So the wife had her 06 Corolla, 65k, at Pepboys, who said her ECM had to be replaced (though they said Toyota had to change it). They said it was ruined because of me changing the battery recently. How is this possible? A battery can't be changed wrong- + wire to + terminal, - wire to - terminal. WTF? They just don't build them like they used to.
So remanufactured ECMs cost 500-700 for her car. I'm going to try and find one at a junk yard, but is there anything I need to know before I attempt this repair?
1)I've heard of a Federal emissions warranty that may cover the ECM to 80k miles. Could this be of help? Where can I find details on that?
2) I've heard some programming of keys and other stuff may be required when changing the ECM- where could I find info on that?
So the wife had her 06 Corolla, 65k, at Pepboys, who said her ECM had to be replaced (though they said Toyota had to change it). They said it was ruined because of me changing the battery recently. How is this possible? A battery can't be changed wrong- + wire to + terminal, - wire to - terminal. WTF? They just don't build them like they used to.
So remanufactured ECMs cost 500-700 for her car. I'm going to try and find one at a junk yard, but is there anything I need to know before I attempt this repair?
1)I've heard of a Federal emissions warranty that may cover the ECM to 80k miles. Could this be of help? Where can I find details on that?
2) I've heard some programming of keys and other stuff may be required when changing the ECM- where could I find info on that?
Thanks...
Hold the phone, dont buy an ECU yet. If the ECU is shot, it is likely because Toyota failed to make long lasting ECUs in the 06 corollas when they used the Delphi supplier. If you switched terminals when installing the battery, that would blow numerous fuses, fuses that are in place to protect the ECU. How did Pep Boys determine that the ECU is toast, did they read a code or the car would not start? Was your check engine light on and what was the code? Emissions warranty is up to 80,000 miles, as long as their was no abuse and the code for replacing the ECU is still active. Disconnecting the battery or switching terminals may clear a code, if there was one, and may take some time to show up again. If you did switch terminals, check for fuses that are blown, that maybe your only problem. I am not even sure if you can put a battery in backwards, as the cables may not be long enough to reach.
ECU replacement is so common on the 06 corollas, the dealer will not blink when it is time to replace. How did your original battery die? For the new ECU, the dealer has to program the VIN into the ECU and immoblizer. A junkyard ECU is not advisable, it maybe defective already and cannot be reprogrammed for your VIN.
As long as a code for an ECU replacement comes up, you are golden so to speak. It will not cost you anything but your time as you are under 80,000 miles. Autozone or advanced auto can check active codes for free.
Last edited by mikered30; 07-26-2010 at 11:35 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to mikered30 For This Useful Post:
Hold the phone, dont buy an ECU yet. If the ECU is shot, it is likely because Toyota failed to make long lasting ECUs in the 06 corollas when they used the Delphi supplier. If you switched terminals when installing the battery, that would blow numerous fuses, fuses that are in place to protect the ECU. How did Pep Boys determine that the ECU is toast, did they read a code or the car would not start? Was your check engine light on and what was the code? Emissions warranty is up to 80,000 miles, as long as their was no abuse and the code for replacing the ECU is still active. Disconnecting the battery or switching terminals may clear a code, if there was one, and may take some time to show up again. If you did switch terminals, check for fuses that are blown, that maybe your only problem. I am not even sure if you can put a battery in backwards, as the cables may not be long enough to reach.
ECU replacement is so common on the 06 corollas, the dealer will not blink when it is time to replace. How did your original battery die? For the new ECU, the dealer has to program the VIN into the ECU and immoblizer. A junkyard ECU is not advisable, it maybe defective already and cannot be reprogrammed for your VIN.
As long as a code for an ECU replacement comes up, you are golden so to speak. It will not cost you anything but your time as you are under 80,000 miles. Autozone or advanced auto can check active codes for free.
The battery died a month ago (the factory battery, btw), when she broke down and left her emergency lights on. I jumped her but the battery didn't do well after, so I swapped it. Her CEL has been on and the car has been suffering from stalling issues, while on the freeway.
I don't yet know what codes actually popped up. No way I switched terminals, I agree in that I don't think the cable would even reach. What is the Delphi supplier?
The battery died a month ago (the factory battery, btw), when she broke down and left her emergency lights on. I jumped her but the battery didn't do well after, so I swapped it. Her CEL has been on and the car has been suffering from stalling issues, while on the freeway.
I don't yet know what codes actually popped up. No way I switched terminals, I agree in that I don't think the cable would even reach. What is the Delphi supplier?
Stalling issues is likely the ECU and will likely fall under this TSB: http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/PE...659_matrix.pdf If you switched the cables during the jumping that can blow fuses and relays, best to get the codes read first.
There are a few other codes that can trip an ECU replacement. Get the active code(s) read for free at autozone or advance auto for free, print out the TSB and go to the dealer with you VIN and odometer reading in hand to make an appointment. Delphi is being blamed for bad soldering joints in the internals of the ECU. Make sure they give you the updated part number ECU and not the old one as modifications have been made to the new one, otherwise it may happen again, and you will be out of emissions warranty if there is a next time.
Toyota has not done a full recall yet, just a couple of TSBs. If if does happen to you again out of the emissions warranty, hold on to the receipt and if they do a recall, you can get your money back.
Oh, you don't have aftermarket LED taillights do you?
You''ll find out real quick that LOTS of people are having this problem.
If your only at 65k. It's best that you go to the dealer, and have them replace your ECM.
It's covered as Mikered30 said. Do it quickly.
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