The secret customization features on a new Toyota

[@HallStevenson]

Good thing you added the part about cost 'cause I'm pretty sure that a whole lot of people think this falls under some "I just bought a brand new car from you so I expect it done for free" scenario !

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

Well… if you bring it to the selling dealer, they often will do it for free. No written policy on that but for local customers, most stores will try to take care of things. Just be prepared and understand that the tech’s time isn’t free.

[@broderp]

That's what I did. And the dealer did it for free. They were very cool about it.

[@broderp]

These are not hidden features. These are features behind a paywall. There is no reason that the dealer has to do this. Most people want to try a feature, and if they don't like it, then they want to be able to switch it back easily. Think about the settings customers get. You have the option to reset them or change them. Some of these hidden features appear to be replacing another, and once enabled, the original way no longer works, so going back to the dealer is a requirement. I actually read my 2024 Prius manual. I went to the dealer and told them had I known a feature was available and not activated, I would have not bought the car (auto roll down of all windows via the remote). They did it for me for free. My car only had like 400 miles on it at the time. It took about 30 minutes. I think ALL these pay to play features once enabled should be added to the context menus along with all the standard stuff. I might pay an hour for thatadditanl function, but I'm not paying for each one and the cost to roll back the change if I don't like it and want my old options back. This is bad for customer relations.

[@davidalenick1246]

You can do it yourself… just buy a Carly or Carista.

[@dancincat33]

AGREED!!!! 😫

[@schoc13]

I like that you can use SIRI to start, stop, unlock, and lock the corolla and addition it has stop and go cruise control

[@makenziedenton8992]

Whatt forreal!? Do you know if Siri can do that on a 2021 Camry XSE? If so how can I set that up? And is it free?

[@schoc13]

@@makenziedenton8992 I’m not sure, get the toyota app first then an app called shortcuts, for iphone users only I think

[@luism.rodriguez7607]

REALLY? How???

[@SMH365]

Where can we find a list of features that can be modified by a tech that is not listed in the manual?

[@Ash-cz7gp]

The obvious one that Toyota 'locks out' that really upsets me; the number of blinks of the turn signals when you short press the turn indicator. Factory setting is 3 which is just not enough and causes one to change lanes far too rapidly within the sequence timeframe. It can be set to several different times, 5 is perfect for my driving and lane change habits. This seems like an obvious one but the local dealership wants $245 for the tech to change it.

[@ronaross1]

As usual - a BIG THANK YOU !! Happy Thanksgiving also

[@ArcheryDad2024]

Just bought a 24 SR5 XP, called a week later about having my windows all roll down while holding unlock. Service manager had it done for no cost, the sales guy said it would be almost $200. Definitely just talk to service and see what they say, asking can't hurt.

[@engatech1]

My local dealer set the key fob to roll all the windows down by holding the unlock button thanks to you Steve for the video. So cool, after a round of golf in the summer just hit the button and the inside of the car gets aired out while loading the clubs.

[@m4nc1n1]

Get Carista! It is awesome. Only get the $40 one. Upgraded one is not worth it. Amazon. More info in my comment.

[@MovingPicturesAVideoMetropolis]

"piped in engine noise" ? I did not know that. No wonder I'm thinking my hybrid venza has a noisy engine. My 1990 camry was so quiet i couldn't tell it was running. If it really is piped in I may prefer a quieter sound. I was actually shocked how loud this '23 venza is.

[@djplonghead5403]

I don’t know of Toyota pumping in noise to the cabin- otherwise I think it would be in the manual. I do know that, on hybrids such as the ones he was talking about, they have to play a noise so pedestrians around you know that there is a vehicle moving under Electric power.

[@OldVermontGuy]

Very helpful to a new Corolla cross owner

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Well done Steve - two thumbs up from me and I love your thoughtful, helpful nature👍👍

[@chrismunro3624]

I have a simple request that I’ve never been able to find an answer to. I have a 2020 Camry LE (base model) that I love. I have looked through all the manuals and tried all the settings but there doesn’t seem to be any way to adjust the interior lighting. When you open the door, only the weak dome lamp comes on while there are two very bright LED map lights up front that only come on when the buttons are manually pressed. Did Toyota just cheap out on this or is there a way to have it changed where the map lights come on along with the dome light?

[@mikecianciola3833]

I miss the walk away locks my Honda had.

