I wonder if you might have an answer to my dilemma. Both master keys
for my above vehicle are lost. I understand that the ECU must be
replaced with a new master key set, etc., because this model year did
not contain a reprogrammable ECU, corrected in 2000 or 2001.

On the following site ... http://www.findarticles.com/p/articl...3/ai_n13486274
appear the following provocative statements by author
Dan Miranucci of motor.com:

"If the vehicle in your bay is among these [incl the 1999 Toyota
4Runner], give the local Toyota parts man its VIN, model type and
options. He'll cross-reference this information with that in TSB No.
03-09 and tell you if the vehicle has a nonreset type ECM. Suppose he
verifies that it has a nonreset ECLM and the master keys were lost.
In that case, Toyota will replace the ECM free of charge.
The customer still has to pay for new master keys and for any labor
charges, such as computer H&H. Note that according to the service
bulletin, this courtesy ECM replacement doesn't apply to a vehicle
purchased at auction without master keys." (Emphasis added)

I can find no authority, whether TSB or otherwise, for the bolded
underlined statement above. I have been told the replacement will
cost around CA$2,000 for parts, labour, and taxes.

I have spoken with two Toyota dealers. Neither has offered a
no-cost replacement of the ECU/ECM: just a $2,000 bill for the
job. I'll also be trying to get an answer from Dan Miranucci,
but if anyone has an answer for this, I'd be much obliged!

Thanks ....

 

Please let us know what you find out. Emailing Mr. Miranucci is probably your best bet. This may be one of those "secret warranties" , so you may have to push for it and demand to talk to the area reps.

Good luck.

 

Markus, glad you made it to the board. These guys will help you out.

 

Thanks, JB ... I also hope to hear from Miranucci, and will post any good info I get from him. Cheers!