2002 Rx300 Ecm/ecu

[RocketPocket]

Hello, I am new here. First I'd like to say that some posts on this forum are very useful and helpful (more than the other results on Google).

My car got hit by lightning (luckily nobody was hurt) and now it's experiencing a whole lot of problems. I've managed to localize the problem to the ECM. I opened up the ECM and looked for any physical damage, but I couldn't find any (very complicated motherboard) and I'm no computer specialist. Since I know the ECM is the problem, I can either repair it or replace it. Repairing looks like it will cost alot of money and may not be successful (very unlikely situation for me). I want to buy a used ECM (same model, trim, engine, etc.) however I am wondering if the car will be fine if I just swap the ECMs. Basically, I would like to know if its possible to just swap a used one in, or if I have to program, how so. Programming at the Dealer sounds like it will cost alot if they are willing to program a used ECM (very unlikely I believe). Key programming is not a big deal, very easy to do and I have done it before. My main concern is the rest of the ECM settings.

[cduluk]

Oh my GOD! I've never heard of that happening to anybody's car before.

Could this be a candidate for an insurance claim? If so, take advantage.

[RocketPocket]

That's the worse part. I had my car looked at by the Lexus Dealer and they didn't believe me. After 8 years of insurance with no claims, they failed me when I needed them. They claimed the damage was due to poor maintenance. Car runs beautifully, till it got hit, and problems were popping up left and right. Really disappointed in the way my insurance handled the situation. Now I have to fix it myself.

[joe913]

Hello, I am new here. First I'd like to say that some posts on this forum are very useful and helpful (more than the other results on Google).

My car got hit by lightning (luckily nobody was hurt) and now it's experiencing a whole lot of problems. I've managed to localize the problem to the ECM. I opened up the ECM and looked for any physical damage, but I couldn't find any (very complicated motherboard) and I'm no computer specialist. Since I know the ECM is the problem, I can either repair it or replace it. Repairing looks like it will cost alot of money and may not be successful (very unlikely situation for me). I want to buy a used ECM (same model, trim, engine, etc.) however I am wondering if the car will be fine if I just swap the ECMs. Basically, I would like to know if its possible to just swap a used one in, or if I have to program, how so. Programming at the Dealer sounds like it will cost alot if they are willing to program a used ECM (very unlikely I believe). Key programming is not a big deal, very easy to do and I have done it before. My main concern is the rest of the ECM settings.

Concur with cduluk.

There are some downloadable documents that may help with your troubleshooting at the following link:

http://www.box.net/shared/o55c5697lt

Almost all of them have something to say about the ECM but you might start with the SFI file. Good luck!

[cduluk]

they denied your claim!? Damn, you've gotta have respect for insurance companies... Even when you tell them the truth, they don't believe you!

Can you take the car to another shop that could re-evaluate the situation? I don't understand how the Lexus dealer could deny the claim that lightning blew out the cars electrical systems. Seems pretty cut and dry to me.

[LEXIRX330]

That's the worse part. I had my car looked at by the Lexus Dealer and they didn't believe me. After 8 years of insurance with no claims, they failed me when I needed them. They claimed the damage was due to poor maintenance. Car runs beautifully, till it got hit, and problems were popping up left and right. Really disappointed in the way my insurance handled the situation. Now I have to fix it myself.

The Lexus dealer did not believe you or your insurance company? You can always go to your states dept of insurance file a complaint and let them get a response from the insurance company. It would be hard for your insurance company to dispute the claim if there was evidence that the car had been hit. Have you talked to your agent? Claims rep. Or supervisor?