Can anyone tell me what exactly TEMS is supposed to do??? Mine's soft 99% of the time - does it need viagra?? - (#93) Phil Jones, 1 May 01
TEMS can adjust the hardness of the dampers, dependant on the road speed of the vehicle,whether the brakes are applied, and the amount of steering wheel movement. It might only go hard under hard braking or going fast down twisty roads. Has the steering wheel or column been off? I think the sensor has to be centralised in that case...
HTH - (#94) David Miller, 1 May 01
Thanks David,
As I only plod along in mine, that is probably the reason why it's always 'soft'. I've only noticed 'hard' on a couple of occasions when I've braked hard as you say. - (#96) Phil Jones, 2 May 01
Hi David
just bought a Masterace Surf. TEMS works a lot..going round bends, slowing at junctions so it is working a treat. Perhaps something is amiss. - (#496) Tim, 9 Jul 01
Can anyone explain how the "TEMS" suspension works on my 1990 2.0TD Townace as the rear shock absorbers feel decidedly undamped and "spongy!". If replacement is needed any advice on price and availability etc would be appreciated. Thanks. - (#1216) Frank Newall, 11 Oct 01
Your dealer can order the special TEMS shocks, the system monitors speed, braking, and steering input, and dependant on these operates motors at the top of each damper to change the setting. - (#1218) David Miller, 11 Oct 01
Hello Frank. I replaced the TEMS absorbers on the front axle of my Masterace. I couldn't get them from anywhere else so I had to go to the Toyota dealer. Cost, around £220 a pair. Honestly though, I can't detect any great improvement and would appreciate it if anyone has any comment/advice on how they should be set up or, a method of testing them. As David says, they alter after sensing from the braking, steering and, possibly road speed. How it's done is a mystery to me but, on the top of the s/absorber is a "tongued" valve stem which mates with the motor/solenoid on top of the unit and, presumably, bleeds fluid at a faster or slower rate as the damper operates. I found that more benefit came from carefully adjusting the height setting of the front, torsion bar suspension. You might like to try this before shelling out on new s/absorbers. - (#1223) John Davis, 11 Oct 01
Hello John, thank you for your input as well. The front end of my Townace seems fine but on the back suspension it's almost as if there are no dampers as it continues to bounce up and down for a short time if the rear is depressed and released and "patter" is noticable from the rear on bumpy roads with the back end occasionally "stepping out" of line whilst cornering on anything more than a slightly bumpy road. All bearings, bushes, etc have been checked and pronounced fit but I don't know how to test the TEMS or indeed if it can be tested!! Any more input greatly appreciated before digging deep into my pocket to pay for new units! Also, as not all vehicles have TEMS would it be possible to replace the rear shocks with none-TEMS units? Just a thought....!! - (#1224) Frank Newall, 11 Oct 01
I believe that the shocks are ondeed interchangeable. The TEMS motors just sit on a bracket over the mounting bush, IIRC.
You could perhaps try removing the motor and manually set the damper mode- according the Chilton's book, Hard is at the centre of the travel, the flat on the rod facing L-R. There may be a procedure for testing and calibrating the system, the book includes info for the Cressida, but not the Van. Look in the engine bay for a diagnostic connector marked with a Tem terminal. If you can find one, there is a procedure for testing the system by linking the terminal to E2. - (#1225) David Miller, 11 Oct 01
Hello David. Thanks once again!! I wonder if you could tell me what the "Chilton's book" is please and where I might obtain a copy? Also, does it contain any diagrams as I find the instructions somewhat confusing? If there are any diagrams, would it be possible to e-mail me a copy, please, to frank.newall@ntlworld.com? Your help is invaluable and I appreciate it! Wish I had your knowledge!! - (#1226) Frank Newall, 12 Oct 01
Ref my previous note re the TEMS s/absorbers, in my innocence (and lack of knowledge)I had assumed that the TEMS solenoids/motors were only fitted on the front s/absorber units. I have not had the chance to do another close inspection but, I don't think that my rear s/absorbers are fitted with TEMS units. Also, the symptoms which Fank describes, ie, bounce and wander at the rear end, applies to my Masterace also. I think that my next job will be to inspect and, probably replace the rear shocks.
