Hello I am a newbie here and don't know much about cars. I have 94 Toyota Pickup and had to take her to a dealer because a engine service light came on. A service guy told me that ECM has gone bad due to a leak in the windshield and would cost me $1000 to replace the ECM. I looked around online and found one for about $300. Question is - does an ECM have to be programmed before the installation? Is there any other issues I have to deal with when installing an ECU?
Thank you.

 

no it shouldnt have to be programmed.

do this before you get ripped off next time.

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...CheckConnector

 

if you haven't paid the man yet, pull the trouble codes yourself or find out what codes the dealer came up with and see if we can help you fix the problem before you pop for the dealer to do the work.

...and hit up DeathCougar or Dirtoyboy here on the forums to see if either may have a used ECU. if it really needs it, changing the ECU is only a few screws and a couple of plugs- about 10-15 minutes work at most, and you can get them far cheaper used.

 

Actually, I went to a shop before stopping by the dealer to get the trouble code, and the guy couldn't figure out what the problem was. So, I went to the dealer to get tested. The dealer dude says it's an ECM problem so I am planning on ordering it online and install it with my friend or something. Also, I guess I should reseal my windshield as well! Thanks.

 

so did you get the trouble codes, or was the computer not giving them up?
did you know you can get the codes, barring other problems, with a paper clip?

 

When the guy at the first shop tried, the computer didn't give the codes up. I dropped my truck off at the dealer this morning, but I haven't picked it up yet. When I go to the dealer tomorrow, I'll ask for the codes.

When the dealer dude said it would be a $1000 job, I thought about getting a new car. But I love the truck and it only has 120,000 miles on it, so I really don't want to give it up...