Added MTS/Crawl Control switch to Platinum CrewMax

Long time lurker finally attempting to contribute to the forum.

I decided to take a chance and purchased an OEM "Switch assy, drive Module Part 84970-0C010" MTS/Craw Control switch off of Ebay for $180 for my Platinum 4WD CrewMax. After watching a YouTube video on how to take the center console apart, I dove into the project. The switch was a plug and play swap with the original one and it was a simple job. After about 30 minutes of installation and reassembly, the moment of truth had arrived.

I fired up the Truck and no check engine lights came on. I took it on a test drive and checked to see if my original AVS drive modes were still present and they were working as normal (custom, sport+, sport, comfort, normal and eco). I tried the tow/haul button, and it functioned as normal. I then hit the MTS button, and nothing happened on the switch, I was bummed. I then decided to put the truck into 4H and then I hit the MTS button again and it lit up. I then twisted the drive knob and my instrument cluster lit up with the graphics and options to select Dirt, Sand, Mud or Deep Snow. I also tested the 4L and was presented with the options for Mogul, Sand, Mud, Rock. I was pumped!

I then tried the Crawl Control button, and I could not get it to light up or do anything in 4H or 4L or 2wd. Unfortunately, at this point I believe I am still missing another part of the equation. I did some digging around on the Toyota Parts Center Online last night and found what possibly could be the missing piece, it was part number 895330C091 labeled "Computer, 4 wheel drive control." There were two similar parts with the same name but this part number specifically referenced the TDR Pro Package and TRD Offroad Package. I am hoping someone with Toyota schematics can trace the circuit and determine if this is in fact the part we need to complete the addition of the Crawl Control system. The part retailed for $496.

I added MTS and Crawl control on my wife's Lexus GX460 after following detailed instructions on the IH8MUD.COM forum and that process involved adding an OEM switch like this one and swapping out a drive module under the dash. That is what gave me the courage to try this project on my new truck.

For now, I am going to leave my truck as is and not mess with adding any additional modules which may take away the AVS suspension functionality. Once I am ready to replace my AVS suspension and add an aftermarket one, I hope someone would have completed the process of getting the Crawl Control to work on the ones that did not come from the factory with it.

I apologize if this was discussed in other forums, but I am not a Facebook person, and this is the only Tundra forum I use. I previously saw others ask the question but never saw anyone with answers. Hopefully this will start a long thread of useful information for other to use and build on.

All the best

 

Thank you for sharing the information on installation of the Drive Mode switch assembly. So the MTS functions worked but not DAC/CRAWL functions? I hope your are right about the Computer, 4 wheel drive control to get the DAC/CRAWL functions to work.

 

I am very curious if this might work with an SR5 TRD Sport. I have the eco, normal, sport modes but nothing else. So I wonder if this will still add the functionality you observed in MTS mode. Watching this thread…

 

Welcome from TX!

Very nice 1st post. I don't have a 22 but this piques my curiosity.

 

Love "parting-up" my truck!!! Following as well.

 

Ryan, great work on getting this additional information put together. Not sure the locker is necessary but we won't know for sure until somebody makes the leap and try's. I know the crawl control works independent of having the locker engaged.

I would be willing to bet that you would retain your drive mode settings on the SR5 sport or any other models that come with the basic switch from the factory if you upgrade to the switch with MTS/crawl control. Bonus point to make is that the truck center console now looks complete. I was not a fan of how the original switch looked like it was missing something with just the 2 buttons. I forgot to add that all 4 buttons illuminate at night. We can use all the light we can in the dark cab

Great start to this post, looking forward to what's next.

 

Installed the MTS/CRAWL control switch this afternoon and it works perfectly....not sure if the switch is actually doing anything in the MTS mode (how can you tell?), but I am happy that my shift dash looks a little more "capable" than before when I only had 2 modes (Drive and Towing). Thanks @ryanwgregg and @Tundra_Lover7

 

That is a good question, "How can you tell if the switch is actually doing anything in the MTS mode?

 

Does VSC OFF come up when put in sand mode?

