I still don't get how this works and what the steps and hardware required to do the tunes.
1.
https://vftuner.com/products/vforest-tuner-software-flash-cable
2. Email their help desk with your order#, vehicle and personal info. You will need to know the actual ECU ID of your truck. It will go by year and transmission. They will have default ECU ID's from the factory unless you had a TSB update. Sometimes you might not even know.
2a. Update to newest ECU ID for your year/transmission. Sometimes the dealer will do it. Call around and find a cool dealer. Literally takes them 5-10 minutes. Sometimes they will say nothing is wrong with your truck and they can't replicate the issue. A lot of the TSB for ECU updates seem to be fixing shifting issues.
2b. Download Techstream. I was forced to go this route because the dealership here sucks. Search the internet for Techstream V12.20.019. You'll find it on a Tacoma forum. Find tonered's posts. That's when you know you're close. It was him or someone else mentioned in his post that has a complete walkthrough guide to installing and updating.
3. Wait to received the USB dongle and cable.
4. You can either buy the tune packs from them for $300-$350 or find a custom tune. I've been using
@TermLimits 's Valley Runner. He's active on here, replies fast and has always been helpful.
Performance Tuning for Toyota Vehicles! With over 2,000 variations, Valley Tuning has a modification for all driving styles. Enhance your vehicle and redefine your driving experience. GET TO KNOW THE TUNES! Refined | Bold | Excellence Our flagship tune, Valley Runner, has been meticulously...
valleytune.com
There's also a Valley Runner thread on this forum.
5. Once you get the hardware in the mail, install the drivers on a laptop. Start up the VFTuner software and register your VIN. Should be instant and will need internet connection.
6. Have your tune file ready.
7. Turn ignition to 2nd mode without starting the truck. The one where it will power everything and you're able to open the windows without starting it up.
8. Have everything off in the truck. A/C. Radio, any accessories. Good idea to have a battery tender or charger on it.
9. Plug in the dongle. Start up VFTuner. Will need internet connection. Good idea to have the laptop on a charger as well.
10. I think it's File > Flash ECU.
11. New Window opens. Click Prepare ECU. Select calibration file. Click Calibrate ECM.
Turn truck off and start it.
12. You can clear the TCU/DTC. TCU is the ECU ID I think... DTC is error codes. I'm pretty sure that's what they are. 2nd ignition mode, start up VFTuner, Prepare ECU, clear.
There is a message that tells you to keep battery/truck voltage above 12v.
Also make sure the laptop doesn't die or get unplugged. The flashing process takes about 1-3 minutes tops.
This is the manual. Pretty straight forward.
I'd be happy to help you out. Seems like OV didn't update the terms to match between the application and manual. Instead of saying Flash ECM or whatever it is, it says Select Calibration File or whatever.
I could probably make an easier post to go step by step with picture. But it's pretty self explanatory and you should be able to figure it out. If you're having trouble with that, probably just pay someone to flash the tune. Someone flashing the tune and doing it yourself costs about the same. If you do it yourself you get the hardware and can do it whenever. If you pay someone, no hardware.
I suggest to try a learn value reset, for best results I have gone through Techstream to do this Can you tell me the steps to do this with best results?
tacoma3g.com