How To Reprogram an ECU - Immobilizer In A Toyota or Lexus

In this video I show a simple way of resetting / reflashing an ECU in a Toyota or Lexus. This resets the immobilizer, but this tip is not used to reprogram NEW keys.
The known vehicles listed below should have a Transponder ECU that have learned (stored) the keys. All you need to do is the join between the ECU and the Transponder Key ECU for this to work.
If you have changed the Ecu computer this can be used to re sync up your keys without the need for a trip to the dealer or investing in an expensive scan tool. You won't need to relearn the keys to the ECU separately in these models.


The vehicle I was doing the demo on was in for a lot of electrical work, This was not a fix of any sort on this model I just used it as a demo for how to do it as it was a good chance to show this tip and may help people out.

Known Models that it works on -
Early Lexus IS Models
Lexus SC430
Lexus GX470
Lexus GS430
Lexus ES350
Toyota Auris mk1
Toyota Rav 4 2000 - 2006
Toyota Tundra 2010
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Corolla 2002-2007
Toyota Camry 2006-2011
Toyota Avalon 2012 -2016
Toyota Yaris echo early models
Toyota Hilux - it worked on 2018 model (Comment section below)


Disclaimer:
GerardBurke is a qualified motor technician who has completed modules & courses in manual handling and all aspects of workshop safety. These videos are not intended to be used by anyone who is not trained and or qualified to carry them out.
Due to factors beyond the control of GerardBurke, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. GerardBurke assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. GerardBurke recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of GerardBurke, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not GerardBurke.

[ROCKINPOPPA]

2004 lexus sc430, car was a complete shitshow of jumped wires, burned up connecters, a bad ecm, immobilizer bypassed smh. repaired electrical issues replaced ecm with used unit, had a new key cut and programmed. this procedure fixed the post repair start stall condition!
ACES THANK

[steffNn]

Just stole this 04 4Runner, it worked!! Now it’s my 4Runner. Thank you!

[dmbaka]

Works like magic on a 2005 Toyota Camry
My car had transmission issues that never left even after fixing the issue of solenoids.
My mechanic who a genius recommended I change the ECM or in other words Car Computer. I went to the junkyard got a used ECM for $30. I replaced it(ECM) but the car refused to start. I kept using the old ECM until I watched this video. I did the 30mins and came back to start the engine after removing the paper clip from OBDII. The ECM from the junkyard started the car like magic. No more transmission issues and the car starts and runs like a beast. Thank you very much for the video!!!! I saved >$300 on programming a computer that I wasn’t sure it was going to work.
This method is easy and precise and accurate.

[esgT-dfxb]

I bought a 2001 Lexus LS430 from an impound but had no key. I called out a locksmith and had a key cut and programado the car but would not start. I plugged my obd2 scanner and got a code for the immobilizer malfunction. I tried multiple things called out locksmith to come check it out and no one can figure it out after trying this method. I can happily say it worked. Thank you so much for posting this video. You saved me so much money.

[rodneyhenderson]

I am currently trying this “paperclip reset” on my 2004 Toyota Solar. So far it is doing everything your video described in regards to the flashing lights on dash. I am currently 20 minutes in on the 30 minute wait time. I am patiently optimistic from reading the previous post and will post my results shortly….

It initially didn’t work but after 2 more tries.., it

[kdabbas]

Had a Toyota Sequoia that turned but couldn’t crank after replacing the ECU immobiliser, tried everything at the shop with all the guidance from TIS but nothing worked after watching this video while taking a break I went ahead and tried it and it worked so perfectly, was such a relief....thanks man

[genesisyt]

finally found the video again, used this video last year when my yaris was jerking a crazy amount and has slightl started to again, so back here again!! ur a legend mate

[KITTIES-ADV]

I know this has been around a long time. However, thank you very much for this video. I had a Toyota RAV4 2.0 D-4D 2005 model ECM repaired due to water damage. The repair involved various components being replaced. Net result, refitting the ECM, the car would not start. I almost ended up sending the ECM for repair again, but it felt like the immobiliser or security of sorts that was causing the car to not start. Your video is all that was needed. I dusted off my most prized paper clip and reset the ECM. Bingo, the car works & is stable Thank you.

[aachannelitsabouttruenatur]

This was very helpful. After all mechanic having all things to say about putting it on the computer to charge me a lot. I tried this method with my fingers crossed to my 2007 toyota mark x and indeed it worked..
This video was AWESOME..🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[johnstefanick]

I used this on a 2008 Prius, I lost my key fob. My solution cost $70, I got a key fob, immobilizer ECO and the main ECU all from the same car. After installing these the car turned on but no READY light. After jumpering pin 4 and 13 for 30 minutes the car started. Many Thanks and I thank God for you and others that post useful information!

[nicthetrainer]

I was hesitant to do this to my 2014 sequoia but i took a chance and it worked! Parked the car last night and this morning it wouldn't start. Tried several things before doing the paperclip trick and 30 minutes later it started right up. Thank you

[juniorboweya]

Had an accident with a 2007 toyota Mark X 3.0 V6 (japan import) - air filter and radiator were whipped.

After installing the missing parts, car started but showed dramatic rough idle and overeating.

Tried the procedure and it worked perfectly - everything went back to normal. I was even able to see diagnostic tests on the info screen...

Thanks a lot !

[Manychout]

I bought a used ecu for my Camry and did this and it worked! Thank you very much. This is very helpful!

[TheSubsonicOne]

2011 RAV4.... this fix worked for me too. I was busy working on the spark plugs & injectors all day, didn't notice the battery was being drained by the lights being on. I had taken out the EFI fuse & the fuel relay. After I recharged the battery, neither of the remotes worked! This "fix" made the remotes work again, but now, the ABS and BRAKE and squiggley lines (brake related) are all on. I wonder why? But, this fix worked to get the immobilizer working again. thank you.

[lilPOPjim]

I can confirm that this works on a Toyota Auris mk1.


Thanks man. Really helpful!

[recoveringnewyorker]

BRILLIANT! You taught this old retired mechanic a new cheat! Um, short cut! Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? I hope this works on U.S. spec Toyota and Lexus models. Great vid as always Gerard!

[joshoppatt]

I have a 2018 hilux that I bought with no keys.. I replaced the immobiliser and had new keys programmed still wouldn’t start ... used this technique and it started first go ! Thanks so much very helpful video 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[mboyanamaximea]

This video was extremely helpful. It worked on my 2005 Toyota Noah.💯👍

[alginis]

Second generation prius, after hv ecu replacement worked like a charm, thank you :)

[diiemescobar]

Very nice video, I am locksmith and is really helpful