TSS in snowy conditions

I’ve owned my 2018 Tundra for about 2000 kms/1200 miles now and I’ve noticed that as soon as it snows a little that the TSS shuts down. Obviously the snow/ice accumulates on the grill/front badge and blocks the sensor.
Any creative ideas out there?
Going to dismiss any 8 foot snow brush suggestions used Ace Ventura style.
Thanks Bob

 

We got our first significant snowfall of the year here last night. Between trying to keep the sensor clean and also the camera built into the rear view mirror, I'm expecting mine to be offline for most of the winter, honestly. I don't really care about it, I just wish that yellow light wouldn't come on on the dash, that drives my OCD crazy.

 

That's one of the reason I wouldn't get 18 or newer Tundra until they figure something out or make that a better system

 

I didn't actually realize when I went into the dealer to buy my Tundra that the 18's had TSS. I was so disgusted and sick of my 16 Tacoma and knowing the Tundra had a rock solid, proven engine/transmission, I was eager to get into one. That said, this is a really superficial problem to have. Sure, that yellow light is annoying, but it's not a mechanical issue and isn't effecting the performance of the truck at all. I still have some faith in Toyota that they'll get the issue sorted out. From what I've seen, some of the 18 Tacomas are having the same issue, so maybe that will encourage Toyota to develop a fix.

 

Good to know I now know a fellow OCD Tundra owner. This is the same reason that my steel wheels with snow tires are not installed yet as I'm waiting to put TPMS in them to further avoid a flashing message!

 

Lol!

I used a strategically placed piece of black tape (dot stickers the size of a dime) to cover any annoying such sensor lights. I switched seasonal wheels & tires for 12 years on my last truck, and for those 4 -5 months, the sticker eased my OCD blood pressure for the tpms dashlight. I'd wish they could provide a "shut dash lights off" button and just leave the gauges.

 

I may use this suggestion in other walks of life such as flashing clock on microwave after power failure.

 

TPMS dashlight...are you talking about the light that indicates low tire pressure?

 

It's much worse in the Highlander. That seems to be our worst culprit for TSS not functioning because of something covering the sensor.

 

It’s frustrating. The idiot that designed this should be beaten with a stick. How do you not think of winter weather when designing this.

 

Yes... The stupid flashing flat tire light in the gauge cluster.

 

I live in a super snowy area and also have about 1200 miles on my 18. We’ve a had a few storms already and some freezing rain and my light has come on a few times also. I was expecting it to happen in this climate after reading all these threads. I just had to clear the snow off the grille emblem and restart the truck- no biggy. Someone told me to try spraying the emblem with some de-icer or some rain x windshield treatment, but I haven’t tried that yet. Minimal issue compared to how much I love the truck in the snow so far.

 

This isn’t just a Toyota thing. I have a Nissan Armada with similar systems and have had the sonar covered with snow while driving, triggering the warning light. When the snow falls off, light goes away, only to come back on when it builds back up. My brother’s $85k Porsche suv does the same thing.

 

Love the Rain X idea. Thanks

 

Maybe they need to heat the grill logo and the camera location when the temperature is below freezing to reduce build up.

 

Came here to say rainx

 

Heat won't stop crud and film from the road

 

Ok....camera and logo need a wiper, like some fancy cars have for their headlights)

 

I have thought of this also. I was trying to come up with a way to use a heat element that is like on the back glass to go around the inside if the emblem. That would melt the snow at least.

I was thinking maybe it could be incorporated in the the frac harness somehow and when you mount the front camera there would be an extra wire and plug for the heat element that you would place on the back side of the emblem.

 

Sorry...Nannies suck.

 

You can turn them all off luckily. I never use mine

 

My 07 doesn't have the new nannies. I think they are maybe good for a car to have. A big fracking Tundra...nope.

 

The only thing I use sometimes is adaptive cruise control. It's very nice

 

x2

 

I've seen a few posts here on the forum that the adaptive cruise can be a pain. I guess it comes down to where you live, what you may tow. What's good about this forum you get a lot of perspectives from members here. There is no "right" answer.

 

Do you keep your tires at low pressure? I had the light come on once, it was on a cold morning when the temperature dipped to the low 20's, and the tire in question was at 27 PSI, that seemed to be the magic number. And it didn't flash when it was on for me.

EDIT: I see you have a 17, I'm guessing the dash lights behave differently in your truck.

 

I always put tape over the high beam light on my motorcycles because they were too bright at night.

 

100% agree, glad I got a 2017 without this TSS. How could they design something and roll it out with so many flaws, seems ridiculous to me. Most of the Tundra recalls as of late are dealing with these systems. I better get the wife a 4runner before they mess it up and add this stuff to it as well.

The rain-x suggestion is a good idea.

 

Same here in that I couldn't really care less about that system being inactive. Just don't want to see the light.

Haven't had mine in the snow yet. I've had the light come on a few times though in heavy rain.

 

Cover the annoying light with..............................