TEMS....Function
 

Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension (TEMS)

Button on center console "Normal & "Sport"

The shocks have 3 different size orifices (holes) that the oil can pass thru to effect the firmness of the shock. (MotoX bikes were the first production vehicles to use this technology).

Normal (soft), Medium, Firm(definately !)

3 LEDs on the dash light up to let you know which position its in, 1, 2, 3.

When key is first turned to 'on', the 3 lights will come on for 2 seconds to let you know its working properly. If they flash on/off, something is wrong.
The system could even let the 4 shocks be in different settings, so you'll want to fix it ASAP.

In "Normal" button position,

1 light = soft shock position, on in low to medium speed driving

2 lights = medium shock position, on in High-speed driving, comes on when 75mph is reached, and goes back down to #1 at 65mph

3 lights = firm shock position, on in tight turns over 30mph, or braking over 30mph, or sudden acceleration from low speed(not at high speed)

In "Sport" button position,

2 lights = medium shock position, on in low, medium, and high speed driving

3 lights = firm shock position, on in tight turns over 30mph, or braking over 30mph, or sudden acceleration from low speed. (not at high speed)

There are sensors in the steering column for the amount you are turning the wheel. Speed sensors, TPS, brake sensors, etc. that the computer uses to determine which position to put the shocks in.

The firm position comes on when punching the throttle hard from a no or slow speed to help keep the back end from 'squatting down'.

The system actually works very well. (I like mine in 'Normal' most of the time, as around town at 40-50mph with these bumpy roads, it rides pretty comfortable).

If you want a firmer ride, you can put a jumper in the diagnostic plug to make the console buttons be 'Medium & Firm'. It eliminates the normal (soft) position. You can take the jumper in/out when you want, and not do the 'switch' install as described in SOGI.

Check this SOGI info here. http://www.supras.com/06/techcenter/...b703620ca5262e

Also...a little shock diagnostic info....

True that if a car seems to 'bounce' a few times after a slight dip at slow speeds, the shocks are worn, and not dampening properly.

But...with TEMS, you may notice an (1) extra bounce or 2 when the setting is in the 'Normal' setting. Like when you back out of the driveway into the street. But try it in 'Sport' to see if its still bouncy before condemning them.

I would definately do the jumper trick before spending $$$$ on new shocks.

Added Info
 

Also....the motors on top of each shock are attached to the shock shaft. The motor rotates the shaft slightly when the computer commands, and the different size holes (orifices) are line up to allow the oil to pass thru.

Biggest hole for softest (easiest) dampening, smallest hole for firmest dampening.

:( what year supra's?
 

:( my supra does not have this awesome feature, i was just wondering what years this was with. I do have a norm and power button/light but that i do not think has to do with suspension, but deffinetly a power boost like it states.

The normal and power button/light is for the transmission. Under normal, the engine accelerates, well, normally. Under power, the engine maintains high revs to provide better acceleration/performance.

This particular feature has to do with packages and not model years. The Sports package came with the TEMS feature, as well as smaller things such as headlight squirters.