ECM swap with wrecking yard ECM.

I've got issues! My ECM is bad in my 2006 taco so I found a matching unit at a local wrecking yard. Before the swap the truck would only crank but not start. After swap, the truck starts but then dies immediately. All fuses are good and no MIL or DTC's. The wrecking yard says they tested and drove donor vehicle before removing and that the unit they sold me is good. I tried firing engine on starting fluid but it still died so it's not fuel pressure related. I'm thinking the computer is shutting it off but not sure why?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Ive heard the VIN is progammed into the computer so when you start it the anti-theft runs a check and when the vin comes back not matching it cuts it off. Its a security feature. My brother had a Chevy Malibu in the shop for 3 months trying to figure out this exact problem after an ecm swap. I dont know how it finally got fixed but last I heard they got it running. I think they might have just disabled the anti theft module but im not positive.

 

I agree! My Solstice is the same way, ECM has to be "paired" to the vehicle.

 

Thanks for your replies guys, I talked to a Toyota tech and you're right the VIN needs to be programmed into the ECM or the immobilizer won't let it start. The good news is he said this is not a Toyota only thing, that there are scanners with the capability so I should be able to find a local shop to do it. I'll keep you posted.

 

I know the cluster has data stored like mileage but if you swap clusters the truck still starts just fine and will display whatever mileage was on the actual cluster that was installed regardless of how many miles are really on the truck. So I dont think the cluster will affect the ecm or immobilizer

 

You don't need a scan tool to do it, if I have some time I'll look up how to do it

 

Toyotacerttech, if you can tell me how that would be great cause I'm about to tow it to the dealer

 

Also get the latest ECM software flashed while you are at the dealer (includes the brake override functionality and improved transmission shift logic).

 

Thanks for the heads up on that

 

Could figure out how to post it on here so I took a picture of it

 

Thank you Toyotacerttech. I found this for anyone in my situation,
Google "registration of ecu communication ID" and you will find the document Toyotacerttech suggested.
Much like Captchas says, the newer ECMs are not plug and play anymore. However you do not need to have this done at the dealer. There are several new scan tools with VIN writing capability such as Snap-On's Modis Ultra or Solis Pro so long as they have the latest software updates. You just need to find someone with these tools and experience with this type of programming. Not many ECMs are being replaced on vehicles this new yet so I had a hard time finding someone who could do it.
I did end up towing it to the dealer, they rewrote the wrecking yard ECM VIN to match my Taco's VIN. All is good now and my truck runs.

Recap: Dealer wanted $1345 for a new ECM plus fee for flashing it. So about $1500-$1600.
I bought a wrecking yard ECM for $175 then had vehicle towed (AAA) to dealer for ECM rewrite $112.
So I'm in about $300 total.
I wish I would have tried Toyotacerttech's way first, just didn't get it in time.

Thank you all for your help!

 

Were can I get this set thing?

 

Has anyone tried this method of replacing a ecu?

 

Well, I can say it works!

 

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread but would the procedure posted by Toyotacerttech be all that is required if I were to replace the immobilizer module, (link to one below). Currently my truck won’t accept any new key fobs or keys. I bought some fobs a while back and the truck wouldn’t go into program mode. More recently, I took it to the dealership to get a new key, they said they couldn’t get it to program and that they would need to diagnose the immobilizer module but they didn’t have time that day and the service guy at Toyota even said it was pricey. So I found this on eBay but wanted to make sure I’ll be able to start my truck after installing it...

https://www.ebay.com/i/172834384855?ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F2%2Fe112358.m1951.l1123%2F8%3Fbu%3D43123260195%26segname%3D16TE179842_T_PREPURCHASE_CT2%26crd%3D20180601090000%26mpre%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.com%252Fulk%252Fi%252F172834384855%26ch%3Dosgood%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.com%252Fulk%252Fi%252F172834384855%26osub%3D3273dae3724e6d54af1c4d5eca464884%257E16TE179842_T_PREPURCHASE_CT2%26sojTags%3Demid%253Dbu%252Csegname%253Dsegname%252Ccrd%253Dcrd%252Curl%253Durl%252Cch%253Dch%252Cosub%253Dosub%26srcrot%3De112358.m1951.l1123%26rvr_id%3D0%26rvr_ts%3Dc0aa72201630a86007c35d4bfffb0eb2&ul_noapp=true

 

If I remember correctly, the system will only record 4 or 5 transponders, and you need the black master key to start the process.
It may be maxed out.
Again I'm not sure, but i believe the system can be cleared of all codes. If so, then bring all the keys you want recognized and go that route.

 

I don’t think that is the issue with my truck. To the best of my knowledge there are only two keys, plus wouldn’t the dealership have thought of it? I do have the black key that came with the truck but it is very worn, to the point of slipping out of the ignition and not being able to manually unlock the doors, which is why I tried to get another one made. But just in case, is there a way to clear off the memory on my own without Toyotas’ Intelligent Tester?

 

How did you figure out which ECM your truck has? every time I search by VIN on parts website it gives me a few model #'s.

 

I gave the salvage yard my info, but didnt give them vin.

 

Gotcha