Where's the ECT unit?

[Kingdom934]

I'm trying to find the transmission computer in my Gen1 1985 (ECT). I looked in the factory manuel but I couldn't find anything on how to get to it. It gave me tips on how to run tests, but thats about it. It said to remove the glove compartment and the speaker cover to unplug the ECT for a test, but I have no idea where it is.



Can anybody guide me where to go next from the above picture? Also, what is that top right brown foam looking tray thing? All I know that it is all very brittle foam in it.

Thanks.

[Doctor J]

It is bolted to the crossbar directly above the glove box the silver colored metal box about 5 by 5 inches size. It is easeir to remove it if the crashpad aka Dash is removed.
On the right there is air mixer for heater, the blower motor is at the buttom, the black box is the a/c evaporator/heater core housing

[Doctor J]

Why do you need to remove ECT ECU?

[Kingdom934]

Wow...thats a lot of work.

Glad you ask. I might just first pull the plug out of the ECT, but I think that'll be useless. I looked through the factory repair manuel and if I disconnect the ECT, it will force the car into manuel shifting mode (i.e. D = OD, 2 = 3th, L = 1st). Thing is that it seems like it's already doing it, so I want to check the wiring and perhaphs the ECT itself. I remember before the tranny stop shifting itself, there was the smell of burning plastic in the car. Could also explain why the ECT fuse keeps blowing out once car is turn on 'ON'

I might as well do this since something in the dash rattles anyhow...


Thanks,

[Doctor J]

If you are suspecting the short circuit ,I would disconnect the connector on the transmission itself ( this is NOT neutral start switch connector). This action will also put the tranny into the manual mode.
The only drawback from this you will have to erase the trouble codes from the ECT ECU memory.
As a side note I was fixing one 84 Camry that have had the solenoid #2 wire crushed between the filter and valve body by careless mechanic, which caused damage to ECU

[Kingdom934]

To clear the ECT memory, by disconnecting the battery for a minute or two should do the trick?

I'll try find that wire to disconnect, but all the connectors near the tranny are mighty brittle. That could be a sign of a short

[Doctor J]

The disconnecting of the battery will work.

[Kingdom934]

Originally Posted by Doctor J

The disconnecting of the battery will work.

Okay, I'll do that. I'll see what I can do. A bit busy today.