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OEM Trailer Brake - 2015 4.6 Questions

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by DigiMe, Sep 20, 2020.

  1. Sep 20, 2020 at 5:28 AM
    #1
    DigiMe

    DigiMe [OP] New Member

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    So I just picked up my first Toyota Tundra Saturday.

    I add going to be adding the towing brake to my 2015 4.6 Tundra. I have seen that I can add the oem towing parts and panel. From what I have seen there is a plug behind the panel on the drivers side to plug in the trailer brake. I have noticed that on some trucks with the OEM trailer brakes, they have the onscreen display for it in the center console. Would that display show up in mine? When I cycle through the displays, I do not see anything about trailer, but not sure if that is because I do not have anything plugged in yet.
     
  2. Sep 20, 2020 at 6:41 AM
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    JohnLakeman

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    It will be cheaper and more effective to add an aftermarket brake controller like the Tekonsha P3.

    With the Tekonsha P3, you can still use the OEM controller dash panel with an adapter faceplate from ESP for an OEM style in-dash mounting. Tekonsha also has a plug-n-play harness to install aftermarket controllers on pre-2018 Tundras.

    If you are going to tow, you might also consider retrofitting a auxiliary transmission fluid cooler to your 4.6L. If you need help on the retrofit parts list, I can help. Multiple threads on both brake controllers and transmission fluid coolers...use the search feature.

    Welcome from the Texas Hill Country.
     
  3. Sep 20, 2020 at 6:53 AM
    #3
    DigiMe

    DigiMe [OP] New Member

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    With the Tekonsha P3, I would just need to get the new dash faceplate and it would fit directly into that?
    Also with needing a auxiliary transmission fluid cooler, is that if I am towing a certain amount of weight? The trailer I plan on pulling is about 6000lbs. Or is it if I plan on hauling it long distances?
     
  4. Sep 20, 2020 at 7:06 AM
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    JohnLakeman

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    Yes, if your dash is the same as 2016+. I'm checking now.

    Trucks that are equipped with the tow package come equipped with the auxiliary cooler. Your 4.6L does not have the tow package. For daily driving, the auxiliary cooler will not be required. If towing 6000 lbs, owners have experienced transmission fluid temperatures up to 240 degrees or more. Some owners feel that is too high for a synthetic blend (Toyota WS) transmission fluid. Monitoring transmission fluid temperatures using a ScanGage or other OBD device while towing is also highly recommended (more threads). Decide for yourself after doing the research.
     
  5. Sep 20, 2020 at 7:18 AM
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    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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  6. Sep 20, 2020 at 7:24 AM
    #6
    DigiMe

    DigiMe [OP] New Member

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    Thanks! So if I get that trailer brake and than retrofit the transmission cooler piece, should I be ok to pull 6000lbs? Just a little worried since I see that that max is 6500lbs. When I got it they said it had the towing package, and since I saw the integrated wiring in the bumper and the towing part under the bumper, I thought that was what it meant. But now I don't see a tow switch or anything upfront.
     
  7. Sep 20, 2020 at 7:35 AM
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    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    You should be fine on tow weight limit with those improvements, but you will also have to watch trailer loading, and payload (hitch weight) limits. Check out the tow haul forum. Numerous threads there on meeting all the towing limitations.

    You must have bought from a used car dealer or maybe an owner unfamiliar with Tundra equipment. The last year for tow package on 4.6L was 2013. When shopping for my 2017 new, I concluded the same from the trailer receptacles on the bumper. I was surprised to learn that's just Toyota's way...doesn't mean you have the tow package. The silver lining is that pre-wiring for the receptacles makes adding a brake controller and lighting prep easy-peasy. :thumbsup:
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2020
  8. Sep 20, 2020 at 7:47 AM
    #8
    JohnLakeman

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    These are the Toyota parts needed to retrofit an auxiliary transmission cooler to your 4.6L.

    These prices are from @Roman at Toyota of Cool Springs. You'll also need an aftermarket transmission cooler (Hayden 679 has adequate capacity and is cost effective, see below), and a couple of quarts of Toyota WS ATF. You'll have to design some support brackets to mount the cooler. Cost will be under $400 if you do the install, installation labor will be extra.

    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C3BBKS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    When reading threads about retrofitting transmission coolers, keep in mind that most of those are for the 5.7L transmission (2019+) and the part numbers WILL be different from those below.


    4.6L Transmission Cooler Parts List.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 20, 2020
    300BLK likes this.
  9. Sep 20, 2020 at 8:25 AM
    #9
    DigiMe

    DigiMe [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the information. Looks like I have some work ahead of me. Was hoping to pull the trailer this coming weekend. Will put that on hold for a few weeks, till I get all this done.

