to play with the vehicle skid control ECU reconfiguration settings atm.

Most of the info you need is in the earlier posts but you will need access to a copy of Techstream and a Kakadu Combination Switch Panel or some other form of switches to reconfigure the VX to Crawl Control / MTS modes.

If you want to try this happy to answer any questions or chase extra info.

[1coolbanana Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 1coolbanana]

1coolbanana,

Haven't done the final testing to confirm it works on the VX as I really don't need it for my vehicle and didn't want to play with the vehicle skid control ECU reconfiguration settings atm.

Most of the info you need is in the earlier posts but you will need access to a copy of Techstream and a Kakadu Combination Switch Panel or some other form of switches to reconfigure the VX to Crawl Control / MTS modes.

If you want to try this happy to answer any questions or chase extra info.

Hi mate, many thanks.
I can confirm the Eco/Normal/Sport mode switch panel works 100% in a 19 VX as my friend installed it.
As far as the rest goes, Id love to get Crawl control and the Kakadu panel to work but thats well above my pay grade!
I have managed to override the traction control off when the rear locker is engaged and a torque converter lockup kit but much else is probably getting risky without someone holding my hand :-)
Thanks very much for the offer.
Cheers
Marc

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

Latest update:

AG Overland has successfully completed the mod to install the Kakadu dash centre control panel and activate Crawl Control & MTS functions using Techstream on a VX.

This is the link to his draft video of the process and parts required for anyone still following this thread and interested how its done Prado 150 VX - Adding MTS and Crawl Control (Part 1) (youtube.com)

Same as for the Sports Mode switch only works as shown with the VX (For the GXL/GX you would need to add additional wiring and potentially update the Skid Control ECU to the equivalent model to the VX/Kakadu, so lots more involved).

[1coolbanana Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 1coolbanana]

Latest update:

AG Overland has successfully completed the mod to install the Kakadu dash centre control panel and activate Crawl Control & MTS functions using Techstream on a VX.

This is the link to his draft video of the process and parts required for anyone still following this thread and interested how its done Prado 150 VX - Adding MTS and Crawl Control (Part 1) (youtube.com)

Same as for the Sports Mode switch only works as shown with the VX (For the GXL/GX you would need to add additional wiring and potentially update the Skid Control ECU to the equivalent model to the VX/Kakadu, so lots more involved).

I installed the mode switches in my 19 VX, It does not work.
If I scroll through the menus on the dash it says it needs to be initiallised even though the colours change.
Im not interested in the crawl control function, just wanted the normal, Eco, Sports mode to work but it does not.
I guess this is something Toyota has to do in Techstream

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

1coolbanana,

Haven't heard of anyone else with a facelift VX having any issues getting the ECO mode switch install working as plug and play.

Have you had any programming work done on the ECM by someone other than Toyota?

[1coolbanana Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 1coolbanana]

1coolbanana,

Haven't heard of anyone else with a facelift VX having any issues getting the ECO mode switch install working as plug and play.

Have you had any programming work done on the ECM by someone other than Toyota?

No nothing, its all factory original.
Will ask Toyota to enable and next service which will be the last while under warranty.
See if they will.

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

Thats odd as the switch only triggers a pin on the ECM to change to Sport and back to Normal Modes and on the Aircon Amp for ECO so no software settings to be enabled/initialised using Techstream that I am aware of.

If the colour and mode title is changing on the MID it must be running the applicable software functions in response to the switch triggers, so best guess you have a corruption somewhere in the ECM memory or software code. If that's the case the dealer may need to check the ECM and/or reload the software.

[1coolbanana Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 1coolbanana]

Thats odd as the switch only triggers a pin on the ECM to change to Sport and back to Normal Modes and on the Aircon Amp for ECO so no software settings to be enabled/initialised using Techstream that I am aware of.

If the colour and mode title is changing on the MID it must be running the applicable software functions in response to the switch triggers, so best guess you have a corruption somewhere in the ECM memory or software code. If that's the case the dealer may need to check the ECM and/or reload the software.

I will have to ask next time Im getting a service.
Im not getting my hopes up with the dealer.
I can only ask.