2000 Tacoma Starting issue

Ah ok. Well the no start is on both cold and hot and its been more on the cold side now just because of the testing I've been doing and not really driving it out and around to do errands since I don't want to get stuck. The warm or hot times is when I have gotten it started after changing something on the truck and just did a test drive. I'll look into it though. It's still at the dealership and they have only had 1 no start and that was this morning. After pushing it into a stall they said it starts every time again now. They're gonna mess with it some more tomorrow and see if it'll not start again and do a fuel pressure check.

 

Well it's the worst case scenario any of us fear. It's the ecm that's not putting out signal intermittently.

 

Junkyard or someone here may have one, don't get it from dealer....

 

http://m.ebay.com/itm/2004-Toyota-T...-ECM-ECU-89666-04050-/272192231435?nav=SEARCH. One of many available on eBay for around $100...

 

I thought I read somewhere on one of the Tacoma forums that it's a year, transmission, and 4x2/4x4 specific. I always feel questionable about parts like these that are used. Who's to say that part won't go out a month from now. I know it's unlikely but hey you never know.

 

They very rarely go bad, and for a $100 plus maybe a reflash at the dealer, you will be good to go...I have had good luck with used before....I am sure the dealer quoted you a price that was outlandish (ie: very expensive)

 

Update since I've been gone without a word for a few weeks. Been busy with work, yard work, and a new puppy!

After searching around for a used ECM the only one I could find that was close to the one for my truck was about 450 dollars on ebay. I found a new one from a Toyota parts dealer for 540 that was the exact one I needed. I went ahead and got the new one for 100 more just for peace of mind it was new and it was the exact part number for the truck. It was installed and when I picked the truck up they said the old ECM had water damage and it looked like water had gotten in through the windshield since there was no rubber real around it. My windshield was all scratched up so I decided to get a new one, 1. so I could have clearer sight now and 2. so I could make sure everything was sealed properly. After the installation of the windshield at Safelite, the tech said the old wasn't even really connected half way up the windshield and to the top, and that it was barely hanging on at the bottom. (well there's your problem!) I've had the truck back for about 2 to 3 weeks and it's back to running like a champ! My guess is that when the truck sat for the 2 months at my friends house, water just seeped in and didn't have anywhere to go or to dry since it wasn't driven.

Thanks everyone for the help!

 

congrats

 

Wow thank you so much for this write up!! Saved me a lot of money. My check engine light bulb was burn out and so I didn’t know that my ecm wasn’t turning on right away every time I tried to start my 97 taco. I knew something was up with power to the ecm or the ecm itself so I pulled it apart and found a bunch of water damage. Hopefully I can clean it all up and replace some of the components affected. Thanks again man

 

Here’s a pic of my board: