TEMS question

[den7]

I have a query regarding TEMS suspension. I recently got some working TEMS suspension to put in my car along with some lowering springs. So far I have only put the front shocks and actuators in because the actuators are causing some problems. They are not going to the firm (3 squares setting when installed in the car). What I have done so far:

1. Reinstalled the TEMS shocks and actuators according to the instructions in the TSRM; set actuators and shocks to firm, put tems system in diagnostic mode. Test TEMS operation. Actuators would not go to the firm setting.

2. Tested actuators directly from the battery in all settings, actuators worked OK.

3. Tested computer, seemed OK, but the online TSRM conflicts with the JDM manual. Online manual says 12 volts constant from computer in diagnostic mode, JDM manual says .015 second 10 volt pulse. Model is JDM, so went with JDM. Any thoughts on this?

4. Tested actuators again, no problems with soft and medium settings, but will not go to firm. I can hear the actuators clicking, but very weak. Both the soleniod and the motor are getting volts. The pulse is short, so volt meter is too slow to get an accurate reading.

5. Cleaned actuators with contact cleaner/lube. I haven't dissambled them yet, would like to keep them intact as I read there are little things that could fall out.

6. Tested again, still did not go to firm setting.

I've searched the forums here, but I couldn't find any posts on this. If anyone could tell me whether I've missed something or where to go from here I would be most grateful.

Thank you.

 

[azndan]

just a question bud where did you get your shocks from i am looking from tems shocks for my car and can't find a good company with a good price
please pm me the info if you can
hope your stuff works out
thanks
dan

 

[Wiisass]

Den, I don't know, but try hooking up the whole system. I've seen weird electronics stuff happen on older japanese cars and they needed a complete circuit to do certain things but would do the other stuff. Like just plug them in and try it. Unless you've gotten it figured out by now.

Azndan, PM Ckanderson, tell him you want TEMS shocks and he'll give you a good price and get you new Tokicos.

 

[reklund5]

How are you attempting to get them to go to the full firm setting? Jumper wire in the diag port? HKS TEMS controller? They wont go to full firm on their own unless you turn sharp or hit the brakes above 45? MPH.

Ryan

 

[jetjock]

Or he could simply turn the key on and stomp on the gas pedal...

 

[den7]

Thank you for your responses.

I sorted out the TEMS problem after about two weeks of thinking and testing. The computer puts out one signal in parallel to all four actuators, so only one needs to be plugged in to test them. It turned out there was nothing wrong with the actuators, loom, or the computer. The actuators were pre 89 and the computer is 89+. The JDM Supras have different TEMS computers and actuators depending on the year. The pre 89 TEMS computer puts out different signals to the actuators than the 89+.

So the lesson is, don't mix and match computers and actuators from pre 89 and 89+ Supras.

UK and US versions of the MKIII have different numbers on their computers again, so I don't know if this issue affects them. The only way to tell for sure is to pull off the actuators and have a look, they sound like they are working, but they won't be going into the firm setting (3 squares). Thank you to suprra_girl for her help on this issue.

KYB TEMS shocks appear regularly on Yahoo! Auctions in Japan.

http://page21.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/j9181089

You just need someone to buy them for you. I saw a post somewhere about a company who will do that for you. I'm not sure if they are any cheaper than the Tokico shocks.

 

[annoyingrob]

Oh TEMS, so much fun.......

I fixed it easy, factory TEMS-less Surpra

 

[MK3.0dudeman]

hey if you get rid of the actuators all together and turn the lil top peace on the shock and turn it to the most ferm setting will it stay and work good