Poll: 2018+ TSS Radar/Precollision Problems

I had it happen one time and the dealer checked it said nothing was wrong. I had been on the freeway, traffic was bad I had cruise control set at max distance, but because of traffic closed the gap, like the rest of traffic and kept going. This made the whole TSS system error out and it took a while to reset.

 

I'm imagining they stick those black and white squares on a wall. Move the truck a certain distance from the squares. Hit a button and the truck computer recalibrates the sensors based on reading the squares. Gimme that $700.

 

It's not as simple as that.

 

Can you elaborate on what happens during calibration then?

Is it more or less this? https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10145739-9999.pdf

While I may have dummied it down, jokingly, once you figure out where to place the vehicle, is there anything more than putting the target up and executing the calibration routine?

 

There are two different calibrations performed. One is for the millimeter radar sensor and the other is for the camera. Actually three if you count the BSM recalibration. Basically there are targets set out at very precise locations. Most of the time is spent measuring and setting up the targets. The BSM and radar use metal triangle targets and the camera uses a visual black and white square target. Once the targets are in place it's a fee minute job from there.

The link you sent looks right but I didnt see any targets.

 

I have a couple of questions for those in the know on this issue.
I have a 20 Limited and have already swapped the grill for one with the older style sensor cover/emblem. Direct swap, just plugged it in and all good. No issues, no errors, no warnings for ~7K miles.
I have never used my cruise control at all until today. Five hour trip in constant PNW rain. I decided to try out the cruise control and it seemed to work fine. It threw a warning one time, but that was when I was passing a truck throwing a lot of spray. It cleared itself almost immediately and worked fine otherwise.

Based on the fact that I have not had one error or issue at all, and only today when I manually activated the cruise control, and then got one warning, does that indicate that my truck is already programmed to where I have to manually activate the pre-collision system?
Did I activate it by pressing the cruise control button? Just curious if the later trucks have a different program to avoid all the issues the earlier models were having? I know, RTFM...

Second, I acquired an old style Pro grill and want to swap that in and use one of the sensor relocation brackets.
Where do I get the Jomax bracket? Its not on their website anymore and I didn't see it anywhere else in my quick search.
If that ends up being a no-go, I guess I'll try the AJT bracket, or I may got with 2020Platinum's behind the surround method.

Third, I'm about to have the dealership install my suspension, which will give me a ~2" lift in front.
Should I wait to swap the grill and move the sensor until after the suspension job? As of now I assume they'll recalibrate the sensor if necessary to make it work with the new height, as long as I don't roll in there with a Pro grill and an aftermarket bracket.

If they say they can't recalibrate it after the suspension work for the liability reasons mentioned above, and they update the software where I have to actively turn the system on, that's fine with me as I will rarely use the adaptive cruise, if ever.
But, will I still be able to use the normal cruise control after the update?

Also, am I safe in assuming if they set it up where I have to turn on the TSS manually, I won't get any warnings or errors if I don't turn it on? Just in case the new grill/sensor relocation bracket doesn't work after I swap them out. It may be that way already, which would be good.

 

Did you just change the grill or did you change the grill and sensor? Changing the sensor won't change the programming from auto activation to manual activation. The programming isn't in the sensor. Error codes are common in bad weather and is normal.

The dealership won't recalibrate after a lift. It's something corporate Toyota would have a problem with but some dealers might do it anyways to convince customers to do the lift.

They would or should do the update so you have to activate the system. You could remind them to do it if you prefer it to operate that way.

 

They changed the stance on recalibrating lifted trucks March 2019, just have to sign the waiver.

 

Changing the programming doesn't recalibrate.

The first service campaign was just a rubber mold that was applied to the sensor to protect it from water intrusion then the software update. That software update is separate from the modified truck software update. The modified truck software update should only be applied to a truck where the sensor height has been changed.

 

I changed to a different grill that needed a different sensor cover. Just unscrewed the sensor and screwed it back into the new sensor cover. No issues before or after. I understand changing any of these parts would not change the programming.
My question was, since I never used the cruise control or turned anything on or off until yesterday, regardless of what grill/sensor was installed, and only then did I get my first error message, do you think my truck is already programmed to default to PCS off, and I turned it on when I activated the adaptive cruise? Or would you only ever get those messages when using the adaptive cruise control anyways.

I'll see what the dealership says after my suspension gets in and I make my appointment to get it installed.
Either they will recalibrate it to work, or they'll go to the default off remedy. I'm good either way on that, as long as I don't get a bunch of error messages and beeps and whatnot.

 

In any case, the waiver is kinda dumb if you're just doing a leveling kit. The TRD Pro is designed that way, and they obviously have a way to program it for that truck. So bringing a standard truck up to TRD Pro ride height should just get you the TRD Pro calibration. Anything beyond that then I get it. Since my dealer is doing the install I think they'll be more inclined to give it back to me with no lights or workarounds, but we'll see. I don't see why angling the sensor down one degree wouldn't fix the issue. Its not all that complicated really, Toyota is just being lazy on this one.

 

I also have a 2020 and the programming is such that its active when the truck started. If they install the lift and notice the grill change they are suppose to do the tsb and make you sign the waiver. Lifting the truck won't cause the system to throw error codes, it just doesn't work as accurately. That why they make you sign the waiver. Recalibration takes about an hour to do and it's not something the dealer will/should do. Hard to explain without writing a very long explanation of how the recalibration is done but once the trucks height is altered the procedure set by Toyota can't be followed. Modifying a repair procedure to work with a lifted truck on a safety related item would not be something Toyota corporate would allow.

