96 runner in need of ecu and harness swap

[96-Runner]

I need to find a swap as I cant find a replacement harness for my motor anywhere across the US and canada.

The Toyota part# I need is 82121-3D240

96 4runner
SR5 Trim package
3.4L V6
5 speed manual
4x4
Alarm
Moon roof
Power everything
ABS (don't know if both or just front)

Since I am unable to find the harness that satisfies what I'm looking for I'm interested in finding a harness and ecu that cuts the alarm and moon roof out if possible.

 

[St Runner]

Don't worry about the trim package as the harness and ecu only run the engine and transmission. So even a base model with the 3.4 5 speed 4x4 will work ( don't think the limited ever came with the 5 speed) Its not going to be easy to find one as they are not that common and you need to stick with the same year. How come you need a replacement? They rarely fail.

 

[96-Runner]

Bad things happened to it and is completely unusable or repairablable

 

[99Runnr]

Try the usual sources, ebay, forums, ect.

If you expand your search/junkyards, this site is a great source for tracking down rigs at yards.

car-part.com just fill out the necessary fields and they can probably find you one at least where they could ship it to you.

 

[96-Runner]

Tried car-parts and tried everyone and they didn't have what I needed anywhere. Been calling many other yards outside of the listings by doing other searches and still can't find it.

I need get it back on the road as soon as I can and am trying to exhaust every last option possible to get it running

 

[96-Runner]

If anybody has the equivalent in another state let me know what you have. I am leaving California 4 another state where smog laws are less lenient

 

[justinh]

I have an engine ECM from a 1999 automatic...I'm not sure how much of it is self contained in a single unit or if they are using a separate controller. If you have a part number let me know and i can cross reference the one i have for you.

 

[96-Runner]

Thanks Justin appreciate it but it needs to be from a 96 and 5speed.

 

[96-Runner]

I don't care if I lose:
Alarm
Cruise control
Moon roof
CA smog sensors

Still need:
4x4
5speed Trans
Power for window

 

[96-Runner]

If I can get a 2wd one to also work I'll jump on that also

 

[96-Runner]

Bump.
I'll run the automatic ecu and harness and deal with CEL if that's a possible swap?
If possible I need ecu# and harness #

 

[St Runner]

The engine ecu and harness only run the engine and transmission functions and then run to the dash/ignition. All the other trim functions like power windows are run by the body ecu which is separate. So any 96 5speed 4wd will work. I would not try to put an auto ecu and harness in as it would involve rewiring the dash harness, having a cel on and trying to figure out how to make the park/neutral switch work that is not there. It you can't find a harness and ecu for a 96 the next best option might be to try and see if you can find a 97 5speed 4wd ecu and harness. It will be a lot more like the 96 than an auto.

 

[96-Runner]

OK sounds like a good plan. Any suggestions on harness and ecu #s?

 

[T4R2014]

Keep searching for a 96 V6 5-speed ECU. These things are usually different for each model year. Get the right one and avoid a hacked-up wiring headache.

I'm seeing quite a few of those ECUs on car-part.com

 

[96-Runner]

Perfect. If any ecu and harness will work thats a 5 speed and 4x4 than why is there different types?

 

[St Runner]

The reason you stick with the same year is that Toyota made subtle changes every year and major changes in some years. So a 2000 5speed is going to be a lot different than a 1996 in the wiring, function and ecu connectors. A 97 is going to be almost the same as far as function,but from what I have read has different connectors for the ecu. I swapped a 5speed into my 97 and took out the auto so I have a pretty good idea how this works. If you replace your harness and ecu with a 97 the three main plugs from the engine compartment will fit the ecu but the plug running to your dash might not. You would have to get the fsm wiring for both years and check them side by side to make sure each wire had the same placement and function. It can be done, but it is a lot of careful work if they are different. This is why it is a lot easier to stick with the same year, it is simply plug and play. The time spent looking for the correct ecu and harness is easier than trying to change to another one. The reason I mentioned a 97 5speed ecu and harness is that it is going to be the closest in function to your 96.

 

[96-Runner]

I appreciate the information. I have found yards that have 4x4 and 5 speeds when called around just not the exact part# I was looking for.

Why did Toyota make everything so different if a basic ecu and harness out of another like model with same Trans and drivetrain work?

Will a 2wd ecu work also? Just curious

 

[St Runner]

I have never seen or heard of a 2wd with a 5speed. Maybe someone else can confirm this, but finding that harness would be finding a unicorn. There is one plug on the transfer case in the early j shift which is for the 4wd dash light so if you did find a 2wd 5speed harness your light would not work. From what I have read, the early years of the 3rd generation were all over the place as far as wiring and connections to the ecu. My 97 had totally different plugs for the auto and manual ecu. I have read that the later year 3rd generation and tacomas were more uniform in their wiring and ecu connectors. Every year they had some upgrades and changed the wiring and ecu to accept this even though it was the same engine and transmission. As long as the yard can confirm it is the same year, engine and transmission it will work. I did read that toyota did change things with the very early 96 so you might also want to verify with your build date on the vin plate