Shiftsense DZ Custom Innovations Pro V2 Installation and Operation

Shiftsense DZ Custom Innovations Pro V2 Installation and Operation

ShiftSense™ Pro V2 Installation and Operation

Do not attempt to use this device on applications for which it was not intended. This model is designed for use on:

2016-2018 Toyota Tacoma 3.5L V6 with automatic transmission.

ShiftSense™ Pro is an automated transmission controller which operates while the vehicle is in the Sequential-shift “S” mode. It works purely electronically and is only applicable to vehicles with the Sequential-shift feature (manumatic transmission option). This device does not override, modify,or alter any of the vehicle’s control computers, ECT, ECU, instrumentation, or emissions controls. The benefit provided by the device is that it allows the driver to take advantage of an after-market shift-mapping (combination of throttle position, speed, RPM), without the need to modify any of the vehicles’ ECU systems or controllers with alternative programming or transmission ‘chips’. It does not require any modification to the OEM vehicle components or systems whatsoever. It is plug & play, interfacing with the vehicle through two connections. The first is to the OBDII port under the dash. Through this connector it obtains speed and throttle position in real- time at approximately 10 cycles-per-second. This data is standard output from any modern OBD interface.

The second connection is placed in series with the OEM connector within the shift-lever console (drivers-side). Through this connector, it reads if the vehicle is in Sequential-shift ‘S’ mode, and can make the shift-up, shift-down commands at the appropriate/calculated speed and throttle, by closing switched relays which send shift commands to the vehicle, similar to a driver making S+/Sshifts by hand. Once the device is engaged, at any time if the operator manually pushes the lever to command a shift up or down, the automated control of the ShiftSense™ Pro is cancelled and control is relinquished back to the operator. Also, the system is only active in Sequential mode. If the driver wishes to drive in “D’, he may go ahead and do so; the device will remain totally inactive.

The device includes an audible alarm which notifies the driver when the unit is engaged and operating, and also any time that the control is cancelled. If it is cancelled while driving, the vehicle simply stays in the currently selected Sequential-shift gear and reverts back to manual control. From that point on, the device is inactive and the Sequential shift control will work as OEM until it is intentionally re-engaged by the operator (placing the vehicle into Drive ‘D’, and back into Sequential ‘S’).
The ShiftSense Pro V2 contains three shift-maps options which may be selected by the driver;
Level 1, 2, 3. The method for selecting the map can be found later in this instruction manual.

Before starting or driving vehicle, perform ‘Functional Verification Test’ outlined in this manual.

Installation Instructions

(performed by purchaser – requires approximately 10 minutes)
It is recommended to view the video of installation, which is available at: https://youtu.be/CJjecnSawdo

STEP 1: Accessing Shift Lever Connector
It is recommended to disconnect the negative battery terminal prior to completing this installation.

Center-console cover must be loosened to allow access to the shift-lever electrical connector.
With VEHICLE IN PARK, remove shifter knob. Slide the locking-ring of the shift-knob downward,then unscrew the shift knob from the post by turning counterclockwise.

Pull parking brake up slightly and open the lid of the center console storage compartment.

Grasp the center console on both sides near the forward cup-holders. Pull straight-upward to unclip the plastic cover from the underlying tunnel. Then grasp the center console near the rear cup-holder on both sides and firmly pull upward to unclip the back portion.
Grasp the center console on each side near the forward cup-holders. Firmly and quickly pull straight-upward to un-clip the plastic cover from the underlying tunnel. There are no screws to remove. DO NOT PRY on any portion of it, as it is not necessary. Similarly, grasp the center console near the aft cup-holder on both sides and firmly pull upward. This back portion will unclip as well.

Lift up on the center console cover to allow access to the shift-lever ‘S mode’ connector which is on the drivers-side under the parking-brake lever. The connector is circled in blue in the following image. Unplug the connector by squeezing the tab and pulling out. Tuck the connectors of the ShiftSense™ Pro up and under the driver-side of the tunnel-cover.

Please note: This connector is for the Sequential-shift circuit only and is independent of P,R,N,D lever connector, which is located on the passenger side. Do not disconnect the P,R,N,D connector on the passenger side, as it is not required for installation of ShiftSense™ Pro.

Push the white connectors up through and toward the cup-holders. Route the wire back toward the shift-lever connector.

Plug the male end of the OEM wire-plug into the Female socket on the ShiftSense™ Pro connector.
Next, plug the male end of the ShiftSense™ Pro connector into the shift-lever connector, and tuck the wire down and out of the way. Do not re-install the console cover at this time.

STEP 2: Attaching OBDII connector

DO NOT USE SHIFTSENSE PRO IN PARALLEL WITH OTHER FAST-POLLING OBD DEVICES THROUGH AN OBD SPLITTER AS IT MAY CAUSE DELAYED SHIFTING AND PERFORMANCE.
Plug ShiftSense™ Pro connector into OBDII connection under drivers-side dash:
Tuck the OBDII wire up under the dash and secure with wire-ties provided. This wire must be tied up securely to eliminate the possibility of interfering with driver foot controls.
Tuck the excess wire into the front-region of the center-console as indicated by the arrow:

STEP 3: Mounting the unit
Mount the module with adhesive tape to side of console. Be sure to test the seat-forward location to ensure the module does not interfere with the seat. Similarly, do not place the module too far forward where your right leg may rest against it. The module may be located at other places near the dash or center-console at the owner’s discretion, but it is recommended that the module remains exposed within the driver’s compartment so any audible warnings from the device can be clearly heard.

