Alcohol density/fuel trim issues

I have a 2012 Tundra crewmax flexfuel that I have to reset the the alcohol density level on periodically to avoid the prolonged cranking associated with this issue. I was hoping some one has found a diagnostic tool that can see the alcohol density and reset. The shop I take it to currently does it for me. I love the truck and so I was hoping someone had some insight on what is best to do. Thanks

 

I think any OBD2 reader should be able to see it, but not necessarily reset it. I used to use Techstream to reset it. The dealer reflashed my ECM awhile back, and that seems to have fixed the problem on my 2014 flex fuel. I was out of warranty, but there was some extended warranty that applied to the alcohol density and ECM issue.

 

Here's the technical service bulletin under which Toyota reflashed my ECM https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2013/SB-10061328-2273.pdf

 

Thanks guys, I’ve heard horror stories about getting the ECM reflashed. So I’ve been reluctant. I have just given into the fact that I may need to go in and reset the alcohol density on my own since that has been working. I don’t like not having a fix but if this keeps it going then I’m ok with it. I have Techstream but I can’t access the data list portion so I can’t see what the levels are at. I would prefer knowing I can replace a part that solves the problem but I can’t seem to find any thing.

 

All you can do is get an ODB scanner to read the density, then get a hacked version of techstream to do the reset. You have to do all the items in the TSB in the exact order for it to work, including the 3 gallon refill. You will be good for couple thousand miles, then the density will start to creep back your mpg will go down and eventually you will get extended crank.

There is an updated TSB on this issue from March 2019. I had it done at the dealer but the issue came back after 3k. Toyota is refusing to do anything else.

Being that alcohol density affects emissions, it's probably time for owners to start reporting this to the EPA. Toyota has known about this since 2013 and failed to come up with a permanent fix. Most people don't even know they have a problem, they just get shitty MPG.

It's also time for a class action on this. Any recommendations on law firms that have had success in the past?

 

All you need to do is get Toyota to flash the latest ff program ending in 600. This fixed my 13 and is only for 2nd gen trucks.
This program:
30CK0600

 

How many miles have your driven it with the 30CK0600? They switched me from 30CL4300 to 30CL4400. It worked great for a while, but after about 5k miles the density has crept back up to 33%,

 

That's a good question. I'm not a hundred percent sure, but definitely over 100,000 miles.

 

You just need to request that program until you get it. Otherwise you'll continue to have problems.

 

What's your % been running with that program?

 

Has anyone had any luck keeping ahead of this themselves by using tech stream?

My 2013 tundra’s dead again for the second time for this problem. I would like to be able to take care of this myself versus dealing with a dealership.

My truck is at 85.1%

 

any luck on the tech stream? I want to reset alcohol levels myself but don’t want to buy techstream if it doesn’t allow me to do this at home.

 

I can't speak to the technicals but I had the same problem as OP.

Ultimately a fuel pump replacement along with the current/ flash fix solved the issue.
Covered under warranty.

Had a 46g TransferFlo installed while the work was done.

<------- 2012 5.7 4wd ffv
problem free going on nearly 3yrs?


Ghost thread

 

The dealer charged me about $100 to reset it the first time it happened on my Sequoia so I bought the Toyota software and connector on Ebay for $30 a year later when it happened again. It hasn't happened again since I reset it myself four or five years ago.

 

Where are you getting he program to do this? I have looked on eBay but there are so many.

 

you can download techstream from a search engine and make sure to also get the driver for your computer to recognize the obd2 plug. Auto Kent makes the drivers for windows computer. As for the techstream I believe it is against the rules here to post sources since it’s technically pirated software.

 

Does running different gas make a difference? Mine did it about a yr ago and they replaced the fuel pump and a reset. It was covered by an extended warranty. It did the hard start the other day, does Toyota warranty the fuel pumps?

 

How do I see my ecu version? Also, is it possible to do the flash if I don't have 30CK0600? I have Techstream.

I have a 13 Sequoia with a super charger, 750cc injectors 380lpm pump. I just reset ethenol at 30% when nothing but 91 has gone in since I got it 4/21

It was at 85% when I put the SC on and reset it about 6 months ago

I think I figured out the version, is 6700 ok?



I have disabled the switching valve & have an aftermarket fuel pump direct wired to the battery, using the oem power connector to energize the relay so am not concerned about either of those codes, neither show up on a generic OBD2 scanner.

 

I have just been resetting my density levels with tech stream and keeping an eye on it with a wireless scan tool. There are a couple bad stories in here from people trying to reflash themselves and never getting the new version installed most likely from using the “free” version of techstream. Then you’re left with the dealership and their techs after a tow.

 

Filled the tank Wednesday with 91 possibly 10% corn but not claimed any E rating (highest available here). I just checked and I am at 2.7% E.

I really don't want to have to check every fill up.

Has anyone found a solution for this mess?

 

no permanent solution that I know of. It doesn’t seem to jump up that often, been atleast a year since mine has read anything over 5%. One thing I did notice last time it jumped was it was after putting in non ethanol then reverting back to 10% ethanol made it jump to 15% and it steadily climbed from there for a month or two before finally having to be reset at around 30%

 

When I realized the e problem was back I was at 30%, my only symptom has been poorer MPGs, was that everyone's experience?

 

Yes mpg plus the slight “burp” at start up

 

Lucky me. no burp.

 

Have any Canadians in here found a dealer in Ontario that will do the reset/reflash? I just bought an American truck with this issue and my local dealer had no clue what I was talking about as Flex fuels aren’t that common in Ontario/Canada.

 

Viktor G said no ff in Canada.

You can point them to ecm utility in techstream where reset is I would think or get a cable for 20 bucks and techstream "somewhere" and do it yourself.

Good luck

 

Do I also need a separate reader? Or just the adapter for the computer?

 

Has anyone just run E85 in their truck? If the computer thinks you have 80+% alc, would it run properly with the E85? I’m also guessing that there’s no way to convert a flex fuel to the non-flex setup and ECM. At least no monetarily feasible way? Everything I read on here says the fuel pump has not solved anyone’s problem. It boils down to the ECUs expectation of higher alc content paired with fuel that has little to no alc in it. Seems a reprogram to the non-FF configuration and a sticker that says no FF for the gas cap would be the best solution.

 

You need a windows based computer that you’re willing to turn off the firewall / virus protection to get the hacked version of Techstream to run. They usually need to be on windows 10 or older OS.