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2002 Rav4 4x4 ECU problem - is ECU repair an option?

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M

Messner

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hi. I was informed by toyota service center that the ECU of my RAV4 is broken. I knew it, the ECU was the problem based on what i've read in the forums here in Ra4world. :(

Anyways the service center is asking me $1300 to have it replaced. I checked ebay and saw a company in TN that does ECU repair fo $250. Has anybody tried this option? Did it work?

Repair company: autoecu.com

If so, how do I remove the ECU module? They sent me a diagram how to remove it however when i tried to check the ECU of my RAV it looks different.

note: this lady is still a pre-schooler when it comes to auto repair but i'm very much interested to learn.

feedback is greatly appreciated.

thank you :)
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
thanks oxymoron for the reply. i actually saw their ad as well. I was a bit concerned with the autoecu.com since most of the ecu they were fixing are american and european cars.

i got the instruction to remove the ecu however when i did a quick check behind the glove box i dont see the additional brackets #5 & 6 in the diagram. i'm thinking 02 RAV might have a different setup.

http://www.rav4ecm.net/default.files/Page489.htm
 
#4 ·
I guess brackets 5&6 just hard to see when everything is in place. All 2001-2003 RAV4s are identical, that’s for sure. As I understand from picture which is an instruction for removal, you have to remove ECM with those brackets attached and remove them when unit is out. I will try to remove mine just for fun of it over weekend. For me it does not look like a big job.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
i was able to remove the ECU. will send it for repair and will keep you guys updated how it goes.

Steps:
- Disconnected battery - safety pre-caution to ensure airbags don't accidentally inflate.
- removed glove compartment
- removed passenger side scuff plate
- removed cowl side trim
- disconnected connectors from ECU
- used 10mm wrench to remove screws from bracket
- pulled the ecu
- remove brackets from ECU using philips screw

source: Haynes repair manual. :)
 
#7 ·
Hey Messner, I would love to hear if the new ECU fixes your problem. Did you get it reset/wiped? Or did you get a new one altogether? I am debating what to do about my problem... thinking of taking the ECU out and sending to one of the people to refresh/reset it....
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
ajpickens said:
Hey Messner, I would love to hear if the new ECU fixes your problem. Did you get it reset/wiped? Or did you get a new one altogether? I am debating what to do about my problem... thinking of taking the ECU out and sending to one of the people to refresh/reset it....
Click to expand...
I had my ECU repaired instead of getting a new one. it's almost 6 months now so far the problem hasn't recurred.
 
#10 ·
haky, you need to replace the ECU.
 
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#13 ·
How many miles are on your RAV? A few months ago, my ECU went out on my 03 RAV which had about 135K. I had only owned the RAV for a few months so the dealer told me they would pay half of the $1300 if I would pay the other half. I learned on this forum that Toyota had extended the warranty to 150 K and presented the material. They acted like they weren't aware but honored the warranty and replaced it for free.
 
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