Notices
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Need help!! ECU problem

Old Jan 21, 2016 | 05:27 AM
  #1  
LShoopty's Avatar
LShoopty
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Default Need help!! ECU problem

The ECU in my '93 LS apparently went out according to the mechanic so I'm now in the position of either needing a new one or this one to be rebuilt if possible. Any info on where to get a reliable one or anybody that can rebuild one would be greatly appreciated!

Last edited by LShoopty; Jan 21, 2016 at 05:29 AM. Reason: More specific title
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2016 | 07:58 AM
  #2  
brybo86's Avatar
brybo86
Driver
 
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 191
Likes: 3
From: IL
Default

internet diagnosing a bad ECU is not easy especially when there are zero details of the issues your car is having....

can you please give specific details of the problems the car is having?
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2016 | 08:38 AM
  #3  
LShoopty's Avatar
LShoopty
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Default

Originally Posted by brybo86
internet diagnosing a bad ECU is not easy especially when there are zero details of the issues your car is having....

can you please give specific details of the problems the car is having?
My fault, new to the forums.
But the car had bogging issues but those were solved when I changed spark plugs and left the MAF unplugged. It drove fine like that for a couple weeks then just shut off on me and wouldn't start back up. Mechanics cant get the ECU to throw any codes so I'm not sure how to approach this.
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2016 | 12:14 PM
  #4  
dicer's Avatar
dicer
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 98
From: ca
Default

So did the mechanic determine if there was spark or fuel? Sudden stop and no start are not normal bad ecu behavior. Even a broke timing belt will do that.
Reply
Old Jan 21, 2016 | 04:47 PM
  #5  
LShoopty's Avatar
LShoopty
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Default

Originally Posted by dicer
So did the mechanic determine if there was spark or fuel? Sudden stop and no start are not normal bad ecu behavior. Even a broke timing belt will do that.
All I was told is that when they tried to run a check for codes the ECU wouldn't connect to the computer and was displaying an error message so I'm not sure what all they've done so far
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2016 | 03:08 AM
  #6  
dicer's Avatar
dicer
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 98
From: ca
Default

Its OBD1 so they will have a problem. My old snap on scan tool requires a separate power wire to work on these LS data ports, so likely they don't know what they are doing. The average mechanic now can't work on a car that his scan tool won't work on. And that is why lots of shops won't work on old cars. So here they could sell you a new ecu and have it not connect either. You could end up paying the cost of replacement of the car and still not have it running. I seen some stories like that on the internet.
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2016 | 10:54 AM
  #7  
RA40's Avatar
RA40
Super Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 20,895
Likes: 490
From: California
Default

The ECU is a high suspect but there may be other issues as well. This thread lists ECU part #'s. Verify which one is in yours and hunt for one at the wrecking yards or that auction site. ECU's for these LS's will need to have the capacitors replaced. One issue is finding one that does not have extensive circuit board damage from leaking.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ml#post8762081

Have you plugged the MAF back in?
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CelsiorN1
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
7
Aug 27, 2023 05:49 PM
GS FONZy
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)
2
Feb 4, 2017 04:40 PM
rlhsc400
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)
3
Jul 22, 2008 06:38 PM
Dereke
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
14
Jul 6, 2008 01:46 AM
3UZTaco
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
9
May 4, 2008 07:00 AM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:19 PM.

story-0
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!

Slideshow: How to Get the Best Fuel Economy with a Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-05 20:54:44


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers

Slideshow: 10 best Lexus models no one remembers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 17:33:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-8
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE