2001 SR5 "ECO" unit?

[4RunnerDawg]

Hi all,

New forum member here. Currently looking to purchase an older model 4Runner. I was talking with a (non-Toyota) dealership about purchasing a 2001 SR5 with approx 125,000 miles on it. However it failed their inspection process due to "electrical problems that do not affect driveability," but they are willing to sell it as is. Asking price is $6,000.

I asked about the electrical problem and the sales guy says it needs a new "ECO. Or Electronic Control Module." I have googled around and cannot find any reference to this component.

Can anyone provide help on what this may be referring to and what kind of repair costs we would be looking at?

Thanks in advance.

 

[MojaveMadMan]

That's rather expensive for a 4runner with problems, especially wiring and computer problems...

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

"ECO" unit. Google ECM and you'll come up with a few more hits. Don't see to many bad ECM posts on here. What exactly is the electrical problem? Is there a check engine light? As Mojave said, price seems high for something with that kind of problem. Just so you know, new ECMs cost almost $1000, assuming it's the engine control ECM and not the body ECU or the like. Definitely need to get more info on the problem before you go any further.

 

[jgue467]

ECMs usually go out when they get Thoroughly wet. I'd stay clear of that puddle....

 

[MStudt]

Have them run the VIN and maybe it'll show what happened.

 

[kolelt]

Have them run the VIN and maybe it'll show what happened.

Unless it was never reported and covered up. Id stay away period !

 

[KidVermicious]

Or just walk. Any dealership that wants $6000 for a truck that doesn't pass their inspection is batnuts crazy.

Find another truck. That isn't the only one for sale out there.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Or just walk. Any dealership that wants $6000 for a truck that doesn't pass their inspection is batnuts crazy.

Find another truck. That isn't the only one for sale out there.

This.

When I was young and stupid I bought a VW with a CEL on. Dealer said "Oh yeah, we just pressure washed the engine and it threw the code. We'll turn it off and it'll be fine."

I bought it, light came back on as I got on the freeway.

Code was a P0171 if I remember correctly. I was too dumb to try and diagnose so I just started throwing parts at it. Never was able to figure it out. Replaced MAF, Cat, O2 Sensor, AF Sensor, replaced all sorts of intake gaskets...

 

[AZ4Running]

Keep looking. $6000 is high even for a low miles clean fully loaded 4runner. They are trying to rob you by selling a vehicle for that much that has issues. When a dealer has a car that faiks inspection and is too costly to fix they normally off it at an auction for dirt cheap. Also how is a bad ecm not a driveability issue. Even if the ecm still runs the vehicle fine any failure in the ecm is a driveability issue imo.

 

[4RunnerDawg]

Thanks for the comments and info, folks. I'm going to pass on it. Too many question marks. Yes, I figure they are talking about the ECU and the salesman just does not know the right term to use. At a minimum there is no way it would pass our required state emissions test without this unit operational.

Still searching. It is hard to find a 4Runner around here with less than 175k miles and for a reasonable price.

 

[gamefreakgc]

ECMs usually go out when they get Thoroughly wet. I'd stay clear of that puddle....

x2. You never know about those sorts of vehicles, it may have been a flood vehicle at one point. ECM's don't go bad unless someone did something specific to damage it.

 

[BlazeRunner]

Thanks for the comments and info, folks. I'm going to pass on it. Too many question marks. Yes, I figure they are talking about the ECU and the salesman just does not know the right term to use. At a minimum there is no way it would pass our required state emissions test without this unit operational.

Still searching. It is hard to find a 4Runner around here with less than 175k miles and for a reasonable price.

Honestly, considering the age of the vehicles you're looking at, I wouldn't let mileage be a determining factor. My rig has 260k miles and has no issues, no rust, was well taken care of for the most part, needs minimal maintenance. It's in 5X better condition than ones I see posted up with lower mileage. Hell, I have a buddy with a 97 2wd 100k less miles than I do, and he's dealing with all kinds of problems, knock sensor, injectors, leaks... I only paid $600 more than he did, and I've only had to catch up on maintenance. Service records and condition of vehicle fluids, signs of leaks, etc. Should be a more determining factor than mileage.

 

[AZ4Running]

Yeah dont let miles dictate your decision too much. I have had mine for 3 weeks 256k no issues, clean and well maintained. Look at overall condition and service history.

 

[MojaveMadMan]

Thanks for the comments and info, folks. I'm going to pass on it. Too many question marks. Yes, I figure they are talking about the ECU and the salesman just does not know the right term to use. At a minimum there is no way it would pass our required state emissions test without this unit operational.

Still searching. It is hard to find a 4Runner around here with less than 175k miles and for a reasonable price.

Don't be afraid to look in surrounding states. In NM they are about $2000 more than parts of CA. You can easily get there and drive back for a good amount of savings...