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View Full Version : I think I just blew my ECU while putting in an aftermarket radio


cbrodlo
09-16-2013, 03:09 PM
Hello all,

While attempting to install a new head unit into an North American 09 LB, I think I may have blown the/an ECU. Here are some of the variables I'm working with while trying to diagnose the exact problem:

-Everything works but the car will not start, starter clicks very rapidly like no other dead battery I've encountered. Think I will have it tested anyway. I also jumped it.

-The head unit in question is a Pioneer AVH-X8500BHS. The harness was professionally soldered and shrink wrapped by a friend, with one catch. I ordered a kit on amazon used to bypass the requirement of the parking brake in order to watch video while moving (i just wanted the option, i would not drive while watching a movie). I lost the instructions, so we had to guess where 2 of the 3 wires went. Obviously black to ground, but we guessed blue to blue, light green to dark green. I think this is where we may have shorted something out.

-I checked "most" fuses, but was in a rush and feel I need to check again. EFI fuses were good.

-What I believe is the nail in the coffin is when I tried to scan for error codes, my scanner only states linking error. Perhaps it may be a burned out wire, but shouldn't the fuses prevent a wire from burning? I smelled no burning. If it is the ECU, where exactly does that leave me? I know they are cheap but will need to have some sort of dealer work done on them.

-Thank god I still have my MR2 to get me places.

Thank you all for any input.

cali yaris
09-16-2013, 03:12 PM
-I checked "most" fuses, but was in a rush and feel I need to check again. EFI fuses were good.

Do this first, more thoroughly?

CTScott
09-16-2013, 03:57 PM
The four fuses your might have popped are MET, ECU-IG, and ACC (all under the bottom of the dash) and DOME (in the under hood fuse panel).

DOME and ECU-IG will prevent the ECM from powering up.

cbrodlo
09-16-2013, 04:53 PM
Turned out the battery was much more dead than I thought. Never seen one drain so fast. Also that ECU code really put me in a tizzy. Mistake of a mere mortal. At least I've learned a partially dead battery can mimic a bad ecu.

/thread