Murica-izing my JDM Land Cruiser - Wireless Door Control Module Replacement

[Sean81]

There are few gripes I have with the JDM Land Cruiser key remote:
1) Only has one button that locks and unlocks
2) Range is terrible, you have to be very close to the front door
3) North American key remotes are not compatible with the JDM module (89741-60050) and the JDM key (89785-50070 ?) is difficult to find in the US

So after reviewing the wiring diagram book I decided to try a North American unlock module. Here is what you need to do this:
1) Door Control Module: 89741-60060
2) A North American compatible key with remote. I used this one: 1998 Land Cruiser Key
3) The plug is different so make sure get a plug with the new module

You'll need to de-pin the old connector and put things in the correct order (except for (LSWP) on the new plug. Here are the wires. Note I was missing some wires, nothing to the theft deterrent module (don't have one) and no LSWR and LSWD which are door lock sensors. I put LSWP on pin 11 since it is the "driver door" with the right hand drive.

 

[Sean81]

One of the pins that was missing was the ground switch that blinks the tail lights. I went digging in the wiring manual and sure enough, plug "IU4" was in the same place but on the opposite side in my truck. I put a tap on the wire and now my tail lights blink when I lock and unlock!

Added the tail relay wire to pin 4 on the door control module harness (used a random spare wire, the color is not what it should be per the wiring diagram). I ran this wire behind the dash to the connector "IU4" pin 11 behind the glove box.

 

[Sean81]

You'll need to swap the brackets on the modules, take off the cover and it's one screw.

 

[Sean81]

I hope those of you with JDM trucks are able to find some value in this. I don't have an immobilizer on my truck, if you do you may want to make sure the new key registers on the ECU before you buy a door module and start taking things apart.

 

[boma23]

I thought the poor range was to do with low batteries, or poor design antenna.

Without having to do the whole conversion, is there a way to just extend / add to those visible coils which I assume are the receiving antennas? no visual difference between them so am surprised at difference in range.

 

[Ayune]

Poor range has to do with the poor placement of the receiver box, low under the dash, surrounded by metal. You can indeed extend the antenna and here’s a thread on how to do it:

Mod: Extending range of keyless entry

Like other members with early-year Cuisers the effective range of my '98 LC's keyless entry was pretty dismal. We're talking 10 feet at best. New batteries in the key fob didn't help and I may have a permanent imprint on my chin from attempting to use my head as an amplifier. By relocating the...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[boma23]

Poor range has to do with the poor placement of the receiver box, low under the dash, surrounded by metal. You can indeed extend the antenna and here’s a thread on how to do it:

Mod: Extending range of keyless entry

Like other members with early-year Cuisers the effective range of my '98 LC's keyless entry was pretty dismal. We're talking 10 feet at best. New batteries in the key fob didn't help and I may have a permanent imprint on my chin from attempting to use my head as an amplifier. By relocating the...

forum.ih8mud.com

Awesome, thank you for that!

 

[MongooseGA]

Came in here really hoping you were building cool mounting options for a bunch of guns.

 

[Sean81]

Poor range has to do with the poor placement of the receiver box, low under the dash, surrounded by metal. You can indeed extend the antenna and here’s a thread on how to do it:

Mod: Extending range of keyless entry

Like other members with early-year Cuisers the effective range of my '98 LC's keyless entry was pretty dismal. We're talking 10 feet at best. New batteries in the key fob didn't help and I may have a permanent imprint on my chin from attempting to use my head as an amplifier. By relocating the...

forum.ih8mud.com

This is great, I'm going to do this.