 

Aside from cool color graphic splashes on the info screen, plus deep snow, sand, mud, and rock as terrain selections, I can't tell anything that is different. Understand that I was on a gravel mud path when I tried it and nothing "felt" different. No noticeable changes in engine pitch or throttle.....maybe my poor little SR5 is missing some of the torque modules or something.

 

Great point, I guess we need someone with the TRD off-road package to let us know if when they toggle through the drive models if the can feel a distinct difference. I felt when I tested it, the transmission was doing different things as I switched through the modes. Placebo effect?

 

VSC mode did not turn off in deep snow mode or any 4H settings, I just checked. Well perhaps it just does nothing but light up your dash pretty. 4L turned off traction control but I believe that is a normal function. Sorry guy, we are gaining on a solution but perhaps the missing piece is that module to bring it all together?

 

Heck of a write up right off the bat on a new 22!!!

 

If youre in colorado I'm willing to let you try a temporary module swap with mine (Limited TRD-off). Once I get my truck in November.

 

When I use any of the MTS modes the VSC off message is immediately displayed. Its actually pretty phenomenal in that I have to clear that message before I can select a mode. Then it immediately returns and keeps coming back in 5 seconds or so. What makes it extra hilarious is that they have a pitch and roll information screen that is covered up and unusable (honestly don't know why you would, but it is there) if you are in 4lo or any of the MTS modes...wouldn't want anyone to have full functionality of their "offroad" vehicle when actually offroad.

I'm 100% certain nobody took the truck home for a weekend to do truck things with before they decided to launch.

 

Lol! pretty sure they tested most things on either the digital cluster or the analog cluster but not both

 

Following

 

Did anyone ever figure out if this MTS switch changes modes that actually do anything to the brakes, steering and trans?

 

How did I miss this thread *following* I’ll be adding this to my truck as well

 

Its too bad Toyota doesnt just load all of the control software in from the factory and just turn it on and off in the software via Techstream. Having to spend $500 for crawl control is annoying.

 

Wish we had that on the 2.5’s

 

Hello everyone!

Reason im here is because tacoma forum doesnt deal with this question. They just response get the offroad or the pro.

but for the rest of the audience who love DIY heres what im going to do.

i purchase crawl control/ MTS module from a junkyard (i couldnt find p/n on schematics) im going to place it on my overhead console (i already review that have the connector, just need the harness and module that already purchase ) intalled them and maybe perform the “zero point calibration” and try. On Toyota page there seems to be no difference between trd sport 4x4 and trd offroad 4x4 (talking about electrical harness). So im guessing is just plug and calibrate….lockers will be a different story, but either crawl control and MTS as far as i know they Don’t use elocker.

 

I tested the MTS again in my platinum today on pavement and I can tell when switching through the modes I feel changes in the transmission and throttle. I was holding a steady 15 mpg when testing. I don't sense any change in steering or braking but I am not testing in the stated conditions. Like I mentioned before my truck does not automatically disable traction control and VSC when switching to Deep snow, mud or sand mode but I can do it manually by holding down the traction control button for 3 seconds when stopped. My truck is still a pavement princesses but will see some snow and ice this winter so I can test further when we get some winter weather in the north east.

 

Is this possible on a base SR5?

 

MTS, yes, the Crawl control, NO

 

Would adding MTS help much driving in snow (non off-road)? I live in the northeast so they'll be plenty of snow in the winter. I'll be driving on back roads (some dirt) and pavement, was just curious if this would make it handle better or if this is strictly dedicated for off-road use?

 

If anything the added switch "completes" the center dash/console. Regarding technical enhancement of driving in 4x4....I couldn't tell. When I switched the truck to 4x4 and used the MTS settings I couldn't personally tell if anything was substantially different in the truck....others noticed a difference though.

I guess we will all see if there is any difference later in the winter weather

 

Following this a good topic - nice work peeps!

 

What about the "advanced camera features" that you get with the TRD offroad package? Like being able to see the terrain under your truck as you go? I forget the actual name of it, but does that function activate with the added switch?