Activating Camry trip computer

[bancroft]

Does anybody know how to activate the full functionality of the trip computer on a 2006 Camy Altise Upgrade Limited ACV36R (ex govt. fleet, 2.4L 4 cyl; automatic, 38,000 km).

The owners manual says the trip computer comes in two "Types".

Type 1 just displays just a clock and the overspeed warning setting (which is set by the adjacent Mode button and up/down arrow buttons). Type 2 has all the above plus the full suite of other trip computer functions (eg. fuel consumption, range etc).

My car has Type 1 (possibly because the original fleet buyer didn't want to pay the extra for the full Type 2). But I suspect that the electronics for Type functionality 2 is resident, but requires some sort of unlocking code to bring it to life.

A Google search shows that this issue is fairly common with many other makes of car. For example, I've found forum sites for Mazda and Holden that describe how to activate a sleeping trip computer system - usually by turning the key to a certain position(s), and pressing a sequence of buttons on the trip computer or audio system. However, I found no info specific to the Camry.

The question is: what dashboard gymnastics do I perform to awaken my trip computer from its slumber? Any helpful tips, ponderings or suggestions would be very much appreciated.

A happy and safe Christmas to all,

Steve

(Melbourne)

(Note: I've just purchased the car 2nd hand ($16K from dealer). It was manufactured in March 2006 but should not be confused with the current model Camry. It would seem to be one of the last of the 2002 model series to be made before the current model was launched, I think in around Aug 2006).

[lateralus]

you probably wont be able to get it to work because you actually don't have it.

as far as i am aware, you need a whole new module and all the other computers, etc. because you have the acv36r. the acv36r only came in a very basic trim on all spec levels (altise, sportivo, etc.)

only the higher-class mcv36r's (ateva, sportivo, azura) came with the full trip computer

[mbruce]

As far as I know lateralus is correct. I don’t really know what system 2 would consist of in regards to computers etc. But there is one for the 4cy as the Ateva had the trip computer.

I guess the best option would be to go and talk to your Toyota dealer.

If you do have any luck with this, I would be interested to know as I only have a 4cy Altise also.

[bancroft]

Thanks for your replies lateralus and MBruce.

I'm pretty convinced that the trip computer is installed, just not activated or perhaps lacking a chip on the circuit board. Car companies avoid making two types of the same part - they make one and dumb some features down to suit different vehicle specs.

(Friend of mine recently bought a new Comodore but opted not to pay extra to have the bells and whistles sound system. But all of the cars are made with all the extra speakers built in - too expensive for GMH to fring around doing otherwise All it needed was a bit of creative wiring and he got the top of the range sound system for free).

Cheers.

[lateralus]

well, exactly. you will be able to get it, but not without A LOT of stuffing around.

[RelishGTP]

With the experience I've had with my gen4 I can honestly say this is not going to be as easy as it should.

My Gen4 was not pre-wired to take anything that didn't come with it...everything I've installed of higher trim models has had to be custom wired in,even something as simple as the in dash clock.

In the US this is a different story as they are all pre wired for all options, but I would assume an Aus Gen5 would be much the same as mine as we are not so lucky :(