BTW Thanks David for the advice re the setting of the TEMS valve coupling location. I took a guess when re-fitting mine (to new s/absorbers) and I probably have them coupled wrongly, ie 90 degrees out. - (#1227) John Davis, 12 Oct 01
Chiltons is an American manual like Haynes. Their book 68352 covers the Cressica car and the "Van" their version of the Spacecruiser. It's quite useful, but doesn't cover the diesel. Buy at Amazon.co.uk - (#1228) David Miller, 12 Oct 01
Further to my previous note re TEMS variable s/absorbers, most owners might already know this but, I had assumed, wrongly, that the rear shocks were not fitted with TEMS solenoids/motors. They are fitted with these devices but, access is by removing the rear seats, turning back the carpet and removing a cover plate inboard of the wheel arch. The top of the s/absorber is "shrouded" by the bodywork and, from the outside, it appears that they are not the adjustable type. - (#1235) John Davis, 13 Oct 01
Here's a point for discussion. An earlier thread on this subject got me thinking. Can anyone with TEMS on their vehicle claim to have noticed a marked difference when the suspension has changed from soft to hard? I can't say as I have.
So when my shocks need replacing (no sign yet touch wood) do I go to the expense of replacing the whole lot? (I assume the shocker and motor are a one-piece unit) or should I dispense with TEMS and go for standard shock absorbers.
Comments?
regards
Ian - (#2371) Ian Dunse, 1 Mar 02
Ian,
I have the same thoughts as you. TEMS does b-all for my Masterace Surf apart from providing some flashing lights on the dash!
Does nothing for the ride.... - (#2372) Phil Jones, 1 Mar 02
ian,
i have not noticed any large difference you just get the feeling something was meant to happen and as lights go on and off on the dash it makes you think something should have happened. On my MASurf it only kicks in when you hit the brakes quite hard or have a lot of lock on like a roundabout etc and then only when your already in it. so if anything was meant to happen it would probably be to late. i am sure it is meant to stiffen the suspension by a certain percentage.i have put it down to being part of the fun of ace's but then we may all fall over without it! - (#2373) jim, 1 Mar 02
I remember a friend of mine had a Celica with TEMS and it used to stiffen the suspension up for a more sporty drive. My father also has a Hilux Surf 4WD with selectable Hard/Soft suspension and the stiffer suspension setting is used for off roading so the car doesn't bottom out when going over rough terrain. It makes quite a difference off road.
Perhaps there is a use for it after all but I bet its expensive to fix if it goes wrong !
Mark. - (#2374) Mark Eastwood, 1 Mar 02
I'd check yours is working then guys, If you brake from very low speeds, then you will notice it doesn't go 'HARD' and the front end bounces up & down. Now brake from a higher speed to rest, without removing your foot from the brake and you get very little bounce. As regard cornering, you can feel it let the vehicle 'lean' over to a point, then stiffen slightly to stop the body roll going any further. It isn't a noticable case of it suddenly pushing the body back upright, and I suspect it is actually quite progressive, despite only a 'SOFT' & a 'HARD' light, otherwise a sudden change in handling would be dangerous, after all this type of system is designed to be 'tranparent' in it's operation, just like ABS, or EBD or emergency brake assist.
Why would Toyota go to the expense of putting the TEMS on, if it did nothing. Incidentally, any idea when they started using it, as the Land Rover Discovery didn't get 'ACE' (Active Cornering Enhancement' until '98. If you think the body roll on a Townie is interesting, try a pre '98 Discovery on a roundabout at speed, white knuckle ism't the words. Regards Rob. - (#2378) Rob Drinkwater, 1 Mar 02
As with the rest of the rspondents, my lights just go on & off, i only need alight touch of the brakes for them toactivate, the vehicle is ok on smoothe roads, but liverpools potholes give a jerky ride. - (#2386) John Collier, 3 Mar 02
Ok, so TEMS plays an important part in stabilising the suspension and what you say Rob makes perfectly good sense but really the two lights are no more than a gimick. If you really wanted to see what was happening, a guage would be more useful.
So has anyone had to replace their TEMS shockers and how much did it cost?
Ian - (#2393) Ian Dunse, 4 Mar 02
I replaced the front TEMS s/a's on my Masterace, in June last year. The cost then was 100.30 each from the Toyota Main Dealer. No, you do not have to replace the activating unit, ie, a solenoid device which turns a valve stem (at the top of the s/absorber). This is seperate and is re-fitted to the new s/a's. However, as the solenoid valve is triggered by steering/braking sensors, I can't quite see how the solenoid device can be tested for operation except by assuming that the hard/soft lights, on the dashboard, are indicating correctly. I replaced the s/a's because I felt that the suspension was not as good as it could be but, new TEMS shocks did not make much difference. I am currently experimenting/checking the whole of the front suspension and endeavouring to replace any worn bushes as I feel that the indifferent suspension lets the vehicle down (no pun). If I find an improvement when this is done I will post the results but, my opinion is that replacing the TEMS shocks, without other remedial work, brings no great advantage. - (#2395) John Davis, 4 Mar 02
John
Ouch! Did they give any indication of cost for the shock absorber alone? As I recall someone said on an earlier post that they had purchased shocks from a main dealer and they cost something like £18. Obviously, non-TEMS. Did you look elsewhere than main-dealer for replacements?
