hfowler

I have been told that my 2007 LS 460 needs a new Electronic Control Module, which is about $1500- $1800 new. Has anyone had any luck replacing their computer system with a rebuilt and reprogrammed ECM?

Gillz460L

can you explain the situation a little more, mileage .. what the issues or symptoms are requiring ecm replacement? reason why i ask is because it is extremely rare for ecms to be replaced on a ls460. these vehicles dont have common issues with modules. now if this was a german car i wouldnt ask =)

hfowler

My car is at just over 131k miles. My check engine light came on in April and the error code said it was the ignition coils. I had 4 ignition coils and all 8 spark plugs replaced. It ran better for about a month. My engine light came on again about 2 weeks ago. This time the engine idles rough and has almost no power (I can barely get up my driveway). I have taken it to 2 mechanics and they both say that the code still reads the same bad ignition coils even though they have been replaced and they both tested the coils and the coils test in good condition. Both mechanics were not able to pinpoint the problem in the computer and therefore have recommended a new ECM.

Ls460kidd

I would bite the bullet and head to lexus and see if they can pin point the issue and them maybe you can bring it to the indy shop for repair..
check for ground connections

Caflashbob

Gillz460L

You have any of the codes by chance ? I would hate to see you replace your ecm and it doesnt fix it. Could be a lot of different things..loose ground or connections , maybe rodent chewed a wire, did you check all the relay and fuses as well? I believe theres 2 ignition relays on the 460 ...i would check all the basics first . Also a quick search on Ebay...theres plenty of good ecms from 200-500 range .

joedaddy1

iTrader: (1)

hfowler

The following are the notes from the mechanic:

Shop Labor-Diagnosis of "Check Engine" light for DTC P0351, P0354, P0356, P0357. Removed coils and Sparkplugs on all Cylinders. Performed Compression test on all cylinders. Performed Electrical diagnosis on Ignition system. Performed harness diagnosis to determine condition of wire harness between engine connectors and Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

- these are the same coils that have been replaced

hfowler

The coils were replaced at a Toyota dealership and they said they got the parts from Lexus. Unfortunately, I had to have that work done while I was in another state so I don't have the option to go back to that dealership.

Gillz460L

Double check all the connections going to the coils . Maybe wiggle all connectors make sure all is good. those codes are referring to cylinders 1,4,6,7. So its on both banks not just one. You possibly could have other coils going out and in need of replacment. Also like i said check the ignition relays. Another thing you could do is swap the replaced coils to other cylinders and see if that changes anything.

hfowler

Update... I finally decided to just take my car to the dealership. They found a loose connection. I still had to pay for the 2 1/2 hours of labor they took to find the problem for a total of $636 but at least that's better than the $2400 to $2600 I was quoted for a new ECM and labor for programming and installation. I'm usually not a fan of paying the dealership service price but I think when it comes down to computer issues, it's best to go with their experience.

BlazeViper

Ouch, I would be beating myself up for that much money over a loose connector. Dealers have tech streams that can read every single one of the car's computers, don't they? I bet that helped them out a fair bit

Gillz460L

Damn. =(. I meantioned loose ground or connector in post #6. I wish you couldve found before them. Lot of money for loose connector...but as you said lot better than other option. Happy miles and smiles moving forward

hfowler

I'm definitely upset over cost. Unfortunately they were my last resort since I had 2 independents that could not find the loose connector. I'm even more upset that I now also need to find someone to replace my front control arms at a reasonable price. I was quoted $3600 by the independents that I don't feel I can trust after this ECM issue and $5000 at the dealership.

Gillz460L

Control arms are not as big of an issue as its made out to be. Ton of aftermarket options to chose from. Just do a search and you should find an abundance of info.