Are you facing ECU issues with your Lexus or Toyota vehicle? Today, I’ll guide you through a quick do-it-yourself method to reprogram or reset your ECU without the need for any special tools except a paper clip.
Typically, when you encounter ECU issues, you may think about replacing the ECU due to damage, hard codes, or malfunctions. However, simply changing the ECU won’t solve the problem if there’s a persistent hard code stored in the system.
So, how can you reset or reprogram the ECU? With just a paper clip or a thin wire, you can initiate the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Turn off the vehicle.
- Connect the paper clip or thin wire to pins 4 and 13 on the ECU socket.
- Turn the car to the ‘on’ position, where all dashboard lights are on, but the engine is not running.
- Leave the car in this ‘on’ position for at least 30 minutes, ensuring it’s not less than 30 minutes. It can be slightly over 30 minutes, but not under this duration.
- After the time is up, turn the car off and then on again. This process will reprogram the engine computer and keys, allowing the immobilizer to recognize the new ECU.
This simple DIY method can potentially save you from the hassle and expense of replacing the ECU or using expensive scan tools for reprogramming. Try it out and see if it resolves your ECU-related issues.
What do I need to reset my ECU without using tools?
You only need a paper clip that is thin enough to fit inside the two sockets of the ECU socket.
How do I reset the ECU using a paper clip?
Unfold the paper clip and bend it to put one end on pin 4 and the other end on pin 13 of the ECU. Then, with the vehicle off, put the wire in pin 4 and pin 13. After that, put your car in the on position and leave it for at least 30 minutes.
What should I do after leaving the car in the on position for 30 minutes?
After 30 minutes, turn the car off and then turn it back on. This will program your engine computer and keys so that the immobilizer will allow your car to start with the new ECU.
What can I do if I have questions or want to share my experiences with this method?
If you have any questions or want to share your experiences, please leave a comment in the comment section of the video. Don’t forget to subscribe and give a thumbs up if you found the information helpful.