Replacing 99 Limited ecu question

[68ChargerJMP]

So, here is my issue...
Bought a 99 Limited with possible bad transmission. I thought I could replace the solenoids and be done. Nope. Swapped transmissions. Nope. Ecu is bad. I sent it off but it can't be fixed. So, should I try to source a used one with the key, key coil and all the other stuff needed from another 99 Limited? Or, bite the bullet and spend $265 and get one programmed with my vin that will be plug and play? I have it sold as soon as it's fixed but I want to make sure it's good to go. Thanks.

 

[St Runner]

Not quite sure what you are asking, but to my knowledge any 99 ecu with the same engine, transmission and 4wd (or lack of) will work. Keys make no difference to the ecu. Should be able to find it for around 100$ on eBay

 

[phattyduck]

Not quite sure what you are asking, but to my knowledge any 99 ecu with the same engine, transmission and 4wd (or lack of) will work. Keys make no difference to the ecu. Should be able to find it for around 100$ on eBay

Starting in '99 the Limiteds have an immobilizer system that requires matching keys and ECU.

If the rest of the immobilizer system is in place, you should only need matching key(s) and ECU. The dealer should be able to reprogram the ECU, I think - call to verify. A qualified locksmith might also be able to do it.

It might be a bit of a hassle to get a non-immobilizer matching key to turn they key cylinder while holding the immobilizer key near the cylinder to get you where you need to go (if it is the dealer for reprogramming).

-Charlie

 

[68ChargerJMP]

Starting in '99 the Limiteds have an immobilizer system that requires matching keys and ECU.

If the rest of the immobilizer system is in place, you should only need matching key(s) and ECU. The dealer should be able to reprogram the ECU, I think - call to verify. A qualified locksmith might also be able to do it.

It might be a bit of a hassle to get a non-immobilizer matching key to turn they key cylinder while holding the immobilizer key near the cylinder to get you where you need to go (if it is the dealer for reprogramming).

-Charlie

Thanks. I was hoping it would be as easy as having one programmed but I can't seem to find a clear and consise answer on the 99 Limited.

 

[68ChargerJMP]

How do you guys think an ecu from a 99 Limited cali emissions model would work on a federal emissions 99 Limited?

 

[gamefreakgc]

How do you guys think an ecu from a 99 Limited cali emissions model would work on a federal emissions 99 Limited?

The two have a different type of front oxygen sensor, narrowband vs wideband. Unless your current vehicle has two cats, I don't think it would work and would potentially throw a constant code.

 

[phattyduck]

What about getting a '99 SR5 4x4 ECU instead and (basically) disabling the immobilizer stuff?

-Charlie

 

[68ChargerJMP]

What about getting a '99 SR5 4x4 ECU instead and (basically) disabling the immobilizer stuff?

-Charlie

Thought about that too. I'm just not sure if there are hidden issues going that route.

 

[phattyduck]

There shouldn't be. You can leave the 'immobilizer' plug disconnected from the SR5 ECU. The plug is there, but unused. The security light on the dash should stay off and all the 'smarts' that keep the engine from starting are in the ECU, not any external boxes.

-Charlie

 

[thegipper]

I happen to have a 99 SR5 4x4 ECU if you need one. PM me if you're interested.

 

[68ChargerJMP]

There shouldn't be. You can leave the 'immobilizer' plug disconnected from the SR5 ECU. The plug is there, but unused. The security light on the dash should stay off and all the 'smarts' that keep the engine from starting are in the ECU, not any external boxes.

-Charlie

Do you know part numbers of different ECUs that can be used? Its a 99 Federal emissions, v6, 4x4. The one in it is: 89661-3D570. If I had an SR5 ECU, then it wouldn't have to have the master key, just a key. It would be nice to have the ignition lock cylinder too, so I wouldn't have to have a locksmith involved.

 

[phattyduck]

Do you know part numbers of different ECUs that can be used? Its a 99 Federal emissions, v6, 4x4. The one in it is: 89661-3D570. If I had an SR5 ECU, then it wouldn't have to have the master key, just a key. It would be nice to have the ignition lock cylinder too, so I wouldn't have to have a locksmith involved.

I don't. I'm actually on the hunt for a '99 SR5 4x4 auto CA emissions ECU myself, though I'm not really searching that hard... Found out that the same part number was for the SR5's and the Limited's, at least for CA emissions (got a Limited ECU by mistake once already...). Not sure if it is the same issue for the Fed emissions trucks.

-Charlie

 

[Kbuch1]

68Charger,
If you can find the exact 89661-3D570, and there are several on Ebay, you can send it to a re-flashing service similar to:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-Lex...242805&hash=item3d4a7d8e1d:g:6bsAAOSwRMRYTgCB

These services typically include replacement keys, as the purpose for re-flashing is to put the ECU in reprogram mode. If you need keys, take the passenger door lock out, pretty simple to do and record the code. Once received back from the re-flash service it will be in reprogram mode, plug in, and ready for your chip keys(new or old) to be programmed to the newly installed ECU. Should be less than $200 total with freight.

I bought a 2000 Limited with only a valet key and went this path to get (3) new chip keys.
It worked like a charm and was very simple to install. Turn around on the re-flash was less than a week.

Good Luck.