[@davidalenick1246]

I thought back in the day Toyota paid for a one time customization of your vehicle. Was that not true? Or just has it changed? And also, a lot of these changes can be made with devices like Carly or Carista. Good info Steve! Keep it coming! 👍😀

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

I’m not aware that Toyota ever did that but many dealers have that policy as a courtesy

[@k-townaquatics8989]

I work at a dealer in the service department… you get 1 free personalization with your first ecp service

[@petermax5143]

Get the Carista dongle and app, you can make these 'dealer' changes yourself.

[@byronricketts8568]

That's what I did. Inexpensive and easy to do

[@kagankaragulle6713]

Carista webpage shows support for only first gen chr’s… are there any alternatives or sb that tried it in 2nd gen?

[@broderp]

How much and where?

[@mariogutierrez4128]

Is there a yearly fee for using the Carista ?

[@kylepickleball]

​@@mariogutierrez4128yes, it's on their website

[@jamesrogers8201]

I wish there was a list (unless I missed it) of all dealer-based customizations. Are they listed in the owner's manual?

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

@@jamesrogers8201 they are in the owner’s manual. Look in the index under “customization”

[@rebeccameng1195]

As always, very helpful!

[@jamesbeyer]

The best comment is the guy that pointed out that you can buy an OBD device instead of handing money over to a dealer. Screw you for trying to get us to do that.

[@roadcykler62]

Maybe he isn't aware of that. I wasn't until I read the comments here.

[@jamesbeyer]

@@roadcykler62 he knows. He works at a dealership.

[@69LDW]

Any hidden options for my 2023 Toyota Fortuner

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

I’m sure there are. Check your owners manual under customization

[@AmnothSovann]

Is there anyway we can set the sensitivity for the key to open the lift gate? Half the time my lift gate doesn’t close. It opens fine but closing is required more luck. The same happen to my kick open/close sensor. So I was hoping maybe you can help me with that too. People on facebook having same issue as well. Thanks

[@katjames4490]

Oh sorry, that would help! We have a 2024 Grand Highlander (Dec '23 build date) and I believe it's the 3 panel.

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

Here’s the video I did on customizing the display and you can select a compass to be displayed. The only problem is, the compass will randomly disappear. Toyota is aware of this and hopefully, we’ll get an update for it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3yleaN-oKqtiJIsi=guwqtzdgeP_yeW6c

[@katjames4490]

Awesome! Thanks Steve for all you do and your videos. So very helpful!

[@katjames4490]

Is displaying a Compass (outside of the map program) one of the hidden features? I've searched the entire manual and cannot find anything about it. Thanks Steve!

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

Most Toyota models have a compass feature in the display area. Which model do you have? There is a difference in the single panel versus 3 panel display

[@MichelleBrockman-fe1or]

Is there a way to take away the option of sirius XM when selecting from mode button on steering wheel OR apple music?

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

@@MichelleBrockman-fe1or unfortunately, no. It will toggle through every possible listening mode, including ones for which you are not subscribed and that can’t be changed

[@MichelleBrockman-fe1or]

​@@TrainerSteveCliffordOkay. Thanks so much for your reply!!

[@samsacre]

The piped in engine noise on my 2023 Prius Limited is way too loud!

[@broderp]

Can it be tur Ed off once a tinted via a display option or something? Or does the dealer have to do it?

[@ChristianAudet]

Thanks Steve, love your videos. Do you know if any of the 3rd party ODB2 tool have access to them (Xtools, Autel, etc.) the same options ?

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

I have no idea. I doubt it but I don’t know enough about those to say for sure

[@HallStevenson]

CARISTA can make some changes

[@davidalenick1246]

@@HallStevensonso can Carly.

[@HallStevenson]

@@davidalenick1246 Looking at their website, they don't give any indication about what it can do. Where do they have better info or details ?

[@ChristianAudet]

Thanks @@HallStevenson you just had me look at their website and I was impressed with the feature and cost. I may eventually buy a full feature scanner when I really need one but my immediate need was simple features that are only accessible to Toyota. I looked at TechStream but this is fairly cheap and simple for what it does. My wife and I both have 2023 Toyotas supported by Carista. I am actually impress that they keep a current list of all the feature they allow you to customized per vehicle. We need to change some settings every time we go camping for example so the bips don't disturb other campers, I think you just found a solution to my challenge as it may cost an initial cost and yearly but still reasonable for the flexibility it would give our household of 2 new Toyotas😀

[@richardassal7788]

Isn’t there a work around, such that, I can do column C?