Do you think the actuator could be tested by applying a small current? Obviously this would only give a "it does/doesn't respond" indication but then wouldn't that be good enough?
Ian - (#2396) Ian Dunse, 4 Mar 02
Ian. With hindsight, I suppose I should have investigated "ordinary" shocks a bit further and, most probably, there are some which would suit but they would not. of course, be fitted with the TEMS valves. I do remember going through the Halfords catalogues but, the overall height was the problem at the time so, I bit the bullet and coughed up at the Toyota dealer to get the correct article. Yes, I will take your advice and test the operating solenoids via a direct 12v lead. Also, I have a nagging feeling that I might not have paid too much attention to the exact location of the solenoid actuating groove, ie, where the "tongue" of the s/a valve locates. I think that it should be set "across" the vehicle for "hard" operation but, I re-fitted them in the position in which they were removed. They might have got moved as I freed them from their housings
so another check is needed here. Any comments anyone has about the Townace/Masterace suspension, with or without TEMS, would be appreciated. I'm not looking for an absolutely "featherbed" ride but, on my Masterace, there is, it seems, far too much of a "thump" when even the smallest pothole is encountered - (#2397) John Davis, 4 Mar 02
Regarding alignment, you may not have noticed but the TEMS thread last October contained, "according the Chilton's book, Hard is at the centre of the travel, the flat on the rod facing L-R."
On my '91 ace the TEMS lights change only as if connected to the brake light circuit but I'll check more carefully the way Rob suggests. Does anyone know how/where the TEMS systems senses steering or cornering? - (#2398) Dave Mason, 4 Mar 02
Sensor on the steering column, plus speed sensor on the speedo - (#2399) David miller, 4 Mar 02
i agree with rob, i have not given it much thought until now, but there is a difference between braking from high speed & low speed,similar to an anti dive system, has anyone tried adjustable shockers such as "monroe" on their toyota - (#2406) John Collier, 5 Mar 02
I put a set of Explorer Pro Comp shocks on mine (beefy 4x4 shocks from the US)and noticed a great improvement from the standard setup. Both they and Rancho do adjustables in sizes suitable for the townie, and would cost less than TEMS shocks. My set of four fixed shocks was about £140 IIRC, including coloured gaiters. Adjustables were about £20 extra per unit. - (#2408) david miller, 5 Mar 02
Greetings from Moscow. I recently bought a 1990 dt townace. The van runs fine, but one thing I noticed is the ride is terrible. The roads in Moscow are fairly good, outside of Moscow the roads are as if bombs have been dropped on them. I made a 400 mile trip last week and when I would encounter small pot holes I felt like the windows were going to break in the van. I took my townie to friend/mechanic and he told me the shock absorbers are shot and I need to replace the lower ball joints. Tonight I was talking to a friend that just bought a townie and when I explained my situation he asked if the tems are working. I don't even know if the van is equipped with tems or if I need them. From reading the postings it does not sound like they make much of a difference. The main thing I am interested in is getting a smoother ride on rough roads. I priced shock absorbers for 900 roubles a piece ( $28 ). Could someone tell me how to know If I have tems and is it worth trying to install/replace or would I be better off going with regular shock absorbers.
Thank you so much for a great web site.
Mervin Strother
- (#3609) Mervin Strother, 2 Jul 02
I believe if you have TEMS there should be two LED's on your rev counter indicating "Hard" or "Soft". Other postings, as you say, have very mixed views on the system. I think it will come down to your own feelings on the matter and the type of ride you want. You will be able to get a comfortable ride with standard shocks but you'll obviously have no adjustments whilst you drive to compensate for different conditions.
- (#3612) Mark, 2 Jul 02
Mervin,
Hopefully you will know if you have TEMS by a sticker saying TEMS on the rear screen, by the wiper pivot. Failing that, then look closely at the speedo, if there are twi green LEDs that light up when you turn on the ignition in the bottom right corner of the speedo, one goes out after a couple of seconds & leaves the other on, one indicated suspension 'soft' the other 'hard' if you don't have these, then you don't have TEMS. Secondly, yes TEMS is very good, mine didn't work for a while, due to a pratt of an auto electrician, and we did notice the difference, lots more body roll & the handling was compromised. HTH Rob.
- (#3613) Rob Drinkwater, 2 Jul 02
Hello, and greetings from the Bahamas. I bought a 91 liteace in August of 02 direct from Japan. The price was right and I love the van but I can't get any parts from the US, which is only 60 miles away. So...I have a problem with my TEMS system and the van just has no suspension at all. I think there must be a pump or compressor, but where? There is no sound I can find to lead me to the gas source. and looking at the shocks there doesent seem to be any tubes for filling the shocks????. Also, there are (seem to be) adjustments on the control arms, indicated by graduted markings on their bushings. Is this a height adjustment? The van leans to the front right.
Lots of questions, I hope I don't sound dummer than a sack of hammers.
best regards, Jim Neill, Freeport
- (#7451) Jim neill, 3 Mar 03
the shocks (which are gas filled) are controlled by a motor on top of each. These motors are computer controlled, acting on inputs from steering, speedo, and brakes. If you can get a copy of the Chiltons manual for Cressida and Van, it has some pertinent info...
- (#7452) david miller, 3 Mar 03
http://www.toyota-ace.ru/page02.HTM#amo
please look this layers...
Ądmin RUSSIAN Townace website! Good LUCK!
- (#8160) Dmitry, 17 Apr 03 21:27
the graduated adjustments are for camber, for ride height, look at the end of the torsion bar, about halfway back on the vehicle. Nut and locknut to adjust the preload of the bar.
- (#8161) david miller, 18 Apr 03 1:10
Does anybody know if front TEMS shock absorber lower bushes can be purchased seperately. My vehicle is a CR30 version. Thankyou ...Ray.
- (#7769) Ray, 22 Mar 03
Would suspect Toyota do. Pop one out and see if a local factor can make a match.
- (#7770) clive, 22 Mar 03
Hi Clive. I've got two problems at the moment. The first is that the Masterace is used by the "better half" every day and the second is that I'm recovering from a serious back condition making it impossible to crawl underneath for a few weeks. If any body could supply the relavent sizes for the bushes, I could then try and sort out a supplier. It passed mot this morning just with a warning of impending problems on one of the bushes. Regards ... Ray
- (#7771) Ray, 22 Mar 03
If it passed with a warning you are probably ok for a while! See if Toyota do do them. Then as the lady drives it, show her the tool kit.....
Best not go there I think.
- (#7772) clive, 24 Mar 03
Can anyone give me a few pointers on how to get the tems suspension working on 92,new shape Royal lounge with manual tems selection normal/sport,and three leds in the instrument panel.
The three dash tems lights soft-hard do not light up when the ignition is turned on (lamp test) I have a supply to the console switch and thats all.
Location of the tems control box?
Supply Fuse?
Thanks in anticipation Phil.
- (#7820) phil, 25 Mar 03
I've since found that the tems ecu,which is labeld absorber control unit is located in a difficult spot on the front bulkhesd,to the right of the steering colum,you can also see its part number 89243.
- (#7926) phil, 2 Apr 03 7:12
I'm still trying to source the supply to the control and dash lights for tems, can anyone help?
thanks
- (#7927) phil, 2 Apr 03 7:16
My Toyota Masterace was fitted with non-TEMs front suspension when I bought it. The garage said that TEMS was an expensive luxury and I did not need it. Any comments? Any recommendations to change to TEMS?
- (#7903) Peter Dawson, 2 Apr 03 7:29
tems suspension is far superior. it is however one of those things that is not worth the hassle/cost to install.
i note you say front does the rear have tems? does the dash have tems indicators?
if yes then someone has taken the cheap option to replace the front shocks (have a look in aceanswers for shocking prices). if all you need is shocks and controllers it comes down to cost over ride.
hth
- (#7904) Clive, 2 Apr 03 8:09
Peter, the TEMS s/absorbers cost around £105 each. There are benefits with TEMS in that the suspension "stiffens" up when turning, braking or otherwise exerting extra loads on the vehicle, The change is made (from soft to hard) via a steering and braking sensor. Personally, I find the Masterace front suspension quite apalling, TEMS or no TEMS and I am still investigating where that "lost motion" is in the suspension system which make rumble strips or discarded matchsticks in the road, such a pain to navigate. My view is that spending around £210 replacing the front s/absorbers, won't improve the "ride" in any way (as I have found out to my cost)but, there are the above "control" benefits which, I think, helps when these tall, slightly bulky vehicles are cornering a bit too fast.
- (#7905) John Davis, 2 Apr 03 9:08
Thanks for your help guys.
The car is fitted for TEMS (lights on dash functioning - trying to control TEMS s/absorbers that are not there!). I won't be rushing out to by the TEMS s/absorbers and I'll go steady round the corners...
- (#7906) Peter Dawson, 2 Apr 03 17:54