Yaris ECU broken??!!!!!!

[phb10186]

Hi Guys,

I used the forum before, but out of courtecy, I will reintroduce myself...

My name is Ben, I have a 2004 1.4 D4D Yaris T-Spirit in black with 57K on the clock. It has not missed a beat since I have owned it from 13,000 miles. I love it, the only faults I have to report are that long journeys give me backache (but I usually use my Accord for them), and the airbox occassionally needs a clean. Despite this, it is a great car in every way, and I manage about 55mpg on the average mix.

I would give myself a 7-8 with practicality and mechanical ability. I usually know what is going on car-wise.

So, I am actually posting on behalf of my ex girlfriend's car. She has a 2005 1.0 auto pertol, and lives in Greece now. I am just helping out here, as she seems to be desperate (no pun intended)!

I got an email saying that the ECU has gone, and can I source a new one. I told her to ensure 100% that it is the ECU at fault, and eliminate the following:

Immobiliser
Coil and spark
Fuel pump and relay
Earthing points
All other electrical connections there.

I know that ECU's can blow, but this is normally due to their manipulation with the battery still connected, and that if you don't sort the issue, you can get another one and blow it straight away - if it is an earthing issue for example.

For this reason my general advice was to verify that the ECU has failed, and that the cause has been fixed. If not take it to Toyota, and let them have the joy, as they have to fix and warranty the repair.





... anyway, in the mean time, I am researching this, and I just wanted to pick the combined brains of the forum, as to the relative occurance of an ECU failure on a Yaris - my guess is that it's rare to unheared of. I have never had, or known any natural ECU failure on a Jap car... but there might be a model-specific issue that may make it more common.

I wouls also be grateful for the folloeing advice:

1. Is the ECU coded in any way?
2. What is the general compatibility (I have a part number of: 8953052090)?
3. What is the liklihood of it's failure, and if ~0%, what is the likely cause?
4. Where is the best place to get one.... and specific Toyota or Yaris specialist breakers?

I know that I can only help to a certain degree as the car is not here, but the help will be appreciated by all, so many thanks in advance.


P.S, great forum here, you have a catalogue of good info.