[@djzbra]

Pretty sure we can, anything's possible

[@lm1826]

Do you know if on a 2022 prius awd-e nightshade if there's a setting that would lock the doors when you exit with ENGINE RUNNING???

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

@@lm1826 no. Sorry

[@TinaSatro]

Thank you so much, I’m digging into my manual.

[@debramusiker722]

Very kind of you to try to help us. I have a 2016 Toyota Camry LE and for the life of me can't find out how to enable the compass. I've watched your KZbin a few times. Played around on the steering wheel and the mirror and the screen set up itself in the center screen. I'm going crazy. I've followed your arrows but morning let's me display the compass or direction the car is driving in. How difficult can this be?? You make a great point!! It's buried!!!

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

@@debramusiker722 the 2016 probably doesn’t have it. My memory is good but not that good! lol I’m pretty sure the 2019 was the first with the compass in the MID. Some older ones had it in the mirror but only as part of an upgrade

[@debramusiker722]

@@TrainerSteveClifford thank you so much, Steve! I've been driving(literally) myself crazy

[@Combat556]

Are there any Easter Eggs on my new 2024 Venza? Thank you Steve. Have a great day!

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

Why yes. Yes there is kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4iVfI2glMZ-grssi=S2UVaBHbQgfMqrYi

[@Combat556]

@@TrainerSteveClifford thank you 😊

[@TheFoghorn2000]

We recently bought a 2024 Tacoma Limited and have been exploring all the tech. Your video “The secret customization features on a new Toyota” showed us the best method of sharing the driving experience by sharing the same user profile on our iPhones and the Toyota App. There is only one thing… The photo… My wife as seen enough of my face over the past 34 years so out of respect for her I will need to change the photo out. Any suggestions?

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

That's funny... I think the photo is pulled from your phone's Apple account profile. Try the setting in the phone.

[@dukatista657]

i just got my 2025 LC, i could not add my home address in the Toyota app, when i typed in my address it just sits there, could you help me on that? thanks

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

@@dukatista657 I did a video to show this but it sounds like you might already have done this. I can’t do more unfortunately kzbin.info/www/bejne/qV7Ji5iYqdVmj7Msi=AqeEH5lYYIftm1OT

[@dukatista657]

@ yeah, I guess it's the app issue, thanks anyway

[@Tom-ej8bb]

They should be happy they have u too brother!!

[@johnmmarkunas]

2023 Toyota Highlander limited AWD. How do I change the speed value below the gas gauge from km to mph

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

You have try change the rest of the cluster to KM/h. If you do that, the small one you’re referring to changes to miles. You always have both displayed

[@boedilllard5952]

Buy a bi-directional scanner for about $50 and you save both time and money and can change your mind.

[@FatmirMollabeqiri]

Or you can buy a cheap OBD2 with Bluetooth and do it on your own with an app like Carista.

[@thearikes]

Is hard to do?

[@richardgoeltz3769]

Great as always!

[@DH-mf2lv]

Thank you for this vital information.

[@Dimigrey]

Can I set up auto start from my key fob on my 23 Rav hybrid premium

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

Yes, but that doesn't take any customization. As long as you didn't decline the data consents when you set up your app, your fob will work as a remote start. Press lock three times and hold on the third one.

[@Dimigrey]

Data consets? I don't understand

[@Dimigrey]

I thought you didn't need an app to run the key fob

[@Dimigrey]

@@TrainerSteveClifford I just tried it. It doesn't work

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

@@Dimigrey Sorry for the auto-correct error. The remote start by key fob is a little unusual. You do need the app initially. You have to link the car to you so you can complete the data consent page. The car has a data control module (DCM) that transmits your driving info to Toyota. They use that for product development and to be able to locate you if you need assistance. You get a 10 year roadside assistance so they do need to know your location. If you turn down the data handling, Toyota turns off your DCM and it does not transmit anything to Toyota. Your remote start by key fob requires the use of the DCM so if you decline the data consent, your key fob will NOT be able to remotely start the car. The app also has the controls for the "Remote connect" which is a remote start via the app on your phone. Obviously, the range is a LOT farther than with the key fob and a 1 year free subscription is included. Even after that free trial ends, the key fob continues to work as a remote start with the caveat that the DCM must be functioning.

[@johnkelly5487]

Another home run, Jack, RI, USA

[@olodgoat53]

dear Steve Clifford me and my wife just bought a new 2024 Sienna Platinum hybrid and your settings are different from what this car has in it.

