question about ECUs with a manual swap

[lord rigatoni]

whats up everyone, I had a question regarding which ECU I should use with the manual swap I am doing. I found an R150F out of a 2000 Tacoma 4x4, and I am currently in the process of rebuilding the transmission and transfer case as a fun side project while I get the rest of the parts for the 4WD swap. My question is which ECU should I use in my 2000 4runner. The taco had already had the ECU pulled and I am not sure if a taco ECU works in a 4runner.

I found this part number for a 2000 4runner 4x4: 89666-35160

I am hoping that this ECU will work with the transmission I have since if I remember correctly the taco and 4runner use the same manual trans (please correct me if i am wrong) but if anyone has any experience with doing this kind of swap please let me know what you did regarding the ECU or if you know anyone who has done this swap id greatly appreciate it. this swap is a bit new to me, I have swapped transmissions before but I haven't swapped an auto for a manual so any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks yall

 

[Doc2012]

You don’t *have* to use a manual ECU; though it does make it somewhat easier.

You can trick the ECU by doing this (see pic).

A Tacoma ECU might/might not work out.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Team_Jake]

whats up everyone, I had a question regarding which ECU I should use with the manual swap I am doing. I found an R150F out of a 2000 Tacoma 4x4, and I am currently in the process of rebuilding the transmission and transfer case as a fun side project while I get the rest of the parts for the 4WD swap. My question is which ECU should I use in my 2000 4runner. The taco had already had the ECU pulled and I am not sure if a taco ECU works in a 4runner.

I found this part number for a 2000 4runner 4x4: 89666-35160

I am hoping that this ECU will work with the transmission I have since if I remember correctly the taco and 4runner use the same manual trans (please correct me if i am wrong) but if anyone has any experience with doing this kind of swap please let me know what you did regarding the ECU or if you know anyone who has done this swap id greatly appreciate it. this swap is a bit new to me, I have swapped transmissions before but I haven't swapped an auto for a manual so any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks yall

If you have 2 cats (California spec), you want 89666-35160. If you have only 1 cat (federal spec), you want 89666-35130 (for manufacture dates 08/1999-01/2000) or 89666-35131 (for manufacture dates 01/2000-08/2000).

An R150F out of a Tacoma (95.5-04) will be the same as an R150F out of a 4Runner (96-00). The only people I know to use a Tacoma ECU in their manual swap 4Runner have been those with 01-02 4Runners (because the 4Runner those years all came with an A/T and had a different throttle system that only the 03-04 manual Tacoma ECUs could operate). You might be able to use a Tacoma ECU and still work, I don't know, I'm not sure if it has been done.

The big question though, in order to get this to work without much trouble, is if you have an immobilizer or not. Do you have the limited trim or a blinking red security light? If so then this opens up a whole different issue that can be a major pain to get around.

 

[Team_Jake]

You can trick the ECU by doing this (see pic).

This wiring doesn't trick the ECU, all this does is show how to properly wire the ignition, reverse lights, cruise control, and clutch switches if keeping the original harness. Keeping the A/T ECU will give you a check engine light. There may be a way to "trick" an A/T ECU into not giving a CEL (with resistors and such), but I've never heard of anyone who has been successful in doing that.

 

[lord rigatoni]

You don’t *have* to use a manual ECU; though it does make it somewhat easier.

You can trick the ECU by doing this (see pic).

A Tacoma ECU might/might not work out.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If I can find the right ECU hopefully it will be a bit easier, but as far as the diagram, do you mind explaining it a bit further if you have the time? I am pretty shit with wiring diagrams :/

 

[lord rigatoni]

If you have 2 cats (California spec), you want 89666-35160. If you have only 1 cat (federal spec), you want 89666-35130 (for manufacture dates 08/1999-01/2000) or 89666-35131 (for manufacture dates 01/2000-08/2000).

An R150F out of a Tacoma (95.5-04) will be the same as an R150F out of a 4Runner (96-00). The only people I know to use a Tacoma ECU in their manual swap 4Runner have been those with 01-02 4Runners (because the 4Runner those years all came with an A/T and had a different throttle system that only the 03-04 manual Tacoma ECUs could operate). You might be able to use a Tacoma ECU and still work, I don't know, I'm not sure if it has been done.

The big question though, in order to get this to work without much trouble, is if you have an immobilizer or not. Do you have the limited trim or a blinking red security light? If so then this opens up a whole different issue that can be a major pain to get around.

My 4runner is California spec, and luckily I do not have an immobilizer or any kind of security system so that should make things easier. Does the manufacture date matter for cali spec 4runners regarding the ECU? My 4runner was manufactured in 09/1999 for the 2000 model year. I wouldn't think it would matter but you never know. I know there are sub-generations for the 3rd gens (96-98, 99-00, 01-02) but I am not sure of changes in between manufacture dates within the same model year. then again I could be wrong.

Hopefully i can find the 89666-35160 ECU in a junkyard or online somewhere...theres a couple floating around for about $1000 which seems a bit steep. I am trying to find a salvage 2000 4runner 4x4 that I can swap parts from, hoping to find one soon. thanks for your reply!

