will I need to replace ECM? lost keys 99AVALON

parts department is telling me I will need to tow the car to dealership and they will have to replace ECM/ECU and program it with new keys,since the keys were lost,is this true?anyone?

Welcome to the AF!

Yes - according to the ILCO catalog the Toyota Electronic Control Module does not have programming modes without a pre-programmed key. If there is no key available that is already programmed into
the module, the module must be replaced.

http://www.kaba-ilco.com/key_systems/pdf/2005_Auto_Truck_Key_Blank_Reference_[2816-E-0205].pdf pp. 74, 76

hmmm..that sucks, any idea what something like this would cost?few years back I had to replace ECM on my 01 IS300 ,but it was collision related,cost me around 1000

You ought to be able to get one pretty cheap from a salvage yard. Look long and hard before you give up and buy a new one. Search the internet for a used one.

so all I need is used computer with one working key,is there a difference in the computer if it's XLS or just XL?

Probably not. It's engine- and maybe transmission- specific.

I just talked to one of my brothers and about two months ago he lost keys to 02 Camry,towed the car to toyota dealership,they charged him $98 for programming new keys,didn't have to replace the computer,how is that? is it different immobilizer system from 99Avalon?

No idea - I'm just going by what's in the catalog. If you can, bring your car to the same dealer your brother did. At least give them a call and see if they can do that.

Let us know how it turns out and what they did.

http://www.locksmithcharley.com/transponder.html

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176485

Excellent reference csaxon! Thanks alot.

Excellent reference csaxon! Thanks alot.


+1

I called the parts department at local dealership I usually get parts from(I own a custom body&paint/collision shop) and they told me ,that there is a way to get TOYOTA CORP. to actually replace the ECM free of charge,all I have to pay for is two keys @ $41 list price and the labor to swap out the ECM ,

Here is the 411, the car has to have original ECM it came from the factory with ,simple as that!
I called TOYOTA Corp, they asked a few questions and ran a VIN# in their sytem and said my car falls under that category for a FREE ECM!! WOOT!,they said, it will take 3-5 business days to mail/ship the ECM to the dealership of my choice ,once it gets there ,dealership will call me to bring/tow the car in ,and all I have to pay is for the labor to swap out ECM AND the cost for 2 new keys!,I will update you on the outcome of this situation

Stefan

LarryParker on the ClubLexus web site said the same thing.

Good job!

update

Assholes @ TOYOTA said,since my car was purchased trought auction,it does not qualify for free ECM replacement

so I ended up shipping my ECM to Locksmith Charley ,great guy,fast service,cost me $210 total with shipping $150 to "flash" ECM 2-keys,$25/each and $10 shipping,so the car starts and runs fine