Bad ECU? Won't start

[J053619]

I've searched a lot on this issue and did as much diagnosis on my own before consulting a mechanic and finally taking my 4Runner to a Toyota dealer.

Tuesday morning my 4runner did not start, and i attempted 2 more times before jumping it. At first the 4runner tried starting but the engine died after 2-3 seconds. Once i jumped it it did not start at all.

When i try turning it on all i get is the dashboard lighting up as if i put it on accessory.

-I checked fuses, relays and connections. Couldn't find anything loose
-Cleaned the MAF sensor because that was an issue once and it would let it start either
-Battery voltage was around 12.49 i think when i checked
-I can't get to the starter cause i have a v8 and its well hidden under the intake manifold
-During another attempt at starting it, the alarm went off and i couldn't shut it off with the aftermarket controller so i assume it was the factory alarm. I had to wait until it stopped, neighbors were not pleased. Thats when i realized the anti theft alarm from the factory was not working. I changed the battery but it doesn't work at all anymore on either of the two key fobs i own. I asked toyota to reprogram it and see if maybe that's it but they said they need the new ecu to do so.

However now that Toyota has it, they have diagnosed it to be the ECU (1600 repair). Could it be that it got wet from water dripping through the A Pillar? I realized this week during the heavy rain that I also have this issue:

Is there anything to ask to ensure they've reached the correct diagnosis? I told them I don't want a new ECU installed to find out that wasn't it and that it just might be the starter.

:ybrick:

 

[J053619]

I know there are no replies, but just got an update from the dealer i dropped it off at. I gave some push back on the new ECU telling them I don't want to pay for something unless they can guarantee that is causing the issue.

They did additional checking and it seems the aftermarket remote start and alarm were the culprit for frying my ECU. But at the moment they are certain that's what it is. I asked if they checked the starter, and they said no signal is being sent from the ECU to the starter, but the starter seems fine (makes sense because I never got any symptoms of the starter going bad).

They told me to drop it off at the original dealership and have them work on it since they might be able to compensate me for the damaged ECU. Although it seems like they are narrowing down the problem i'm worried what the original dealer will say because i don't trust that particular dealer at all.

 

[V8Man]

Sounds like you are already in the canoe in the creek and the paddle is still on shore!

 

[J053619]

Sounds like you are already in the canoe in the creek and the paddle is still on shore!

Yea man it sucks. I don't mind if the ecu is gone and I need to replace it, i just want to be sure that will fix it. :\

Plus if it is the ECU, i don't feel bad bringing it to Toyota. Because that is way over my head.

 

[gm350reratliff]

How worn down is the key you use? Did you try the second key? I guess a shoddy install of a remote start could cause the ECM to fail but if it's really leaking water that could be it as well.

 

[snowboardwcu]

i recall seeing a bunch of threads related to bad ECU grounding causing weird issues. something to research if you ask me.

lots of variables here. if i were you, i would narrow down the keys / water / aftermarket business before dropping dough on the ECU.

did you get everything dry? that alone could be it. (look at me being positive : )

 

[J053619]

Ok I got the diagnosis from the second dealer and are saying I need a new engine and dash harness since there's corrosion due to water. Below are the pictures they sent me.

I'm not an expert in electrical, but that doesn't look terrible to me. I'm thinking of swinging by and cleaning up the best i can and drying it out further.

Am I crazy to ask if Toyota can cover some cost if it was due to water damage from a faulty windshield seal? I can prove the water damage is from the windshield and not due to off roading. I found the spot where water leaks in the week i started with this problem.

Also, anyone have information on getting the harnesses not at dealer prices?