 

[lord rigatoni]

This wiring doesn't trick the ECU, all this does is show how to properly wire the ignition, reverse lights, cruise control, and clutch switches if keeping the original harness. Keeping the A/T ECU will give you a check engine light. There may be a way to "trick" an A/T ECU into not giving a CEL (with resistors and such), but I've never heard of anyone who has been successful in doing that.

So would it be a better idea to swap in the ECU & wiring harness from a 2000 4runner 4x4 M/T? I would think the harness and ECU from a manual 4runner would swap in without any issues but I could be wrong. I dont plan on keeping the A/T ECU since it would likely be easier to pursue other options.

 

[Team_Jake]

My 4runner is California spec, and luckily I do not have an immobilizer or any kind of security system so that should make things easier. Does the manufacture date matter for cali spec 4runners regarding the ECU? My 4runner was manufactured in 09/1999 for the 2000 model year. I wouldn't think it would matter but you never know. I know there are sub-generations for the 3rd gens (96-98, 99-00, 01-02) but I am not sure of changes in between manufacture dates within the same model year. then again I could be wrong.

Hopefully i can find the 89666-35160 ECU in a junkyard or online somewhere...theres a couple floating around for about $1000 which seems a bit steep. I am trying to find a salvage 2000 4runner 4x4 that I can swap parts from, hoping to find one soon. thanks for your reply!

That's the only part number for the 2000 model year California spec, so you should be good.

 

[Team_Jake]

If I can find the right ECU hopefully it will be a bit easier, but as far as the diagram, do you mind explaining it a bit further if you have the time? I am pretty shit with wiring diagrams :/

I created this wiring diagram a while back. Read all about it here (link). If you have any questions afterwards let me know I'd be happy to answer.

 

[Team_Jake]

So would it be a better idea to swap in the ECU & wiring harness from a 2000 4runner 4x4 M/T? I would think the harness and ECU from a manual 4runner would swap in without any issues but I could be wrong. I dont plan on keeping the A/T ECU since it would likely be easier to pursue other options.

To wire everything correctly, either keep you're harness and re-wire according to the diagram a few posts back, or swap harnesses. If you do swap harnesses, the wiring diagram is no longer applicable. You mentioned sub generations, this is important when it comes to the wiring harness, so be sure to get a 2000 harness (1999 will likely work as well).

 

[lord rigatoni]

To wire everything correctly, either keep you're harness and re-wire according to the diagram a few posts back, or swap harnesses. If you do swap harnesses, the wiring diagram is no longer applicable. You mentioned sub generations, this is important when it comes to the wiring harness, so be sure to get a 2000 harness (1999 will likely work as well).

Luckily there is a couple 2000s with a manual trans at the local pick your part so hopefully I can snag a harness and ECU. Another question, if I am converting to 4WD, do I need to use an ECU from a 4runner with 4WD? I am putting in a VF3AM transfer case which if i remember correctly uses both electronic and manual actuation so I would guess I would need to change the ECU for the transfer case to work but it kinda seems like everyone goes about these swaps in different ways so I am not sure. Thanks for your help man!

 

[Team_Jake]

Luckily there is a couple 2000s with a manual trans at the local pick your part so hopefully I can snag a harness and ECU. Another question, if I am converting to 4WD, do I need to use an ECU from a 4runner with 4WD? I am putting in a VF3AM transfer case which if i remember correctly uses both electronic and manual actuation so I would guess I would need to change the ECU for the transfer case to work but it kinda seems like everyone goes about these swaps in different ways so I am not sure. Thanks for your help man!

I have the VF3AM t-case with a 5-speed swap, but I started with it (I have a '99 Limited) and kept my harness so you're approach will be quite a bit different than mine. The important thing to know about that t-case is it's controlled by a separate 4WD ECU located near the diver footwell. I'm not able to tell you all the how-tos and specifics, I'll leave you to figure that out, but I would do one of two approaches - swap in a 2000 5-speed harness and figure out how to wire the t-case, or swap in a 2000 Limited harness and modify the harness like the wiring diagram above. Either way you'll have to get a M/T ECU.

Good luck and let me know if you run into any issues.

 

[lord rigatoni]

I have the VF3AM t-case with a 5-speed swap, but I started with it (I have a '99 Limited) and kept my harness so you're approach will be quite a bit different than mine. The important thing to know about that t-case is it's controlled by a separate 4WD ECU located near the diver footwell. I'm not able to tell you all the how-tos and specifics, I'll leave you to figure that out, but I would do one of two approaches - swap in a 2000 5-speed harness and figure out how to wire the t-case, or swap in a 2000 Limited harness and modify the harness like the wiring diagram above. Either way you'll have to get a M/T ECU.

Good luck and let me know if you run into any issues.