For best adhesion, it is important to ensure the attaching surface is thoroughly cleaned prior to installing. It is recommended to use a good cleaning agent such as alcohol to remove any contaminants from the surface.

Once installed, the wires can be tucked up and under the side-plastic of the console.

STEP 4: Reinstalling the center console cover
While locating the cover back into position, make sure the shift-rod is guided up through the hole in the boot. DO NOT PUSH DOWN until the rod is clearly guided up through the hole.

Pull the boot around the parking-brake up and out of the cover temporarily so it does not get pinched when the cover is pushed down. An example of a pinch is circled blue in the following image:

With the shift-knob through its hole, and the parking brake boot pulled-out, firmly push down on the cover to snap it back into place. Continue all around the cover to ensure all clips are firmly engaged. Some light tapping helps. If any clips do not engage easily, lift up on the cover and make sure the clip is oriented and aligned correctly.
Once the cover is snapped into place, tuck the parking-brake boot back down into the slot around the lever: The parking brake can be released at this time.

Tighten the shift knob until it is snug. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN. The knob should be moderately hand-tight, but will not tighten down firmly. Orient the knob with the correct forward-orientation and slide the clip-ring back up and snap it onto the knob.

This completes installation of the ShiftSense™ Pro.

Before starting or driving vehicle, perform Functional Verification Test.

Functional Verification Test

The following test must be performed to ensure the ShiftSense™ Pro is functioning properly after installation. Perform this test PRIOR to starting the vehicle or attempting to drive the vehicle with the ShiftSense Pro engaged.

1. Turn ignition key to ‘ON’ position. DO NOT START ENGINE.
2. Turn ShiftSense Pro power switch to on (I) position.
   • Listen for 2-beeps indicating proper communication with OBD-II network.
3. Depress BRAKE pedal.
4. Move Shift-lever to S position
   • Listen for 1 beep indicating ShiftSense engagement.
   • Watch dash display. Ensure gear selection increments to S3 then S2 within two seconds after engaging.
5. Momentarily push shift-lever forward to command a manual shift-up.
   • Listen for 3-beep indicating ShiftSense control is cancelled.
   • Watch dash display to ensure S-gear selection is appropriately shifting UP as the lever is pushed (should see shift-up to S3).
6. Move shift-lever to ‘D’ position.
7. Move lever back into ‘S’ position to re-engage ShiftSense Pro.
   • Listen for 1 beep indicating ShiftSense engagement.
   • Watch dash display. Ensure gear selection increments to S3 then S2 within two seconds after engaging.
8. Momentarily pull shift-lever backward to command a manual shift-down.
   • Listen for 3-beep indicating ShiftSense control is cancelled.
   • Watch dash display to ensure S-gear selection is appropriately shifting DOWN as the lever is pulled (down to S1).
9. Move lever back to Park position.
   Functional test is now completed. Operator may proceed to use the ShiftSense Pro during driving.

If ShiftSense Pro does not perform as outlined in these steps, DO NOT USE the device or attempt to engage it for driving. Contact customer service for assistance and troubleshooting.

Operating Instructions

The ShiftSense™ Pro is only active when the driver places the vehicle in sequential-shift “S” mode.

1. Turn on/Start the Vehicle

2. Power on the ShiftSense™ Pro using its power switch.

   • Once powered on, the BLUE LED will light. If connected correctly, the ShiftSense™ pro should provide 2-beeps after it completes its connection with the OBDII port and starts obtaining vehicle data. This initialization occurs within 1-2 seconds after turning on or starting the vehicle.
   • The power switch on the ShiftSense™ Pro may be left on at all times as it only draws
     power while the key is in the ON position.

3. Place the vehicle in S-mode and drive it as an automatic. You will hear 1 beep, indicating successful engagement. Additionally, RED LED will light.

   • If the vehicle is initially stopped when ShiftSense Pro is engaged, you should notice the gear selection immediately drops to S2, which is the lowest S selection provided by the ShiftSense™ Pro *(see notes below for more detail). If at higher speeds, the device will engage into the appropriate S-gear for the speed which you are traveling.
   • The driver is not required to manipulate the shift-lever at all after engagement as the ShiftSense™ Pro will perform all shifts automatically at the optimum combination of speed, throttle position, accelerator position, and RPM as programmed into the device.

