ECU Programming and you

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Why an ECU needs to be re-programmed?

Some ECU’s on cars need to be re-programmed to work with the car because of what’s known as an engine immobilizer. These immobilizers are what make the car not start when someone is trying to steal a car or replacing an ECU. It basically shuts all power down to the car until the original ECU is put back into the car or the correct key is used to start the car. Generally your only way around this is to have the new ECU you buy from Toms, the dealer, or a remanufacturer re-programmed by the dealer. Other cars don’t have an immobilizer and the ECU needs programming to get the car information stored into it.

Getting an ECU re-programmed?

Unfortunately I’m not a guru on this subject and I don’t know exactly which ECU’s need to be programmed. What I do know is the dealer is a pain in the rear when it comes to this. The dealer won’t do it half of the time because you didn’t buy the part from them. Some dealers are easy going and will do this for you at an extra charge. Every time I get asked about this my advice is to call the dealer ahead of time to see if it needs to be re-programmed and if they will do it for you.

What car makes need re-programming?

At this time we really don’t know exactly which ECU’s need re-programming. The few that we do know are: newer Toyotas, Lexus, Mercedes, Volvo, also some Nissans like Sentra. The reason for this is because almost all these cars have immobilizers. This is where the dealer comes in and having to call them for that information. Also the headache of finding out the dealer won’t do it! At that point the search begins for a specialist in your make or just a good all around mechanic that has the hardware to do this for you.

When you’re ordering an ECU

Before you make the call to find one or even start looking you want the part number from your old ECU. Do not supply anyone with the part number from the dealer if they gave you one. The reason for this is because that is a newer number and most of the time we can’t look it up in our systems. We want the number from your old ECU.

So in closing I hope this helps you in your next purchase of an ECU. Also if you ever need help please don’t be afraid to call us or comment here. We are always willing to help!

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GUIDE – Buying Used Parts, The Overview

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

We’ve been selling used parts for about 25 years now. We’ve seen a lot of things, and dealt with some pretty interesting situations. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about our customers strengths and weaknesses along with their wants and needs. This guide will hopefully give you an idea of what to look for and what to expect when buying used parts. Not every “Junk Yard” is created equal and there’s some important tips that can really save you a lot of time and money.

This post assumes you’ve already decided who and where you’ll be having the work done. Check back for a future guide on picking out the right shop and deciding the right thing to do.

When your cars broken, you have a few different options for parts.

  • You can call up the local dealership and get a price on the parts you need. While pricey you’ll be sure you get an OEM part.
  • You can go to the local parts store / website and get a re manufactured or aftermarket part. While this could prove to be a good savings over dealer cost, the parts aren’t always that same quality as OEM
  • You can look online or locally for a Used OEM Part. Buying used gets you a quality OEM part at a huge savings over dealer price. Used parts can also carry better warranties vs the dealer and some parts stores.

It’s not the 70′s anymore. “Junk Yards” have evolved into Auto Recyclers.

Auto Recyclers are yards that uphold higher quality and service standards. Modern day salvage yards belong to associations that ensure the yard is doing everything correctly. From proper handling of waste fluids to proper handling of customer concerns. Using a salvage yard with some credibility will make all the difference in your buying experience.

Look for the Seals that build trust. These aren’t just marketing gimmicks.

Optimum Recycled PartsAutomotive Recyclers AssociationQuality Replacement PartsConnecticut Auto RecyclersARA Gold SealCertified Auto Recycler

These are just a few industry specific seals. Associations such as the ARA, CAR, and the Gold Seal program have strict requirements that must be met yearly. This includes verification of waste oil handling, EPA Standards, hazmat certifications, customer service standards, quality standards, and overall good business practices. Seals such as ORP and QRP show that the yard participates in its regional trading partner group. Trading partner groups are networks of salvage yards that work together to serve body shops and insurance companies with high quality parts.

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