2006 LC - Short in Wiring Between Immobilizer ECU & Engine ECU (HELP!) (1 Viewer)

[mlberry35209]

I am humbly asking the community for some advice on my 2006 Land Cruiser (~240,000 miles). Several months ago, I started to have issues where the truck would crank fine, but wouldn’t fire. Diagnostics pointed to the immobilizer; my usual mechanic said that it would have to go to a dealership, so I had it towed to a local Toyota dealer. The dealer tried replacing the keys / remotes (transponders), and that didn’t work. So they replaced the immobilizer ECU, and that didn’t work either. The Cruser is back with the dealership now. According to them (video linked below), they have identified the issue as a short in the two wires between the immobilizer ECU and the engine ECU and that “finding the short is the hard part.” They think the issue is at the junction block and wire harnesses coming out of the ECU, but aren’t sure that’s actually the issue and said they’d have to pull the dash to confirm. They quoted a ridiculous price for parts (>$4,000 for the wire harness) and labor (>$4,500 to pull the dash) to even be able to confirm what the problem is, and maybe fix it. So I’m currently stuck with a truck that doesn’t run, with few options. I spoke to a few other local mechanics, but none were willing to touch it. I’ve kept the truck in very good condition, and maintained it meticulously over the last 7 yrs / 80,000 miles that I’ve owned it. However, I really don’t’ think I can justify dropping >$8,500 to possibly fix a problem on a 20 year old truck.

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions on how to proceed?

https://app.truvideo.com/v/nSKgLGsE [app.truvideo.com]

 

[Zuberg]

Over $8500 is ridiculous for a wiring short but unfortunately the reality of dealers these days. $4500 to pull the dash is insane. Like you said it's very hard to find mechanics willing to take on electrical issues. From the video it seems like they narrowed it down.

Just curious, but did you/do you have a leaky window or sunroof drains? Water running down in the a pillar might have caused the short/corrosion.

Are you equipped/willing to do the work yourself? With an electrical probe and a day or two of work if you pull the dash....you can probably solve the issue. If the junction block is beyond repair source a used one.

I'll check my manuals later but I'm now curious if the dash actually has to be removed to gain access to that junction block. Maybe someone else can chime in if they know.

If that gray junction box in your picture is just a connector...could just install 2 new wires between the ecus and see if that solves it. Bypassing the short.

 

[mlberry35209]

Over $8500 is ridiculous for a wiring short but unfortunately the reality of dealers these days. $4500 to pull the dash is insane. Like you said it's very hard to find mechanics willing to take on electrical issues. From the video it seems like they narrowed it down.

Just curious, but did you/do you have a leaky window or sunroof drains? Water running down in the a pillar might have caused the short/corrosion.

Are you equipped/willing to do the work yourself? With an electrical probe and a day or two of work if you pull the dash....you can probably solve the issue. If the junction block is beyond repair source a used one.

I'll check my manuals later but I'm now curious if the dash actually has to be removed to gain access to that junction block. Maybe someone else can chime in if they know.

If that gray junction box in your picture is just a connector...could just install 2 new wires between the ecus and see if that solves it. Bypassing the short.

Thank you for the reply!! I do have a suspicion it may be leaky windshield. It was replaced by previous owner, and I experienced some issues with the truck running when there had been heavy rains (before it stopped running altogether). I am not much of a mechanic, and I doubt I could do it alone, but have some much more mechanically inclined friends who may be willing to help.