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