Tonyode

2006 ES 330 just stopped running (turns over). No spark and not getting fuel. My mechanic(not dealer) thinks its the ECU. He is getting no readings from computer, not able to communicate. No codes or check engines were on prior to it stopping. He said the relay is getting power as well. The car runs great, but does have 185K miles. I really don't want to go dealership as I know it will cost arm and a leg. So my question is, can something other than a bad ECU cause this? Is it difficult to replace/program a new ECU? I am a fairly handy DIY guy. So not afraid to dive into this if it is not overly complicated. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

LeX2K

ECU can be programmed for about $250 if it comes to that. The computer itself is generally dirt cheap on Ebay because they rarely outright fail. Any chance of rodent damage? Water damage? Your mechanic needs to go through some pins at the ECU checking for voltages.

Tonyode

Not chance for water and very doubtful rodent. My mechanic check the wiring harness and said everything looked good. As mentioned, with no fuel pressure and no spark, fuses ok, power goes to the relay box as well. He can't get communication with the cars computer, thus no codes or anything. So he checked about as much as you can before thinking it is possibly the ECU. I have priced them and see they are not too expensive. When you quite 250...is that a dealership price? Would I have to go that route to get it programed?

LeX2K

Search Ebay for 2006 ES330 Computer a programming service shows up.

Tonyode

I see there are multiple ECU's on this. ECU Skid Control, Engine Control Module, etc, etc. I am a DIY guy. But electronics isn't something I work on often. How would I know which ECU/Module is affecting the spark as well as the fuel pump as I have no spark or fuel pressure. Any help would be appreciated!

Tonyode

I know this isn't common for the ECU/ECM to go out on these. My mechanic can't think of anything else at this time. And he traced it as far as he could. Have you dealt with anything like this? Once I get a programmed ECU, is it as easy as plug it in and its ready to roll? Thanks for any info you can relay to me!

LeX2K

Get the part number off the ECU, then find one with the exact part number or the change up number. You can find out if the number changes up (means a compatible/new part number) by entering it here
https://www.lexuspartsnow.com/

I personally have never seen a dead ECU it was always some other electrical problem that's why I suggested checking voltages at the ECU connectors the factory service manual tells you how to do this.

edit - looks like there is only one ECU for a 2006
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?LH_T...kw=89661-33D90

But verify. Also for programming try this, conflicting info if this actually works

Tonyode

Update on my ES330. As mentioned above, my mechanic traced it as far as he could, why it wouldn't start, no ignition and no fuel pressure. The car did turn over. I also had to change out my rear struts, which I did myself. During the time I worked on those, I put a charge on the battery as it was low. Anyway, after finishing my struts, the battery was full charged so I decided to just turn it over and see what happens....the car started right up!! So now I am wondering why it wouldn't start previously? It turned over previously, but as mentioned, no spark, no fuel pressure, couldn't communicate with computer looking for codes. Now that it runs, and runs great, there are no check engine lights or anything. I did replace the alternator a month ago. I am now wondering if this alternator is the problem?? A voltage issue to the computer?
Would anyone have any other ideas on what could have caused this?

Tonyode

Believe I found the issue. I recently replaced my Alternator and came to find out it had a bad voltage regulator in it. So I have since replaced it and everything seems to be running ok.