4WD ECU replacement - need advice

Hi all. I’ve got a 2013 SR5. I swapped out the ECU and it has improved performance and whatnot but for the life of me, I can’t figure out how to get the old one out. I see it’s on a bracket and there’s a top nut to remove but I don’t want to damage the other wiring in there. Can’t get hands in there unless you’re Stretch Armstrong (who remembers that old toy? Yeah I’m that old )

Anyone else successfully accomplish this?

I got help to remove the glove box and components from a 4Runner thread here and it was perfect! Easy removal and didn’t take long.

 

@4RunningCA, I think you are talking about the wrong ECU. The ECU you have as the title of the thread is the 4WD ECU, which should be a small black box located just under the dash above the glove box.

The ECU you have pictured (with connectors disconnected) is the ECM for the 1GRFE. You should not be swapping that out, and if you did, I hope you synced the immobilizer? If you didn't, after a certain number of starts, the ECM will lock up and not start the vehicle. There is no way to recover a locked up ECM, so you would then need to replace it at that point with a new or used ECM and sync the immobilizer and write the VIN to it.

If you are trying to remove the ECM on the bracket for better access in that area, there is the top nut pictured, but there is also a 10mm bolt holding the bottom bracket of the ECM to the firewall. That bolt is located underneath the carpet, so you will need to pull it back for better access. Once the nut and bolt are out, the ECM and brackets should be easy to remove.

Please clarify what ECU you are trying to swap and why?

 

Thanks Old Red. Appreciate your response.

I’Ve swapped out the ECM but have not removed the original as I’m test driving the new one so my glove box is still all apart. ECM was pre-programmed to my VIN/spec and then I had to do a reprogram with a 2nd component into the diagnostic slot under the steering wheel. Got the parts from Flagship in NY (awesome company). So far truck has improved performance.

You’re right about the 4WD control ECU - that part hasn’t arrived yet and I’m also replacing that too. Actuator has been tested and works fine so that’s been ruled out.

4wd ecu is unable to output power for actuator. Checked power and ground too.

 

Ok, it sounds like whatever component you hooked up to the OBDII port probably synced the ECM. I'm not sure how a stock ECM replacement would improve performance unless there was something seriously wrong with your previous ECM & the 1GR was not running like it should.

If you don't mind me asking, why are you having to replace two ECUs. Most of the Toyota/DENSO/AISIN ECUs are pretty robust and rarely if ever fail.

 

Flagship actually programs the ECM including latest software before shipping. It truly was plug and play aside from the synch-up step with the programmer to the port which took 35mins (33mins with key on and lights on dash flashing then 5x on-off ignition with key but not turning truck over.

issues corrected (after spark plugs (new), battery (new), injectors, fuel, etc all checked okay): less sluggish on start up, faster response on pedal, better uphill climb, smooth/faster shifting, so far better fuel economy too.

I agree that the ECM is a rare issue as the proof is in the lack of tutorials and comments on the www. I’ve owned Toyotas for over 30yrs and this is the first time I’ve had this issue. I did have a computer issue with ‘03 sequoia but it was a recall and was addressed which mimicked the current issues I’m having now with my ‘13 Runner so that started my search down the rabbit hole on the web. Unfortunately I got this truck at auction and so not much is known. Post purchase and a check of the VIN revealed no service records so who knows? All fluids have been replaced, differentials checked etc. so I’ve basically run the gamut on other potential causes.

 

Sounds like some shaky shit

 

Maybe it was a flood vehicle.