Operation Notes

• The conditions for ShiftSense Pro engagement are:
  • Vehicle speed must be less than 65 miles per hour.
  • Initial communication must be established after engine-start and the two-beeps heard.
• If the driver prefers manual OEM functionality of the Sequential shift mode, the automatic control can be cancelled at any time by the driver making a manual shift (S+/S-) with the lever. If the control is cancelled, it will provide 3 beeps. At this point, the vehicle will remain in sequential ‘S-mode’ in the currently selected gear. The operator can then continue driving with manual Sequential-shift mode, but the driver is now responsible for making the shifts as needed and the ShiftSense™ Pro will remain on standby. Re-engagement can be accomplished by moving the lever to drive “D”, then back to Sequential “S”.
• The ShiftSense™ device operates in all normal driving conditions, including cruise control and 4wd. It does not operate while in 4WD low-range and will cancel if attempted, allowing the driver to use S-mode manually.
• The lowest commanded gear selection provided by ShiftSense™ Pro is S2. Even though the dash display may indicate S2, the vehicle will still use 1st gear when starting out from stop. Shifts between 1 and 2 are heavily influenced by torque-convertor operation, which the OEM mapping handles well so it is left as-is.
• The device contains compensation for cold engine-temp operation. It will automatically reduce the shift map based on the current engine temperature. This is designed to coincide with the Toyota torque-convertor on this vehicle which will not lock-up at engine-coolant temp less than 158 F. The driver may notice the shifts provided by ShiftSense™ Pro will occur at slightly lower speed/rpm for the first few miles until the engine warms up.
• The ShiftSense™ Pro selects the appropriate S-mode gear based on its programming. In some instances, the vehicle may perform downshifts on its own which were not specifically commanded by the ShiftSense™ Pro. This is normal, and occurs due to some small overlaps in the OEM shift-map and the ShiftSense™ Pro shift-map at high throttle positions. Additionally, to avoid harshness in downshifting at low speed, the ShiftSense™ Pro commands its downshift from S3 to S2 at a slowing speed of approximately 5 mph. Therefore it is normal to feel the OEM map make downshifts to 2nd at slightly higher speeds (6-25mph) even if the ShiftSense™ Pro commanded gear remains indicated as S3. If slowing the vehicle to stop, the ShiftSense™ Pro will always perform the appropriate downshift to S2 once speed decreases below 5 mph.
• To provide optimum engine-braking, the ShiftSense™ Pro’s programming prevents any upshifting while the accelerator pedal is totally released.
• DO NOT USE SHIFTSENSE PRO IN PARALLEL WITH OTHER FAST-POLLING OBD DEVICES THROUGH AN OBD SPLITTER. Other fast-polling devices such as ELM327 (torque app and OBD-fusion) can compete for bandwidth over the OBD communication network. This could affect performance of the ShiftSense Pro.

Shift-Map Selection:

The ShiftSense™ Pro V2 contains three shift map options for driver selection:

• Level 1: Lower RPM shift points, less aggressive.
• Level 2: (default selection), optimized for all around performance and has been the baseline programming on prior units.
• Level 3: More aggressive shift map, designed to achieve slightly higher RPM for performance driving and trailer towing.

The shift-map selection is made as follows:

1. Turn the truck to the ON position without starting. The SSP will only enter programming mode if the engine is not running.
2. After the SSP initializes, shift to S mode. You should hear one beep indicating engagement, and see the transmission gear index to S3 then S2.
3. Wait 10 seconds without moving the shifter. After 10 seconds passes, the ShiftSense Pro will enter ‘programming mode’. It will provide one LONG-duration beep, meaning programming-mode has been activated.
4. Immediately after the Long beep, it will issue either a 1, 2, or 3 beep, indicating which shift-map is currently selected. By default it is in Level 2.
5. The level can be changed by indexing the shift-lever either up or down. As the selection is changed, it will issue beeps corresponding to the current shift-map selection. The driver can shift up to level 3, or down to level 1 as desired. (Listen to the beeps for shift-map selection indication. The Gear-selection index on the dash is not-related to the shift-map selection process and should be ignored).
6. After indexing to the desired map, shift back to Neutral or Park. This completes the process and stores the selection. The selection is stored in memory, but can be changed at any time as the driver prefers by following this same procedure with the engine turned off.

For any questions related to installation, testing, or operation, please contact customer service:
Email: info@dz-custom-innovations.com

Limited Warranty

DZ Custom Innovations, LLC warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under its intended normal use*, when properly installed and purchased directly from DZ Custom Innovations, LLC, for a period of one year from the date of the original purchase. This warranty is void for any products purchased through auction websites. If found to be defective as mentioned above; the unit will be repaired or replaced at the option of DZ Custom Innovations, LLC. Any item that is covered under this warranty will be returned free of charge using Ground shipping methods.

This shall constitute the sole remedy of the purchaser and the sole liability of DZ Custom Innovations, LLC. To the extent permitted by law, the foregoing is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties or representation whether expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness. In no event shall DZ Custom Innovations, LLC or its suppliers be liable for special or consequential damages, or for any damages caused by faulty or improper installation.

Intended normal use means that this item is being used as was originally intended and for the original application as sold by DZ Custom Innovations, LLC. Any modifications to this item, or if it is used on an application other than what DZ Custom Innovations, LLC markets the product, the warranty will be void. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to determine that this item will work for the application they are intending. DZ Custom Innovations, LLC will accept no liability for custom applications.

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