2003 TRD engine control module

Tried starting my 2003 TRD but it wouldn’t spark. Assumed it was an O2 sensor and had it towed to the local shop. After replacing the O2 sensor and the cam position sensor to no avail, they are now on the verge of replacing the ECM. The replacement looks fairly straightforward and I’d like to save some money , but I am tentative because I’ve heard that it needs to be programmed. Can anyone speak to this matter?

Thanks

 

Their first guess to not starting is an O2 censor?!

Is it throwing any codes from the OBDII?

Sounds like you have a bunch of parts replacers on your hands, not mechanics that know how to diagnose an issue.

 

Saw the wrecker driver’s code and it said “Sensor 1.” I suppose, though don’t know, that there is a way to check sensors before replacing. After cam position sensor didn’t remedy the problem, they checked for an electrical problem and ruled that out. Now, they’re getting ready to drop the ECM bomb and I’d like to save several hundred dollars. My mechanic buddy said it needed to be programmed. I’m limited to pretty minor maintenance, but it looks straightforward to replace and am willing to risk it if it just entails remove and replace.

 

crank sensor woulda been first guess. they can be found for about $30. you dont even need o2 sensors for the truck to run. itl just run in open loop.

as long as ecu is from an 01-04 with same engine, trans, 4x4 or 2x4, and throttle by wire or cable it will work. no programming.

 

There are many cheaper things that will cause a "no start" condition.

An engine ECU would likely be the last thing I would think of replacing, and I wouldn't be doing that without much research.

Please take a minute and describe how the truck was running before you could not get it to start. There are some pretty smart cats on this site, but more details the better.

Please don't be afraid to admit that you may have caused an issue by making some changes of your own. Everyone one of us has a skeleton in their closet about something they should have not done To their truck.

Spare no details.

 

I’m not clever enough to make modifications, but when I bought it nearly a decade ago the previous owner had modified the air intake. My mechanic suggested that may be frying out 02 sensors, so I switched it back to stock and it’s been flawless ... until last Friday.

I appreciate all of the insights offered, but circumstances are compelling me to let the shop (AAA - pretty reputable operation) take care of it. I live rural - 50 miles or so from where the shop is - and got rid of my spare ride - a decked out car that sat around - because I believed in the infallibility of my Toyota. As a country surveyor that truck has never left me in a bad place and I’m determined to get 300,000 out of it (only 60,000 miles to go!). When she reaches 300,000 she’ll be retired as a log and farm truck, or given to the kids to cruise around in. Until then, she’s my working vehicle and I can’t afford any more downtime. Can’t talk about getting a newer one in her presence; I think she picked up on that vibration and decided to teach me a lesson.

Thanks again for all the support! I’ll be back.

 

Unless you got major water damage like drove the truck in a pond or other body of water

Had a huge voltage spike not much else will take out the ECM

Physical damage hammers/ bullets things like that

What happened leading up to this adventure??

 

They are inclined to believe that the failed cam position sensor fouled out the ECM. (Seems plausible to me.) Letting them know this is their last chance at getting it right, though I’m made to believe diagnostics are sometimes challenging. If it doesn’t remedy the problem, I’m not ponying up $800 for that part and it will be on its way 50 miles west to my farmer mechanic using (ironically enough) AAA towing.

I persisted in believing in its ability to come to life and it backfired. (May have shaved a bit of life off of the frail old gentleman walking nearby.) Beyond that, it was a day of working in uneventful suburbia.

Putting good energy out for a speedy resolution. I’ll keep you posted.

 

If a failed sensor caused the ECM failure People would be replacing them often

Best of Luck .

Please let us know how things work out.