FAQs Archive - RAV4 ECU Repair

Q: I don't live in the UK can I use your service?

Yes, contact us on + 44 1932 800 800 to discuss shipping charges

Q: Do I need to program or do anything else that requires a trip to the dealer in order to use my repaired ECM?

No. Your ECM will be ready to go after we send it/put it back. No programming, no trips to the dealer and no towing your RAV4 to the mechanic will be needed at all. You will start enjoying your like-new RAV4 as soon as the ECM is fixed and reinstalled.

Q: How does your service work?

Our simple and fast RAV4 ECU Repair Service is explained here

Q: How long will I be off the road?

Book your RAV4 in and bring it to us and we'll do it while you wait, send the ECU in to us and we aim for a 24 hour turnaround.

Q: If the ECU is 'Engine Control Unit', why should I fix it if the problem is not with the engine, but with the transmission?

In the case of the automatic 2001-2003 Toyota RAV4 models, the ECM controls both, the engine and the transmission. In other automatic car models and brands, there are two separated units, one for each part. The engine unit would be the ECM or ECU and the transmission unit would be the TCM or TCU.

Q: Can I repair the ECU myself?

Please ignore any videos or talk on the Internet that suggests that you can repair the ECU yourself, they are totally wrong – and that’s why we’re so busy! And remember at Cartronics all ECU’s are tested live on a test car both before and after repair.

Q: Is the ECM the same as ECU?

Yes, it refers to the same automotive part. ECM stands for Engine Control Module and ECU stands for Engine Control Unit, but refers to the same device.

Q: Does Toyota know about the problem?

Yes they do and this is the Technical Service Bulletin they put out. Toyota at the time suggested an official recall and that the problem could be solved by a firmware update. This was not the fix needed and now that time has elapsed Toyota offer no recall. If you took your RAV4 back to Toyota they would suggest a new engine and gearbox ECU!