98 GS400. Lexus dealer said my ECU is malfuntioning It's isn't sending power to the Var. Valve Timing. They said ECU needs to be replaced. $1600 plus labor. I found a used ECU for $300. Can I just plug it in and drive or do I have to have the master key that went with the $300 ECU?

Dennis

 

Not confirmed, but there are limited slots for the master key in the ecu. You can potentially reprogram the ecu to new master key (dont know how) but if all slots are taken then you have to use the pre-registered key.

I wish I knew the above for a fact but do the home work before you plunk $300 down.

Salim

 

Thanks, any ideas how to find out. The dealer doesn't want to spill the beans.

 

Have them run your vin #, to see if your car was a part of the ecu re-call. I got mine done free of charge. They just might think it was never a re-call issue or your car could be out of the affected range. Good luck

 

I will call the dealer monday and post an update. Thanks

 

Try Darrel from Sewell Lexus he is always running Key group buys or Jason of JPI. They might be able to shed some light.