98 Avalon no start after ECM disconnect - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

JoelP · 01-08-2011, 03:50 PM

I had to disconnect the ECM (with battery connected) to replace the servo motor and linkage on the air inlet door. That problem fixed, I reconnected the ECM and all other connections. Engine cranks good but no start. I did get a few times that it seemed to fire after repeated cranking for a few seconds, turning the ignition off and then repeated it, but it wouldn't continue to run. I have disconnected the negative on battery for 30 minutes, touched negative to positive, reconnected. Still nothing.
I have turned key on for 10 seconds, then off for 10 and then back on.. .repeated this, but no start.
Security light continues to blink after key is on and my scan gauge says that the computer is "not ready."
I am using the Toyota key that has always started the car.
What can I try next? Can the ECM be initialized, or reprogrammed?

Jack Deth · 01-08-2011, 05:02 PM

just for shits and giggles, have you tried removing and reseating the ecm cable?

pmesfun · 01-08-2011, 06:12 PM

I had this problem on Thursday, crank but no start. Security Light was still flashing with the key in ignition. I walked a mile home to get another key, started banging the knee bolster, used the original key that wasn't working and it started. Loose connections probably.

JoelP · 01-09-2011, 06:59 AM

I have disconnected and reconnected the ECM (all 5 connectors) several times, battery disconnected, touched negative to positive on battery cables, gone through everything I can think of.
In addition to above symptoms, the security light continues to flash at 1-2 second intervals after I unlock the doors and continues to flash with ignition on and while cranking, same intervals.
I tried cranking for a few seconds, then key off, then crank again as before and repeated that, and the engine fired a few times, but now no more.

Jack Deth · 01-09-2011, 09:16 AM

found this on the web, maybe worth a shot...
"Insert the key and cycle the ignition 5 times within 10 seconds, but do not start the car. Lock-Acc-On-Acc-Lock 5 times. This will stop the security indicator from flashing."

JoelP · 01-09-2011, 04:12 PM

Thanks. That's worth a try and I'll see if it works in the morning. I plan to also check all the connections and make sure all the wires are pushed into the connectors as they should be. If not... it's likely off to a locksmith to see if they can reprogram the ECM and disable and immobilizer once again.