What is TOAF?

[Sector-9]

Well my lead arrived today from the far east, so after a quick solder job I've been outside for an hour playing around (I did back up every module possible beforehand!)

First off, I've read and cleared all fault codes from every module - most of them were reporting some kind of error code - and for most modules, they have stayed cleared (though I haven't actually driven the car anywhere as not insured at mo). Now onto the fun/useful stuff!

I'd replaced the fan motor brushes this weekend so it was good to test all three speeds were working correctly. I also managed to turn off the automatic HRW <10degC function, which was great (T4 can't do that), and I think I've disabled auto door locking too but I'll need to drive it to test. I've also played with several settings in the LSM - including the fun police lights and wierd double-flash hazards, though I did think I'd caused a problem enabling dim front indicators and found that rather than alter their brightness, it killed the front sidelamps stone dead and even disabling the option or ign off/on didn't get them working again Thankfully restoring the backup I'd made earlier did correct the issue. I also toyed with the 30% main beam as DRL but in the end decided original was fine for me.

For those still undecided, I'd conclude TOAF is well worth the small cost of a lead from ebay, and used purely for reading/clearing fault codes is safe for all. The coding options do need to be used with care, and backups are strongly recommended before changing anything, but this would apply to T4 and any other system which allows config changes to be made so is not unique to TOAF.

[DragonFly]

I must admit, I do like the idea of 30% main beam as DRL. Unfortunately, as I've fitted HID's, that probably wouldn't work on my car. I wonder if I could have 30% front fog lights instead

[RPWC]

Originally Posted by barney bear

I wouldn't trust myself to use TOAF on our car, simply because I don't know enough about the systems on the 75 to even interpret what the program was telling me. I've said it before but the only man plugging anything into our Rosey has a Geordie accent and smells of hob nobs (chocolate only)

If members feel comfortable using it then surely that's up to them, they will still need to go and see Phil or Big Russ or any of the other traders for real problem sorting

Sorry to disappoint you Tony, but I don't own a T4
ps same statement from me.

[suzublu]

I find it quite funny, that after all the arguments for & against this TOAF thing, that people are playing with police lights which are useless, & turning off the HRW function It doesn't come on anyway most of the summer, & for the rest of the year, just press the button But, hey ho

[murphyv310]

Originally Posted by suzublu

I find it quite funny, that after all the arguments for & against this TOAF thing, that people are playing with police lights which are useless, & turning off the HRW function It doesn't come on anyway most of the summer, & for the rest of the year, just press the button But, hey ho

Hi Ronnie.
I tried the Police lights but I couldn't understand all the fuss! They didn't turn blue

[Jakg]

Originally Posted by DragonFly

I must admit, I do like the idea of 30% main beam as DRL. Unfortunately, as I've fitted HID's, that probably wouldn't work on my car. I wonder if I could have 30% front fog lights instead

I tried it with HIDs - they didn't like it at all. I think it works using PWM and turns them on and off rapidly which probably only works for filament bulbs - I think it would massively shorten the life of HIDs / LEDs

[johnnyb44]

Personally I would never go anywhere near my car with any software, I would sooner pay someone to check my trusty iron chariot out because the T4 guys here know how to use the machines and sort out any unexpected mishaps should they happen. Our cars in all fairness only need to be connected to a T4 once in a blue moon to sort out the occasional issue and I would sooner have a professional T4 member here do the job properly with the piece of mind its done correctly.
Johnny

[murphyv310]

Originally Posted by johnnyb44

Personally I would never go anywhere near my car with any software, I would sooner pay someone to check my trusty iron chariot out because the T4 guys here know how to use the machines and sort out any unexpected mishaps should they happen. Our cars in all fairness only need to be connected to a T4 once in a blue moon to sort out the occasional issue and I would sooner have a professional T4 member here do the job properly with the piece of mind its done correctly.
Johnny

The snag is Johnny that there are still parts here in the UK without T4 coverage. Go abroad and your really stuck, this where VT4 & Toaf will score.

[Sector-9]

Originally Posted by murphyv310

I tried the Police lights but I couldn't understand all the fuss! They didn't turn blue

I nearly turned the air blue when I killed the front sidelights! I just wanted to see what TOAF could do (there's loads of functions on it I don't understand yet), but for the sake of a quick download and a five quid lead I'm impressed. I'm even prepared to do free code read/clears for local club members, though for proper diags or anything where I could screw up their car (i.e. config changes and remaps) I'd refer them to a T4 operator.

[Ross R75]

Everything will find it's own level. Anybody who is providing a valuable and professional service has nothing to fear. Assuming we are all adults, although I have my doubts from some of the posts in this thread, we can make a decision as to whether or not we wish to use any particular software on our cars.

Nannyism (claimed/real/otherwise) aside, TOAF represents no threat whatsoever to the absolutely brilliant service provided by our T4 guys. The newest of our cars are now about 10 years old. Anybody taking the time to produce something that will help owners, therefore help livelihoods, and ultimately help the club stay alive, should be welcomed with open arms, not driven away like a plague carrier. Some adjustment of attitude required by some, in my humble opinion.

Food for thought, gentlemen.