Flooded car ruined the ECM

EHOLLEY1170

MEMBER
2008 TOYOTA COROLLA
1.8L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
242,000 MILES

Car flooded in Imelda. Ruined the ECM. Purchased plug and play ECM. The car will crank and start and run until, I think, the ECM gets the signal that the car is running and the car shuts down. This all takes place in about 1 to 2 seconds. If I turn the switch to off will start again. If the key is left in the on position will crank but will not start. Checked all fuses and relays. I have disconnected every connector below the flood line cleaned as well as I could and used dielectric grease on reassembly. I indicated in the next field I was a certified mechanic. Not cars though, I was a heavy truck certified master mechanic before I retired. Thought I would add that after it stops running the spark plugs no longer fire until the key is turned off after that turn to crank position spark plugs fire until it quits running again.

3 Replies

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

Is your vehicle's security light flashing? If so you will have to have your vehicle's ignition keys programmed to the new ECU at either the dealership or at a locksmith. Please get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Wednesday, October 16th, 2019 AT 8:23 AM

EHOLLEY1170

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The new ECM came with instructions to program the key. After programming the key and I insert the key in the ignition the security light quits flashing. Just to make sure I tried to start the car with a non chip key that I use to make sure that I don't accidentally lock myself out of the car. The non chip key will crank the car but the engine makes no attempt to start. With the chip key the engine starts but as soon as the ECM is satisfied the engine is running, I have read once it reads from crank angle sensor the engine is rotating at 100 rpm, the ECM shuts everything off, spark plugs and injectors. Not really sure about the fuel pump. I am assuming since the chip key acts completely different than the non chip key the ECM has the chip key programmed into it. I can also take the non chip key, crank the engine over and it will not start but while cranking it just touch the chip key to the non chip key and the engine will start. Long winded I know but just wanted you to know what lengths I have gone to, to make sure the chip key is programmed to the ECM.

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Thursday, October 17th, 2019 AT 9:36 PM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello again,

If the vehicle starts with the chipped key in the vicinity of the non chipped key then you have successfully programmed it to your vehicle's PCM. The immobilizer system on your vehicle works with a transponder in the chipped key and a transceiver in the steering column that picks up the signal from the chipped key and sends it to the immobilizer. If the codes do not match then the PCM will not let the vehicle start. As long as the transceiver receives the code from the transponder in the chipped key the vehicle will start.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Friday, October 18th, 2019 AT 10:55 PM