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

The Sienna is one of the few models that still have an older multi media system but the customization features still apply. They are different but your owners manual will tell you which things are done in the car and which require a dealer

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

Chalk one up as another great video. Thanks Steve.

[@MartinezFAMHawaii]

I already know these since I bought my 2013 4runner, I asked service advisor to program my key to control the windows up and down. They said $150 back then, So I said no need.

[@I-sed-no]

Fantastic info. Thanks for the heads up

[@cvue009]

Good video bad dealership was told what i see in price is what i get...ready to sign my name until my salesman showed there was "front guard $3,000" mandatory fees yup sounds like Mark up and bait and switch to me

[@HagsRideOrDie]

Thanks Steve!

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

What is the secret to turning things off so I can put a bike rack on the back? The auto braking kicks in and won’t let me back out of garage.

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

I did this one for off roading but towing and your situation are identical solutions. Turn off both the parking sensors and the “PKSB” in the menu kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWbMYoeArNRle6Msi=dnw8V8e9JbGFQ2Mt

[@jonkrispeterson6678]

@@TrainerSteveClifford thank you Steve. I will give this a shot.

[@briancurrie5927]

I have a new Venza Limited. I'd like to make the Info. System screen look similar to a Ford Sync 3 screen. Possible?

[@youareawesome8]

buy a ford and swap it.

[@philipeli1192]

Seat belt reminder is hideous on my 2024 rav hybrid,dealer wont change it.

[@AMomentInTimeProductions]

Yeah i knew about this, i just bought a 2025 toyota Camry hybrid, my brother works as a tech there so, he helps me with this he hooks up the computer and i stand next to him and go over all the stuff and he makes the changes for me, after hours after he is done his shift, and it cost me nothing lol.. So i'm one of the lucky ones.. I can have anything changes any time as many times as i want, and it cost me nothing..

[@timtaylor8557]

Great feature. The first thing I had turned off was those dam seatbelt alarms! 😏

[@lilygonzalez742]

How do I do this?? Drives me nuts!

[@timtaylor8557]

@@lilygonzalez742 It requires someone with the proper scan tool. I have a friend who is a mechanic and he brought his diag tablet, connected it and turned off some items for me. There may be units on amazon that would work.

[@timtaylor8557]

@@lilygonzalez742 if your car is still under warranty, the dealer may do this for free. can't hurt to ask.

[@samsacre4304]

People still paying sticker?? my dealer still has used cars on show floor

[@Eazydeazy1]

It’s not a secret if it’s in the owners manual 😂

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

Oh believe me… the art of reading the manual is completely lost

[@PeopleHealthTru]

​@@TrainerSteveClifford Will you please demonstrate if the Grand Highlander trims are equipped with REMOTE control WINDOWS and moonroof from the key fob. Also no subscription necessary? The manual page 112 says 'if equipped.' I won't buy the vehicle without knowing. Every salesperson and general manager have refused to test and one general manager lied they don't have a way to pay for the technician's (5 minutes) of labor and the technicians charge by the hour. Toyota USA phone number is no help. They will only read manuals and brochures which everybody else can already read.

[@PeopleHealthTru]

@@TrainerSteveClifford Will you please demonstrate? whether the HEAD UP DISPLAY in the Grand Highlander will show TURN directions if you're using your Android phone after the Drive Connect paid subscription EXPIRES

[@TrainerSteveClifford]

@@PeopleHealthTru The "if equipped" means that only models with the factory moonroof will do this. The owner's manual shows that this is a customizable feature so as long as the model you buy has a moonroof, it will be able to be customized for this feature. As I point out in the video however, each dealership has discretion about who pays for this.

[@PeopleHealthTru]

@@TrainerSteveClifford Thanks for responding. The only comments I found online were in a Reddit page by one owner who said the Grand Highlander standard moonroof is remote controllable by keyfob, and a Platinum owner saying that the 'panoramic' moonroof is NOT remote controllable by keyfob. A defect? Needs to be tested? not just assume by the manual.

[@goldenboy4262]

If you open the handbook, that's not a secret.

[@electricmichael]

So I watched this for how to access it not take it to the dealer. lol. Nope should be accessible to me also being an owner of the car..

[@DeluxeWarPlaya]

Until they turn your car into a subscription based system.

[@drowsive7874]

I absolutely hate my new Toyota and this is just another reason. All of these options I could get to on my Honda.

[@jmodic]

ha! yes you did!

[@DeadofWinter321]

Still just a Toyota.