Anyone ever buy and ECM? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

dblhelx · 01-20-2010, 12:14 PM

Is this place a trusted source for parts? I need to buy an ECM for my 2005 Corolla. www.1sttoyotaparts.com

They have two listed...one for an auto and one for a manual. I already spoke with the dealer and the car will function with the new ECM in it so I'll do it myself, but I'll need to have the dealer program it with the correct VIN # in it.

ANY tricks, tips, hints for doing this swap that I should know about?

THANKS!!

TrdSpeed140 · 01-20-2010, 04:56 PM

the swap should be very straightforward. I think it's something like 2 or 4 screws to get the ecu out then all you do is screw in the new one and plug all the connectors in. is it an automatic or a manual that you have?

dblhelx · 01-20-2010, 06:12 PM

Automatic. Thanks. Yeah I figured it would be that easy. But I hear you need to have the ECM reprogrammed by the dealer so the VIN is matched up in the new ECU.

The dealer says the car will still work with the new ECM installed, but won't work if you have an immobilizer. I don't think I have that since my key is kinda thin..... it has a black rubber handle on the key, but I don't know if it contains an immobilizer chip in it.

TrdSpeed140 · 01-20-2010, 07:36 PM

if you have a 2005 like your sig says then you do have an immobilizer. the dealership quoted me 50 bucks for them to reprogram it, not too bad i think.

dblhelx · 01-20-2010, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dblhelx

Automatic. Thanks. Yeah I figured it would be that easy. But I hear you need to have the ECM reprogrammed by the dealer so the VIN is matched up in the new ECU.

The dealer says the car will still work with the new ECM installed, but won't work if you have an immobilizer. I don't think I have that since my key is kinda thin..... it has a black rubber handle on the key, but I don't know if it contains an immobilizer chip in it.

So do I install the ECM myself at home? I mean if I do that, will the car still work so I can get it to the dealer in order for them to reprogram the ECM? If I do the sawp at home I'd hate to have the car "immobilized" and then how do I get it to the Dealer to be programmed?

Maybe do the quick swap in the dealership parking lot....seems like an easy install.

TrdSpeed140 · 01-20-2010, 11:05 PM

yea, im pretty sure it wont work with the new one until you get it programmed, now if you had a manual transmission that'd be a different story.

dblhelx · 01-21-2010, 11:45 AM

Ok, well I guess if it finally craps out I'll call AAA and have it towed to the dealer and install the ECM in the parking lot myself....I can't see it taking more than 10 minutes....looks easy.....couple screws, unplug old, plug in new. Then the dealer can push it into the shop. lol.

Will be a hassle of a day but at least i save cash by not paying the stealership to install the ECM.

jdimas29 · 03-17-2010, 11:57 AM

Dblhelx, Did you buy the ecm from www.1sttoyotaparts.com? I have a 2006 Corolla that needs a ecm (bad Batch) out of warranty with 100k on the odometer. Did you have to replace it at the dealer? to get it re-flashed. If so, how much did they charge you to re-flash? If anyone knows of a better price than 1sttoyotaparts.com please let me know. 89661-02K22 COMPUTER, ENGI 1 397.76.

mikered30 · 03-17-2010, 04:09 PM

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...&siteid=214140

They have it for $364 plus 10% shipping. Probably the cheapest Toyota OEM dealer on the net.

I would call them before you place an order and ask them if they can enter your VIN before they ship it. There will probably be a charge for that and it is pretty easy to swap out. Ask them if anything else has to be done before you install it. You dont have LED taillights do you?

jdimas29 · 03-17-2010, 04:53 PM

I do NOT have L.E.D tail lights..... Why do you ask? Just curious. I will call them per your advise. Thank You!

mikered30 · 03-17-2010, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdimas29

I do NOT have L.E.D tail lights..... Why do you ask? Just curious. I will call them per your advise. Thank You!

The Corolla Altis taillights that can be swapped into the corolla and can confuse the ECU, it has to do with low voltage I believe and set off the codes for a bad ECU. But toyota put out a bad batch of ECUs during 2006 and if you are sure it is a bad ECU then replace it. I take it your car was made in CA? Most of the ECU problems are from automatic cars made at the Toyota CA plant. I believe Delphi made them. Denso (Toyota OEM) also makes ECUs for the corolla, I would be curious if your replacement is a Denso unit.

Also mention that your car is driven in CA, not sure if a different ECU is needed for the strict CA smog laws, but it is worth asking. If you are positive that the above part number is correct, there should not be a problem. They may also give instructions on how to swap it out. I believe they can enter the VIN into the ECU before shipping it to you, but I am not sure.

I believe parts and labor at the dealer for a new ECU is upwards of $800.

dblhelx · 03-17-2010, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dblhelx

Ok, well I guess if it finally craps out I'll call AAA and have it towed to the dealer and install the ECM in the parking lot myself....I can't see it taking more than 10 minutes....looks easy.....couple screws, unplug old, plug in new. Then the dealer can push it into the shop. lol.

Will be a hassle of a day but at least i save cash by not paying the stealership to install the ECM.

I bought a used one off of Ebay for $99. Went to dealer and turns out you can't re-flash an ECM that's already been flashed. SO, since the car was there already, I had them install a new one from them. They charged me $520 and $96 for the flash.

Now my A/C stopped working. This car is amazing. lol Compressor won't turn on.

mikered30 · 03-18-2010, 04:50 PM

news story: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/18/f...olla-and-matr/