Alright, I think I got a good idea of what I need to do to make this work. I'll post updates as I go along. Seems like it will be a good time ! Thanks for your help

 

[phattyduck]

Luckily there is a couple 2000s with a manual trans at the local pick your part so hopefully I can snag a harness and ECU. Another question, if I am converting to 4WD, do I need to use an ECU from a 4runner with 4WD? I am putting in a VF3AM transfer case which if i remember correctly uses both electronic and manual actuation so I would guess I would need to change the ECU for the transfer case to work but it kinda seems like everyone goes about these swaps in different ways so I am not sure. Thanks for your help man!

Every V6 manual 3rd gen 4Runner is 4WD. And the "4WD" portion of the ECU only affects shifting of the auto trans - which the MT ECUs don't do. So... don't worry about that part.

You'll also need to do a bit of wiring for the ADD system unless you are using manual hubs up front. That is separate from the ECU though...

-Charlie

 

[Team_Jake]

Every V6 manual 3rd gen 4Runner is 4WD

How have I never realized this? Good little nugget of information there!

 

[Drew76]

whats up everyone, I had a question regarding which ECU I should use with the manual swap I am doing. I found an R150F out of a 2000 Tacoma 4x4, and I am currently in the process of rebuilding the transmission and transfer case as a fun side project while I get the rest of the parts for the 4WD swap. My question is which ECU should I use in my 2000 4runner. The taco had already had the ECU pulled and I am not sure if a taco ECU works in a 4runner.

I found this part number for a 2000 4runner 4x4: 89666-35160

I am hoping that this ECU will work with the transmission I have since if I remember correctly the taco and 4runner use the same manual trans (please correct me if i am wrong) but if anyone has any experience with doing this kind of swap please let me know what you did regarding the ECU or if you know anyone who has done this swap id greatly appreciate it. this swap is a bit new to me, I have swapped transmissions before but I haven't swapped an auto for a manual so any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks yall

Interested in hearing about the transmission rebuild! What parts are you using and where did you get them? Are you using a manual or guide for reference?

 

[aussiebobaustin]

You don’t *have* to use a manual ECU; though it does make it somewhat easier.

You can trick the ECU by doing this (see pic).

A Tacoma ECU might/might not work out.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have done the swap on my 2002 Gen3 4Runner and used the above diagram ... I don't have any CEL light after driving for while but don't get any system Readiness. I suspect it may be since I don't have the output shaft speed sensor connected. BTW this is a 2WD not a 4WD . The 5 speed I installed is a re-build from Marlin Crawler but it has a 3 wire output sensor and the original automatic is a 2 wire output shaft sensor . I need to get all systems "Ready" but can have one not "Ready" to pass the state inspection. Is my assumption correct ... I can't see any discussion on this issue in the forums . I figure I have 2 options ...

Option A: Use the old sensor off the automatic and generate an appropriate signal indication a representative output shaft speed.

Option B: Use the output speed sensor that comes with the 5 speed manual (3 wire ) and convert the signal to an appropriate signal as if it cam from the 2 wire sensor.

Option A is somewhat simpler I believe.

Else I need to get a manual transmission ECU and matching wire harness.

Thanks in Advance. Bob.

 

[aussiebobaustin]

I have my 2002 swapped and added the Temp sensor resistor and added the Solenoids out of the old transmission . No CEL but no System readiness because there is no output shaft sensor.. Auto had 2 wire sensor, manual has 3 wire sensor.

What to do ?


Also where can I get the factory wiring diagram ?

Worst case I will swap wire harness and ECU off a 2000 or similar Gen3 manualmanual or other manual Toyota . TIA.

 

[phattyduck]

I have my 2002 swapped and added the Temp sensor resistor and added the Solenoids out of the old transmission . No CEL but no System readiness because there is no output shaft sensor.. Auto had 2 wire sensor, manual has 3 wire sensor.

What to do ?


Also where can I get the factory wiring diagram ?

Worst case I will swap wire harness and ECU off a 2000 or similar Gen3 manualmanual or other manual Toyota . TIA.

Transmission output speed sensor is totally different than the 3-wire vehicle speed sensor. '03/'04 Tacoma 4WD MT ECU will likely work...

-Charlie

 

[aussiebobaustin]

Transmission output speed sensor is totally different than the 3-wire vehicle speed sensor. '03/'04 Tacoma 4WD MT ECU will likely work...

-Charlie

Thanks Charlie, what if my 2002 is a 2WD 5 speed manual ... will the 03/04 Tacoma ECU work ? ( and matching wire harness ).

The only way for me to do the research is to study the 2002 wire harness and compare it to the Tacoma wire harness ... which I plan to do if I can get the wire harness diagrams . There are ECU sellers online who can provide the ECU and re-flash it with my VIN number .

Interestingly , in 2025 I will be able to register my 2002 modified 4Runner as it is then 24 years old and cars that old in Austin TX are excused from the "smog test" where the CEL has to be off and system readiness has to a maximum on one not ready .

I have no CEL but the systems won't come ready I think due to the output shaft sensor indicating we are not moving.

I also need to check that the vehicle stability system isn't tied into the ECU.

Thanks for your input. Bob.