Notices
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020) Discussion about the 2013 and up GS models

Apexi Smart Controller install help!

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 18, 2017 | 08:13 AM
  #1  
korupted's Avatar
korupted
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 7
From: TX
Default Apexi Smart Controller install help!

For those who have the Apexi Smart Controller installed, I am having problems trying to initialize the device.
I started with ignition in OFF position.
With foot off the brake, press the ignition button twice to ON position (Engine is not on).
The apexi controller is blinking white - which means it needs to be initialized.
With foot OFF the gas pedal, hold down the bottom DOWN button (1 knot). The light goes from blinking white to blue and I release the button.

At this point in time, i've tried two things
1) Before holding the UP button (3 knots), I step on the gas pedal all the way and keep it there. I press and hold the UP button until it is red and release the button. Per the manual, it should stop blinking if the initialization was successful but it keeps blinking white.
2) I press and hold the UP button simultaneously stepping on the gas all the way. It still does the same thing as (1) where it goes to red but continues blinking white after.

Can anyone provide insight on how to initialized?
Reply
Old May 18, 2017 | 08:29 AM
  #2  
korupted's Avatar
korupted
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 7
From: TX
Default

Also, I removed the apexi controller for now and now my check engine light is on and it says traction control is off. I tried to press the traction controller button but it doesn't work. Do I need to take it to the dealer or will it reset after I drive a bit
Reply
Old May 18, 2017 | 09:10 AM
  #3  
e60bmw's Avatar
e60bmw
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 118
From: texas
Default

I had something similiar when I first installed it, I'm a little fuzzy on the details. Do you have it wired backwards? I believe one of the connections to the harnesses and unit can be wired up backwards. You should not have to bring anything to the dealer, the check engine light should go away after initiating it correctly.
Reply
Old May 18, 2017 | 09:16 AM
  #4  
korupted's Avatar
korupted
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 7
From: TX
Default

I'll double check to see if it is wired backwards. I did not think of this when i installed it and re-read the manual.
When you installed it, did your check engine light also turn on?
Reply
Old May 18, 2017 | 09:35 AM
  #5  
e60bmw's Avatar
e60bmw
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 118
From: texas
Default

Yeah I'm pretty sure I had it wired up backwards to the harness the first time. If I recall there are pins that go from harness to controller. I remember that it was showing white lights no matter what I did, if its wired right you should have no check engine lights on.
Reply
Old May 18, 2017 | 10:36 AM
  #6  
korupted's Avatar
korupted
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 7
From: TX
Default

Originally Posted by e60bmw
Yeah I'm pretty sure I had it wired up backwards to the harness the first time. If I recall there are pins that go from harness to controller. I remember that it was showing white lights no matter what I did, if its wired right you should have no check engine lights on.
It looks like I also had the connection backwards. The red dot on should be lined up on the same side as the clip. I was able to initialize it now, however, the check engine light is still on. I'll drive around some more to see if it will turn off. Right now, my check engine light is on, traction control is off and whenever I ride in ECO or Normal mode, even with low rpm, the ECO light does not turn on. Did you have this issue?
Reply
Old May 18, 2017 | 10:41 AM
  #7  
e60bmw's Avatar
e60bmw
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 118
From: texas
Default

I have not had those issues, you may just have to reset the battery. Or if you have a code reader it may show something. I believe in the manual it mentions something if you happen to get a check engine light on and how to fix.
Reply
Old May 18, 2017 | 11:50 AM
  #8  
korupted's Avatar
korupted
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 7
From: TX
Default

Thanks e60bmw! After resetting the battery, the car returned to normal. I'll drive some more to verify it doesn't come back on but so far check engine light is off, i can turn on/off traction control, eco light turns on at low RPMs again and the apexi controller is still programmed.
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

 Joe Kucinski
Old May 18, 2017 | 03:57 PM
  #9  
e60bmw's Avatar
e60bmw
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 118
From: texas
Default

How are you liking the apexi so far? I drive in red and sport mode all the time.
Reply
Old May 18, 2017 | 05:02 PM
  #10  
korupted's Avatar
korupted
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 80
Likes: 7
From: TX
Default

I definitely feel the difference with it. It almost caught me by surprised at first. I'm still testing out the other settings. At the moment I have it on yellow (boost 1) setting and liking it so far. I do a lot of driving during rush hour m-f so I'm not planning on keeping on red. Just looking for something to address that lag lol
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
infinus
IS F (2008-2014)
50
Apr 8, 2019 09:36 AM
iamsammy84
GS - 4th Gen (2013-2020)
2
Aug 16, 2016 05:37 PM
lester123
RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015)
2
Jul 27, 2015 03:32 AM
sjgIS350
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
9
Sep 13, 2006 12:49 AM
ShowGSLuVv
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
18
Jan 5, 2002 06:01 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:05 AM.

story-0
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

Slideshow: the 2026 IS 350 isn't all that new, and that's why we love it!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-04 14:35:23


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

Slideshow: 10 most confusing things Lexus has ever done.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-04 09:40:55


VIEW MORE
story-2
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-8
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE