4.1 Alarm Ecu Location ?

[marwri]

Realise this is a UK forum but.... (maybe its the same on all 4.1s ?)

2000 model 4.1 4 door Canadian spec

Just bought a replacement alarm remote fob (seperate unit, not on key on Can spec). Supplier gave diagrams of the alarm ECU location for the Rav4 (front drivers side floor near centre console) however on my car there is no ECU in this location or on the passenger side.

Anybody give me a clue where this ECU might be located ?

(have to press a button on this ECU to program the alarm remote to the car)

[JollyG]

You have to remove the centre console ( 5 screws - 4 at the front and one in the cupholder I think) - the ecu is cable tied to the inside of the metal brace at the side of the footwell. Snip the ties and swing the ecu out, as the button you need to press will probably be covered by a metal plate which is impossible to remove in situ.

[marwri]

You have to remove the centre console ( 5 screws - 4 at the front and one in the cupholder I think) - the ecu is cable tied to the inside of the metal brace at the side of the footwell. Snip the ties and swing the ecu out, as the button you need to press will probably be covered by a metal plate which is impossible to remove in situ.

Many thanks - will give it a go.

[marwri]

Gave it a go today.

No joy in the location suggested.

On my car, only thing under the centre console is the airbag control unit + some unit that appears to be connected to the auto gearshift.

Kept searching in both footwells and eventually found it in the drivers side (LHD) outer footwell (wing side) about 18" from the floor.

Held in with cable ties.

This is the Toyota VIP RS3000 unit.

Found the button to be pressed to program the remote, but was on a different side of the unit than shown on the diagram. As mounted in the car, button would be difficult to see and very difficult to press (needs a hard push to depress it). I had to cut the cable ties to really access it.

Have had a go at programming the remote - no luck so far, but will be easier at night as one has to look for the headlights and taillights coming on to know when to press the buttons.

Had a look at the more recent thread "Alarm" and appears location of my alarm and programming method is different than that suggested by "mrbilly".

Guess it depends on model year, country spec, alarm unit etc ?

[mrbilly]

http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/ala...o/alarminfo.htm

[anchorman]

http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/ala...o/alarminfo.htm

Nice find :)

[marwri]

Ditto. And thanks for the effort.

Great background on the features of the system.

The programming instructions differ slightly from those provided by my remote supplier (didn't work).

Haven't had chance to try yet, but the reaction from the dashboard panel light seems similar to that I experienced when trying to program the remote last night.

One thing which isn't clear in both sets of instructions for "remote control programming" is whether you release the programming switch (on the ECU) before you press the remote button, or whether you continue to hold down the programming switch ?

(Will give it a go both ways and revert)

[marwri]

Gave it a go.

Part way there !

Followed the instructions in link above.

Tried releasing the ECU programming switch after the LED had been on for 5 secs, then pressing the remote button - nothing, no chirping from the piezo.

Tried holding the programming switch in after the LED had been on for 5 secs (LED turns to flashing), and pressing remote button - nothing.

Tried holding the program switch in and pressing the remote button during the first 5 secs the LED is on solid - success, the piezo chirped once. Then released the programming switch immediately.

Switched off the ignition and tried the remote from outside the car.

At first I thought I had a result. Could hear the door locks operate.

But when I went round the car, the rear door drivers side was still unlocked.

Tried locking/unlocking - still this door stayed open.

Earlier, had noticed a similar problem when trying to lock the car using the door key.

So went back to the owners manual to check.

Followed the procedure there trying both the drivers door lock and passenger side lock using the key.

Same thing - the rear door stayed unlocked no matter what was tried with the keys.

(however this door would lock if the door inner switch was first turned to "lock" - red button hidden - before closing the door).

Whilst trying with the key from the passenger side watched the inner door button on the problem door. Looked like the button was almost moving into the locked position but something internal was preventing it.

So - looks like a further problem is preventing full remote operation.

Anybody any idea what may be causing this rear door lock to stay open ? (and a fix?)

[anchorman]

The remote only signals a central door locking module, not each door. If the other doors are working OK it is a problem with the door locking solenoid on that door only. You need to pull the door lining off, unplug the connector to the solenoid and check that it is getting the right voltage pulse when you operate the locking. If it is the solenoid is duff.

You should get the same result if you sit inside and work the central locking.

Good luck