 

So how would they recalibrate a TRD Pro?

 

Some sensors got the sealant applied, others required replacement under the campaign. Replacement requires recalibration. Don’t think there is modified truck software. Had mine recalibrated out of pocket early 2018 for lift, got to watch every step, first one dealer did before it became an issue. Works perfect.

There is a calibration for different trucks, Pro, 2wd, etc..

 

That's what I'm saying, they already have the procedure for the Pro, so why not just use that for a leveled standard truck? Its the same thing at that point.

What about all these dealerships that sell customized trucks brand new? I've seen trucks with leveling kits and bigger tires on the showroom floor. Certainly they are not adding all this stuff and selling them for more $, but then making the customer sign a waiver saying their shit won't work anymore because of it.

 

There are different instruction for the Pro calibration.

 

That's exactly what they do. The TSS will still work and there won't be any error codes but the system won't perform as accurately so Toyota corporate won't be responsible if there is an accident. You sign the waiver and your responsible.

 

I get that its different, but the Pro procedure would work just fine on a leveled truck, its the same thing.

Who would buy a new customized truck and then sign a waiver? Seems like a losing proposition for the dealership and Toyota.
Anyways, I guess I'll see what happens here in a couple of weeks.

 

A Toyota tech can't apply a repair procedure that is safety related to a vehicle that it doesn't apply to. When you recalibrate there are exact measurement that are done on the truck and targets are set out on an absolute level floor in very specific positions and heights. Those target heights only apply to specific models. When you alter the height of the vehicle those target height are now irrelevant. Techs have to follow an exact repair procedure especially when it comes to safety related repairs. Doing a custom adjustment would is not something Toyota corporate would find acceptable for liability reasons.

That the issues isn't it? Dealers make good money doing lifts and Toyota corporates position is that lifting a truck is not something they want the dealers doing. Dealerships are a private business so they do what sells trucks and lifts and big tires sell trucks. Toyota corporate came out with the software update and waiver to protect themself against possible legal action taken by customers that expect the TSS to work as intended on a lifted vehicle.

 

UPDATE: providing some new information based on my recent experience with my TSS sensor.

have a 2019 SR DC with TSS, and have a 2.5" level on the front with a 1" rake , I upgraded to the 2014-2017 TRD Pro grille and have been using the Jomax TSS relocation bracket with zero issues for well over a year. Not a single error.

However, I just installed a front camera (Natika) and didn't pay attention to where I mounted it but its right in front of the TSS radar sensor and have recently noticed the PCS error comes in intermittently now (no rain or snow, so I've concluded the camera must be messing with the radar sensor). So just a warning and awareness to those with front cameras in your grille - be careful to make sure they don't potentially interfere with your TSS radar sensor.

I am debating my two options:
1. I could move the camera to a lower point on the grille, but I really like where its mounted.
2. I've been considering upgrading to the 2019+ TRD Pro grille, so I may do that and sell my old one.
3. I could just leave it alone. I'd love to have the dealer program it to stay off permananet - I'm an old school driver and hate the dynamic cruise control.

 

That's great info, thanks! I'm going to the 14-17 Pro grill after the suspension install, so hopefully I'll have the same results as you.
No camera as of now, though its on the list, so this is helpful when picking a mounting location. May go higher up on the grill to avoid potential interference.

 

I actually had both issues; the sensor malfunctioned immediately after putting on the 14-17 grill on my 2019 with the Ajt relocation bracket. I switched to the Jomax and haven’t had any issues since. Then I installed the front camera and it interfered with the sensor and was giving a malfunction error......I ended up relocating the camera to the bottom valance and all has been fine since. I think that the Ajt relocation might be too thick and interferes with the signal from the sensor. The Jomax faceplate is much thinner. That just a guess though

 

176 out of 560 respondents having issues is about a 31.4% failure rate.

Small sample size, of course, but worth noting for anyone shopping that there's basically a 1 in 3 chance of issues!

 

Just had my truck leveled last week, and then installed the old style Pro grill with the AJT bracket and so far no issues with the TSS.
The poll in the this thread just covers suspension changes. Maybe someone should add grill/sensor location changes, as that seems to be just as much of a factor as front end height.

 

More people will respond to the poll if they are having issues.

 

For sure, that small of a sample won't ever mean anything statistically. To be fair though I have found (anecdotally) that of all the forums and brands and things I'm involved in Toyota folks are the most likely to go out of their way to swear by how reliable they are even if it means not mentioning a multitude of problems haha.

 

I would say that's more true of guys who buy domestics.

"No, I haven't had any issues with my F150, just a blown transmission, cracked radiator and half the electrical system caught fire."

 

Yeah, I'd say if anything Toyota owners are more critical. Things go wrong so rarely that when they do its a big deal.
There's lots of threads on here about the TSS issues, leaking cam towers and other things that in the grand scheme of things don't affect all that many owners, but sure get a lot of attention.

 

I leveled and put on the Jomax bracket and ran flawlessly for over a year. I recently put on a front camera and get intermittent sensor errors which obviously is due to the camera. I’ve not relocated the camera yet.

 

I had to change my vote, since I leveled.

still no issues whatsoever, happy to report.