2003 4runner ECM swap

R

Roxor08

New member
Hey guys, I wanted to bounce an idea off of you.

I have a 2003 4runner limited (v8 4.7L) that the center diff or the 4LO do not function. I had a mechanic verify that the switches themselves work and they do, but they did not detect any function AFTER the ECM.

So I had a brilliant idea, purchase a brand new ECM (2003 Toyota 4runner 4.7 V8 Engine Computer ECU ECM 03 - eBay (item 220751698670 end time Mar-13-11 21:30:27 PDT)) install it and Wholla! It works.

So I just wanted to find out if this was even possible or if this is something that I'm going to need to take to the dealer and have them charge me $10000000000000000 for.

Help me out and let me know what my next move should be before I go any further.
 
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r u saying u replaced it & 4lo works &cent. diff locks now? if not maybe u need one of these-
 
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No, right now neither the 4Lo or the center diff work and I'm trying to figure out what I need to do to fix them.

The picture you provided is of the 4wd module, I don't believe that it also controls the center differential.

I'm looking for, more or less, someone that might have an idea of what I need to replace and/or do some work to determine where the problem is actually occuring.

Thanks agian
 
Sorry about the confusion, that was supposed to be an internal conversation I was having with myself.

Thanks anyways.
 
I can verify that you would want to replace the 4WD Module if your mechanic suspects a problem. The Center differential is located in the transfer case and would be controled by the module as well.

And not trying to sound like an ass, but what did you mean it was only a conversation for yourself?
 
Okay....it seems that the following statement is what's confusing people:

"So I had a brilliant idea, purchase a brand new ECM (2003 Toyota 4runner 4.7 V8 Engine Computer ECU ECM 03 - eBay (item 220751698670 end time Mar-13-11 21:30:27 PDT)) install it and Wholla! It works."

To explain further--this statement I added there as a sort of "narrative" to explain my thinking...(as it started with, "So I had a brilliant idea").

The following, "purchase a brand new ECM (2003 Toyota 4runner 4.7 V8 Engine Computer ECU ECM 03 - eBay (item 220751698670 end time Mar-13-11 21:30:27 PDT))" was showing what I wanted to purchase.

And, "install it and Wholla! It works." was to indicate the conclusion/result to my previous thought, starting with "So I had a brilliant idea".

In conclusion, I only meant for this short sentance to explain my thought process if in fact the 4wd ECU is faulty.

I appreciate your help, and didn't forsee that my goofy way of writing would have annoyed people so much.

So in summary, from what I explained my mechanic indicated, the 4wd ECU is the culprit of the problem and if I replace it, my issue should be solved?

The only hesitation that I have is that of configuration/reprogramming. In my reading, it seems that when replacing a control module, such as the 4wd ECU, I may need to reprogram/reconfigure it (which I was under the impression that the dealer was only able to do). Please help correct any missunderstandings I have about this module.

Again sorry for the miscomunicaiton from the earlier posts. One last thought, if the 4wd ECU is faulty, I should be able to replace it myself, correct?
 
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The 4wd module is exactly what was replace on my 2004. I had an extended warranty so it was covered. Same issues your having now. The part and labor was just under $500 at a lexus dealer.
 
Am trying to do the same for my 03 4Runner. Have a replacement ECU from ebay but when I start the car - the engine turns over and but then shuts down. Either the EEPROM (L56R) needs to be reprogrammed (because the immobilizer is shutting the car down) or a VIN number needs to be entered into the system so that the CAN knows what is going on. Not sure what the best way or order to do either is in.
 
CamisaNegra said:
Am trying to do the same for my 03 4Runner. Have a replacement ECU from ebay but when I start the car - the engine turns over and but then shuts down. Either the EEPROM (L56R) needs to be reprogrammed (because the immobilizer is shutting the car down) or a VIN number needs to be entered into the system so that the CAN knows what is going on. Not sure what the best way or order to do either is in.
Click to expand...

And I started down this ECM replacement thread because the car kept throwing a P2714 code which I initially identified as a possible problem with the SLT Solenoid. So I dropped the exhaust and transmission pan after a doing a PhD in rusted bolt removal and bench tested all the valves. They were all fine - and the transmission fluid was replaced (even though it was pretty clean).

If I can figure out how to replace the eeprom(s?) on the new board or write the VIN into the new board, I think I might be okay.
 
CamisaNegra said:
And I started down this ECM replacement thread because the car kept throwing a P2714 code which I initially identified as a possible problem with the SLT Solenoid. So I dropped the exhaust and transmission pan after a doing a PhD in rusted bolt removal and bench tested all the valves. They were all fine - and the transmission fluid was replaced (even though it was pretty clean).

If I can figure out how to replace the eeprom(s?) on the new board or write the VIN into the new board, I think I might be okay.
Click to expand...

replacing the ecu requires a trip to the dealer to program it to your truck from my experience and research. i have not heard of anybody on this forum being able to diy this. my local toyota did it for me 1 hour labor. i beleive it is the immobilizer and the ecu needs to be reprogrammed against the keys.

if you are able to get the ecu working on your own please post the details!
 
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