Success resetting ECM?

[Dill Pickle]

Howdy everybody. Long story short, my 2003 TLC (92,000 miles) wouldn't start the other day. Good Land Cruiser mechanic checks codes, tests anything and everything relating to fuses, connections, immobiliser system, etc., and narrows it down to a computer problem, with the engine ECM. Because replacement of the computer is expensive, he first tries resetting the computer and reprogramming all of the keys. The LC now starts fine.

Question: Has anyone with an ECM problem ever successfully reset the ECM rather than replace it? Was it a long-term fix?

My mechanic has been working on Toyotas for many years, and has hardly every encountered computer problems with them, so both of us are a little nervous about how "long term" of a fix this is. Any past experiences, good or bad, would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
DP

 

[1loudLX]

are you sure it's not the starter? Lets hear the long story before you go off and spend thousands.

 

[Dill Pickle]

Below is a link to the long story. At first, it looked like an immobiliser system problem, but re-setting the ECM is what ended up working. After the reset, it starts fine. So, everything is working now. I am just wondering if anyone has had experiences, good or bad, with resetting the ECM. This happened while I was home, so no big deal, just got towed to my mechanic. If this happens again while I'm in the mountains or on a trip with the fam, that would suck. Just trying to get a sense for how long term of a fix I can expect resetting the ECM to be.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/451381-unique-immobilizer-system-issue.html

 

[NMuzj100]

I'd be as nervous as you.

If the ECM had an issue that caused it to need to be reset then that issue is still there. If the problem was outside the ECM then that issue is still there.

 

[Dill Pickle]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. It's partly a question of how much my peace of mind is worth. With two little kids and frequent trips into the wilds of Idaho, the idea of being stranded really bothers me. There was absolutely no warning the first time this happened, so nothing that would put me "on notice" that trouble is brewing. Because it's working now, I can shop around a little for the best price possible on the ECM. Lowest quote so far is $970.

 

[eleblanc]

You Have to tell us How he was able to reset and reprogram all key??

Eric

Howdy everybody. Long story short, my 2003 TLC (92,000 miles) wouldn't start the other day. Good Land Cruiser mechanic checks codes, tests anything and everything relating to fuses, connections, immobiliser system, etc., and narrows it down to a computer problem, with the engine ECM. Because replacement of the computer is expensive, he first tries resetting the computer and reprogramming all of the keys. The LC now starts fine.

Question: Has anyone with an ECM problem ever successfully reset the ECM rather than replace it? Was it a long-term fix?

My mechanic has been working on Toyotas for many years, and has hardly every encountered computer problems with them, so both of us are a little nervous about how "long term" of a fix this is. Any past experiences, good or bad, would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
DP

 

[NMuzj100]

I wouldn't install a new ECM. I see little in your explanation that really points to the ECM as the cause of the problem.

Just buy a good 24/7 tow policy and convince yourself that the programming in one of the keys must have been bad.

I've heard that a large percentage of ECMs ( and all other "boards") that are returned to depots for service are found to have no problems when tested.

 

[cabbage]

So it looks like you did get your ECM reset? My ECM in my Tacoma has water damage and Im looking for used ones right now... Hope it will be easy to reset the donor ECM.

 

[Brock]

maybe it is a hot spot in fuse box...seen those and usually need to replace entire setup and can cause issues starting and such.