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Bricked ECU

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by Muscle22, Apr 17, 2023.

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  1. Apr 17, 2023 at 9:31 PM
    #1
    Muscle22

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    Muscle22 [OP] Member

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    Think I might of bricked my ecu while flashing. Did everything as I always do chargers hooked up to computer and battery with strong internet service. If some one could help figure out if it’s bricked or not would be greatly appreciated.
     
    Muscle22, Apr 17, 2023
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  2. Apr 17, 2023 at 9:36 PM
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    tonered

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    tonered bartheloni

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    If the starter turns, but the engine doesn't start, it's bricked.

    You can try a recovery in vF, if you have it. If not, reach out to someone like @lapoltba . They can help unbrick it.
     
    tonered, Apr 17, 2023
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  3. Apr 17, 2023 at 9:37 PM
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    Muscle22

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    Muscle22 [OP] Member

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    Yeah it’s bricked then. Thank you for responding man.
     
    Muscle22, Apr 17, 2023
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  4. Apr 17, 2023 at 10:37 PM
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    tonered

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    tonered bartheloni

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    You're welcome.
     
    tonered, Apr 17, 2023
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  5. Apr 17, 2023 at 10:46 PM
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    PapaRee

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    PapaRee Pro Tuner

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    If you bricked while flashing it, it should be easy to recover.
    1. Open the vftuner software, flash program. (Ignition on)
    2. Do not click prepare ECM, click select calibration file and select the file.
    3. Click Gen2Forceflash and let it finish.
    4. Turn off ignition then start truck.

    After this process, you can do your tune flash again like before.
     
    PapaRee, Apr 17, 2023
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  6. Apr 17, 2023 at 10:53 PM
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    Muscle22

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    Muscle22 [OP] Member

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    I selected my stock tune as tonered stated so I still start the truck with that tune ?
     
    Muscle22, Apr 17, 2023
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  7. Apr 17, 2023 at 10:59 PM
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    tonered

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    tonered bartheloni

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    Yes. Check to see if it starts.

    From there, you can reflash a tune.
     
    tonered, Apr 17, 2023
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  8. Apr 17, 2023 at 11:02 PM
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    Muscle22

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    Muscle22 [OP] Member

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    Said programming failed unable to communicate with ecu may not be able to start vehicle please cycle power and try again
     
    Muscle22, Apr 17, 2023
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  9. Apr 17, 2023 at 11:08 PM
    #9
    Muscle22

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    Muscle22 [OP] Member

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    Didn’t start
     
    Muscle22, Apr 17, 2023
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  10. Apr 17, 2023 at 11:24 PM
    #10
    Muscle22

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    Muscle22 [OP] Member

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    Got it to start thank you guys for the help man
     
    Muscle22, Apr 17, 2023
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  11. Apr 18, 2023 at 5:31 AM
    #11
    tonered

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    tonered bartheloni

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    You're welcome!

    I'm glad that it worked out for you.
     
    tonered, Apr 18, 2023
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  12. Apr 18, 2023 at 5:38 AM
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    hiPSI

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    hiPSI Laminar Flow

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    Good man Tony!
     
    hiPSI, Apr 18, 2023
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  13. Apr 18, 2023 at 5:49 AM
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    GrizzledBastard

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    GrizzledBastard OH NO! I've built a Faux Pro!

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    The Pucker Factor was high on that one! :eek:
     
    GrizzledBastard, Apr 18, 2023
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  14. Apr 18, 2023 at 5:57 AM
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    TuWin

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    What did you do to get it started again?
     
    TuWin, Apr 18, 2023
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  15. Apr 18, 2023 at 6:49 AM
    #15
    tonered

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    tonered bartheloni

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    Cheers!

    :cheers:
     
    tonered, Apr 18, 2023
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  16. Apr 18, 2023 at 6:54 AM
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    Technique

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    Technique Well-Known Member

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    I've flashed my truck tons of times now but I still stare at my computer screen in worry until I see it say successfully flashed lol.

    I am also curious as to what you did to get it working again.
     
    Technique, Apr 18, 2023
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  17. Apr 18, 2023 at 7:03 AM
    #17
    tonered

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    tonered bartheloni

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    You can unbrick using the recovery / force flash function in the vF Tuner software. I have never needed it, but it is apparently very robust.

    -- Do not hit Prepare ECM.

    -- Just Select a tune file. The Stock file with matching ECU ID is recommended for most folks but folks with S/Cs seem to do well with the Magnuson tune file for some reason.

    -- Then, hit the Gen2 Force Flash for late model Toyotas, including our 3rd Gen Tacos.​

    You can try this repeatedly to unbrick your ECU.

    upload_2023-4-18_7-2-55.jpg
     
    Last edited: Apr 18, 2023
    tonered, Apr 18, 2023
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  18. Apr 18, 2023 at 7:12 AM
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    Rusty66

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    Rusty66 Ain’t Afraid

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    Nice job helping the OP out guys !!!
     
    Rusty66, Apr 18, 2023
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  19. Apr 18, 2023 at 8:36 AM
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    Muscle22

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    Muscle22 [OP] Member

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    Thank you guys for helping me out. Man the was nerve wrecking for sure.
     
    Muscle22, Apr 18, 2023
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  20. Apr 18, 2023 at 11:47 AM
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    AM6217

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    AM6217 Well-Known Member

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    too late to part out ?
     
    AM6217, Apr 18, 2023
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