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Computer issue

Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 SCION XA
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 57,867 MILES
Hi, after disconnecting the battery I am suddenly having starting issues. Basically, it starts fine after reconnecting the battery for a couple times. However, after that, it will not turn over. Turns out that every single time I disconnect and reconnect the negative terminal on the battery, it starts fine again, every time. The battery, starter, and alternator, are all fine and I have been told that it might be a computer issue. Would it be helpful to get a new computer installed? No error codes are being thrown either. I have taken it to three places and no one has any idea. My last resort, I guess, I would be the dealer.
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 9:49 AM

22 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
If you put a battery in it it sets off anti theft only trouble is it does not do it every time a battery is replaced until later. Try a reset, see our link.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 12:33 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Thank you for the reply. This is a base model and does not have an alarm or a key fob. Do you have a link for resetting the ECM in this case?

So you think it is anti-theft issue?
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 2:54 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
ECM takes care of itself as you drive. The car is a 2005 anti theft has been around on all cars since the mid 1990's. Try the link I sent you instructions are at end by car model.
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 3:43 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Okay, so you think this is an anti-theft computer issue I can resolve even without a key fob?
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 3:52 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Some need a key fob others do not try what it says on instructions if you do not have a fob a mechanic is going to have to scan for codes to see what if anything is wrong with security system.
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 4:33 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Okay thanks.
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
None of those options solved the problem. Do you happen to have any other solutions? Thanks.
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 6:52 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like a computer problem becasue every time you reboot it it works for a bit then it stops. Typical of a computer problem.

Please let us know what happens we are very interested to find out what to problem is.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Yes, sounds like an immobilizer issue. How do I reset it? None of the above solutions work. There is no alarm on the car and no chip or buttons in the key.
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 7:34 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
I can't be the first person with this issue.
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 7:38 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Leave the battery disconnected for 20 minutes, then reconnect. With out starting the car roll up the windows and lock the car. Let is sit for another 20 minutes. Unlock the drivers side door using the key and you are all set. Let me know what happens.

Best, Ken
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Hmmm, okay I'll give it a shot. Thanks.
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Wednesday, May 24th, 2017 AT 9:28 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Unfortunately, that didn't work either. It did enable me to start it about 5 times in a row for some reason. But now I'm back to the same situation. Any other possible remedies? Thanks.
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Thursday, May 25th, 2017 AT 5:10 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Where IS that computer anyway?
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Thursday, May 25th, 2017 AT 5:59 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Yep really sounds like a computer problem, it is located on the passengers side. Here is a diagram to help you find it. (BELOW)

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, May 25th, 2017 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
So if I put in a new ECM, would I need to reprogram it or could I just plug it in there?
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Friday, May 26th, 2017 AT 5:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Someone will need to program it, but if you get a used one its should plug and play.

Please let us know what happens, we are interested too see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, May 26th, 2017 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Okay thanks. Someone else suggested I pull it just to at least make sure it's not corroded either. But it looks like I could get a used one pretty cheap, so might give that a shot. It's maddening.
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Friday, May 26th, 2017 AT 3:17 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Even used ecm's need to be programmed otherwise car won't start. They are vin specific
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Friday, May 26th, 2017 AT 3:21 PM
Tiny
MATT PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Thanks. So is that diagram for an '05 xA? I can't seem to locate the ECM. Also, do I have to use a dealer to program it? Who else can do it?
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Saturday, May 27th, 2017 AT 9:13 AM

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