IH8MUD.com PRODUCT REVIEW:
Yellow Box - Electronic Speedo Re-Cal...
|
When I lifted my 1996 80-series and put on the slightly larger 285 tires, I decided that it was also a good idea to get my speedometer corrected. Switching from the stock 265's (31") to the 285's (33") was only about 3.5% different, but keeping my odometer reading correctly and having the speedo correct seemed like a "safe" way to avoid any ticket issues.
I did a fair amount of research...one option is the TruSpeed from Superlift. For $200ish, it's a great product, and allows you to flip a switch for two tire options (ie: 285 AT's for the street, and 305 MT's for the trail). There was also the option of changing out the speedo gear itself, either ordering direct from Toyota or thru SleeOffroad.com. I realized I'd never be tempted to swap tires sizes (I have a FJ40 for the trail work) and I started a little online hunting....well, I ran across http://www.blackrobotics.com, makers of the Yellow Box. This little unit seems very common in the motorcycle circles, and after a few emails back and forth with the manufacturer, I opted to order one up. For $100 and freight, it's a nice compromise in price as well. (For reference, it's the "hall effect, 3 wire" model) Shipping wasn't quick, but I wasn't in a hurry anyways...takes a while for things to travel across the ocean. The bubblewrap envelope arrived safe and sound, and the wiring, YellowBox, and instructions were all there. Installation is done in tight quarters, but with a little yoga practice it's doable. As with most wiring projects, disconnect your battery first...no point in shorting out the system. Next remove the glovebox, pulling the two phillips screws from the hinge area, lifting it slightly off the bottom bracket, then lowering free. You don't even need to empty the contents. In the photos you'll see a rectangular 1" thick black plastic box, held by one gold colored screw....pull this too, it makes access to everything MUCH easier. (I did, but only after my yoga proved futile) Once you've got your visual on the wiring, it's time to make that fateful cut....I pulled the wire out as far as I could and tried to keep about 1" from the plug accessible. Per the FSM information, it's the red wire with the orange stripe....mmmmmm....yep, I was sure. As you can see in the photos, I used some thread-type connectors for the initial installation...as it turns out, most of the photos show the wires in the WRONG order!! Black is ground, red is power, but the white and grey wires aren't too clear on which to connect where. As it turns out, I had them reversed...fortunately it took a couple seconds to switch them back. (when they are reversed, your speedo does nothing, and after all that yoga it was a little unnerving) Once the white and grey wires (green in the instructions, which also was a tad confusing) are connected inline with orange/red wire, connect the ground (I used an existing phillips screw on the computer mount). The red positive wire I connected in with a thick yellow wire in the same harness...use an exacto to carefully remove a little of the sheath, stick the red wire thru the middle, wrap it around and solder it, then electrical tape to protect. It's tight quarters in there, your yoga practice will pay off. I initially left the Yellow Box just hanging...the wiring is just long enuf to set on the center console while you tweak the adjustments. For a 3.5% correction, you want the #1, #5, #6, and #7 in the ON position....5-6-7 cover the 3.5%, #1 actually sets the Yellow Box to correct the proper way...leave it on the OFF position and you'll look like you are WAY over the speed limit! (yes, I did that too...lol) Last on my list is to go back in and properly finish the connections and locate/tape the Yellow Box under the dash. If I ever swap to larger tires, it's only two phillips screws to get in there and change things around. 
|