    Also do I need to get the parts from Roman?
    The Tekonsha is out of stock. Should I wait for it to come back (Not sure how long they are usually our of stock), or find it somewhere else.
     
  10. Sep 20, 2020 at 9:42 AM
    #10
    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    You don't have to get the parts from @Roman, but once you compare pricing, you probably will. I usually do a bottom-line including shipping price comparison for big tickets, and would recommend that. Be sure to include the 20% shipping discount (FORUM20?) that @Roman provides forum members, but shipping is cheap on that order.

    You can find a Tekonsha P3 at etrailer.com, but they're pricey ($232). I got mine off Amazon $100+ cheaper, but that was a year ago. There are good Tekonsha and other brand controllers cheaper, but that will mess up the in-dash mounting plan.
     
  11. Sep 21, 2020 at 3:30 PM
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    DigiMe

    DigiMe [OP] New Member

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    Awesome thanks for the info! If I don't go with the Tekonsha P3 any others that are recommended in-dash or surface mounted?
     
  12. Sep 21, 2020 at 6:27 PM
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    JohnLakeman

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    I have no experience with other controllers. Some prefer to go with a Redarc controller that simply has a knob showing on the dash, with the controller behind the dash panel. That may also be an option. Do the search, read the info, make your decision.
     
  13. Sep 21, 2020 at 6:49 PM
    #13
    DigiMe

    DigiMe [OP] New Member

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    So my install of the retrofit an auxiliary transmission cooler on my 4.6 will be the same as the 5.7, just with different part numbers? Sorry, but I have never messed around with anything like this before.
     
  14. Sep 21, 2020 at 8:44 PM
    #14
    JohnLakeman

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    The two transmissions are different, resulting in the auxiliary cooler installations and the part numbers being slightly different.

    This pic shows 4.6L A760E/F transmission (passenger side looking forward toward engine) with the fluid warmer and adapter- spacer (circled in blue). The thermostat (PN 32971-34030) will replace the adapter-spacer. The fluid connections from/to the transmission are circled in red.

    Inked4.6L Warmer-Cooler Installation_LI.jpg

    This is different from the 5.7L AB60E/F transmission where the thermostat bolts directly to fluid ports on the side of the transmission case. Otherwise, the two cooler installations are pretty much the same.

    Once you've installed Toyota parts from the transmission to the front of the engine, improvisation begins with mounting the aftermarket cooler and using bulk transmission fluid hose to make the final connections to the Toyota cooler pipe sub-assembly (PN 32907-0C040).

    When the installation is complete, you will have to add transmission fluid, and adjust fluid level at the proper transmission temperature. If you don't normally work on your vehicles, then you may need to have the install professionally done.

    Additional pics shown below:

    2010-2013 4.6L Without ATF Cooler.jpg


    2010-2013 4.6L With ATF Cooler.jpg

    Snip 3.jpg


    2013 4.6L Transmission Fluid Cooling.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2020
  15. Sep 22, 2020 at 5:55 AM
    #15
    DigiMe

    DigiMe [OP] New Member

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    Wow, that looks a lot more complicated than I was thinking. Looks like I might just order the parts and find someone locally in the San Antonio - Austin area that can do it. Thanks again!
     
  16. Sep 22, 2020 at 6:00 AM
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    JohnLakeman

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    For the improvised install of an aftermarket cooler up front, here are a couple of nice clean installations to go by. These were posted by @Ruggybuggy and @sgtfluffy16. These installs are for 2019+ 5.7L trucks, but in the grille area it's the same.

    @Ruggybuggy used the Hayden 679 cooler I referenced earlier, which provides plenty of cooling capacity, cheaper hose barb connections (no expensive fittings required), and is very cost effective. The horizontal installation with side connections reduces hose length/exposure and insures proper venting of the exchanger:

    @Ruggybuggy.jpg

    @sgtfluffy16.jpg
     
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  17. Sep 22, 2020 at 6:03 AM
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    JohnLakeman

    JohnLakeman Burning Internet Daylight

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    Not really complicated, but you'll need to know your way around a tool box.
     
  18. Sep 22, 2020 at 6:31 AM
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    Vizsla

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    Appears both of those installs are using the cooler as a structural part due to the independent solid mounting points, not a good idea. The oe coolers/radiator are all mounted on isolators due to the amount of flex and vibration. OP should watch temps and verify a problem actually exists before spending money imo..
     
  19. Sep 22, 2020 at 7:46 AM
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    Ruggybuggy

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    I've mounted trans coolers in many vehicles over the years using this same method and have never had an issue.

    Every rebuilt transmission I've installed requires a externally mounted cooler for warranty purposes.
     
  20. Sep 24, 2020 at 4:51 PM
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    sgtfluffy16

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    For the full information on my install I updated my post. But my install included rubber isolators at each mounting point.
     

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