00 Camry Computer / Transmission problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

davj3368 · 05-18-2011, 03:17 PM

My car has been acting funny lately, so I took it by the transmission experts today for their diagnosis. From a stop, the car would act like it was in 2nd or 3rd gear when I'd start moving, so I'd have to manually shift the car to 'L' to get it moving, then I could shift it to "D" and it would go through the rest of the gears. The experts told me that the transmission looks good, but that the computer needed to be replaced, and would run about $650 to repair!

They also said that the computers are linked to particular VIN numbers, so just any old computer wouldn't do.

What are my options to get a new computer for my car? I've had my share of problems lately, so I'm really close to just getting another car anyway.

I'd appreciate any information you guys can provide.

OH....AND WHERE IS THIS SO-CALLED "COMPUTER"? Is it somewhere that I could pull it out and look at it? The other day, the car problem just cleared up....and ran through gears fine for a few days, then went back to weird behavior. wondering if there's a loose wire somewhere or something like that....

***Mister_Perkins*** · 05-18-2011, 03:33 PM

Are you sure its not the Shift Lock Solenoid?? Its behind the NSS .. Single wire attached to it. Run 12V+ To the solenoid and see if you can hear it clicking. If it doesn't click thats your problem.

Owner_of_2_Camrys · 05-18-2011, 05:51 PM

I had the same exact issues with my 1993 Camry V6. It was the ECU (located behind the glovebox) and not the transmission. I spent good money changing out the transmission only to have the same issues remain.

After lots of internet research, I finally decided to gamble on getting a used ECU on Ebay. My car is California Emissions, so I had to be extra careful about getting the exact ECU model.

If your ECU is behind your glovebox, get to it, write down the model # and go hunting on Ebay. I think model # is like 9 digits give-or-take. I don't really remember how much I got it for, but I believe it was less than $100. Well worth the gamble. And if you don't know what the ECU looks like, do a search on Ebay and get an idea of what to look for.

Come back and let us know how it works out. Good luck.

davj3368 · 05-19-2011, 06:57 AM

Thanks! I looked up the PCM on Ebay and found that I can get one for MUCH LESS than what the shop wants to charge, but the Ebay seller states that it will need to be 'reprogrammed' by a competent mechanic/shop. Sounds like, even if I get a computer with matching part #s, I've still got to get it programmed. Is that true? And if so, where can I get that done?

Owner_of_2_Camrys · 05-19-2011, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davj3368

Thanks! I looked up the PCM on Ebay and found that I can get one for MUCH LESS than what the shop wants to charge, but the Ebay seller states that it will need to be 'reprogrammed' by a competent mechanic/shop. Sounds like, even if I get a computer with matching part #s, I've still got to get it programmed. Is that true? And if so, where can I get that done?

Yeah, I had worries about needing to get it re-programmed too. But I never did that. As far as I was concerned, it was plug-and-play. Bought it from an Ebay junkyard seller in Oregon and put it right in when I got it. Felt like gambling, but didn't feel like adding more $$$ into the pot when I wasn't 100% sure this was the right solution. You get a little gun shy when you had already spent at least $500 replacing what was a good tranny.

I think you can get it re-programmed at the dealer. And I believe there are companies with websites that do the same thing. At least $100 I would think. Thought I was would plug-and-play first...what's the harm in that, right??

Just make sure it's the EXACT ECM/PCM/ECU model #. Surely they are all programmed the same!

Good luck, man.

***fenixus*** · 05-19-2011, 11:12 PM

if ECU part number matches with what you had from factory and car has no immobilizer than no re-programming is necessary.

if you do have an immobilizer than you need either a registered master key (from other car) with that ECU or a locksmith (automotive electronics specialty) who will unlock it, like this guy:
http://www.locksmithcharley.com
http://www.locksmithcharley.com/transponder.html

and then you can program your existing transponder keys in it no problems.

saying that ECUs are attached to VIN is bull shit, as Toyota ECUs do not even store car's VIN number in themselves, you only need to get a matching part number (or superseding part number) and it's all good (having immobilizer complicates things more).

the same ECU part number (or the superseding one) could have been used on many similar Toyota models and versions. They differ between themselves with things like engine type (it's printed on ECU sticker), transmission type, emissions specs (federeal vs california), having or not having immobilizer, etc.

I replaced ECU's on my both cars, never a problem, just disconnect the battery and get it done, it's very easy if you know how to remove the glove box (be careful of air bag connector plate which sits on the back/top of it). just remove plugs from old ecu, remove 2 nuts holding its bracket to firewall and slide it out. transfer bracket to new one (4 small philips screws), reinstall ECU to firewall, plug all connectors back in, re-install the glove box, re-connect the battery, done.