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Toyota Minute Mod: The Tacoma Grey Wire Mod
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By: Curt Howmiller - 7/2005
I wanted to be able to use my Tacoma's e-locker in other than 4WD Low for those times when I needed a little extra traction at the push of a button without shifting into 4WD. This shows how to bypass the 1998-2004 4WD computer so the e-locker can be used in 2WD or 4WD High.
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The 4WD computer |
Access |
First you have to remove the door sill trim and kick panel to access the 4wd controller behind the driver's side kick panel. I removed the 10mm bolt holding the controller bracket to the vehicle to get better access to the plug and wires. Then I unplugged the controller and set it aside.
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Remove door sill screws and pry up | Pull kickpanel towards the rear | Locate & unbolt computer | Disconnect wires and unwrap |
Splicing |
Next I decided to pull down the wire cover instead of removing or cutting it to gain access to the gray wire. Cut and splice a ground wire onto the controller end of the gray wire, make sure to leave enough wire to work with. I connected my gray wire and ground wire with a red butt connector, which worked well for me. Then I tucked the wire back into the wire cover and used the existing ground point above the controller and behind the fuse panel. Re-install everything in reverse order and you are finished.
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Make up a 12" pigtail | Crimp in the pigtail | Locate a ground lug and attach |
Summary |
The gray wire mod was easy and fast. Testing showed actuation of e-locker in any mode from 2-hi to 4-lo. Enjoy the added traction.
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