Techstream

[Duggerz]

Hi Everyone,

I've been doing some digging around into Techstream, wondering if it can be used to upgrade ECUs. From what I see it is capable yes, but not using the Mini VCI cables commonly sold on eBay. Has anyone on the forum used it to flash ECUs and if so did you use an imposter VCI or the real thing?

I'm aware that my 1AD could use a flash as there are a number of issues that relate to cold starting and fuel economy that would be resolved, but I don't want to buy it unless it does the programming, because I already have a Delphi and that does all the scanning I'll ever need.

TIA

Ian

[frankie406]

It would be best to bring it into Toyota for the updates.there was a guy selling the vci and software with the updates included in the package but if you lost connection with the Internet/computer during update you can brick your ecu so it's cheaper to go to Toyota.unless you really know what your doing. 

[Duggerz]

Thanks Frankie, I suspected as much but was open to finding a cost effective way to do this with low risk.

Initially I was surprised that flashing the ECU could brick it, but I realised this is 10 year + technology. I work in IT and flash kit regularly and these days it does a checksum on any update once copied to the kit before applying it.

It's probably not worth the cost to get mine done at this stage in its life, but it would have been handy to have at a reasonable price.

I was also ruminating on the reason why car manufacturers get away with selling updates when computer infrastructure suppliers (apart from HP - vote with your feet) supply updates for the life of the device and keep them available online for many years after that. I came to the conclusion that the average new car buyer keeps it for 3 years, all updates under warranty, after that it's someone else's problem, and the manufacturer only cares about the new car buyers. Am I wrong?

[Heidfirst]

3 hours ago, Duggerz said:

I was also ruminating on the reason why car manufacturers get away with selling updates when computer infrastructure suppliers (apart from HP - vote with your feet) supply updates for the life of the device and keep them available online for many years after that. I came to the conclusion that the average new car buyer keeps it for 3 years, all updates under warranty, after that it's someone else's problem, and the manufacturer only cares about the new car buyers. Am I wrong?

Afaik Toyota don't charge for updates (other than maps and they have to pay their supplier for those). Dealers however may charge for labour/time in applying those updates to the car.

[frankie406]

As far as I'm aware the update/flash is done via the Internet and if the connection between the ecu and the update is lost it can lead to the ecu to be dead. Now this could be scare tactics from dealers so you have to bring the car into them...any Toyota specialist near you can probably help?

[revband]

I find it hard to understand why if a Toyota "technician" can do it without a problem, another person who works in IT can't if they have the techstream.

I have  modern Triumph motorcycle I have bought TuneECU to flash the ECU and the instructions with this tell you not to connect to the internet.

[Duggerz]

Thanks everyone for your insights. I may invest in a cable and see in more detail what the procedure is. I can't imagine that flashing would be done without first downloading the update. However I suppose the updates are only available to dealers?

[frankie406]

I believe that the dealers have the updates I also think you can purchase a subscription from Toyota..I think the Toyota technicians have the technology for doing this without messing things up.the cable and software goes from £10 online.the proper Toyota tech2 would be thousands of pounds.but as I have said it's probably scare tactics from dealers.

[revband]

I would agree on the scare tactics, the instructions with my system are to first copy the original software from the ECU to to the computer, in case of any problems you can reinstall the original software.

[pfe4]

Hi Guys,

You can update ECU with your own laptop and cheap VCI cable from eBay  however there were incidents that it bricked car computer. The problem is not an internet connection (which you may have reliable), problem is VCI cable as it is not 100% exact copy of what Toyota using in service centres. 

If you don't want to risk your car - there is one known cable which you is known to work for firmwares - MongoosePro Toyota Techstream MFC2, it is a bit pricy though.

 

Hope this helps,

P.