Do Not Buy/Install Used Modules - Toyota GR86, 86, FR-S and Subaru BRZ Forum & Owners Community

Robcokiwi · 08-23-2020, 10:40 PM

If anyone is looking to buy a used module beware. This may be common knowledge but I was not aware of it.
To quote senior member Opie "There are 3 components that work as a "System" for the Immobilizer to work correctly and allow the car to start. If swapping parts between cars all 3 components must be swapped/used in order for proper communication to start the car.
The main body ECU (network gateway ECU) *also called the BIU, it's the black box attached to the interior fuse box, the combination meter (gauge cluster) and the keys (keys will require swapping the ignition lock cylinder and the door/trunk lock cylinders).

If any of the parts are used/installed individually the system will not allow the car to start. Once any of these components are programmed together, they must stay together and cannot be reprogrammed to work individually."

If you have to replace one of these modules please do not waste your money and buy a used one. Buy a new one and take it to the dealer to be programmed. The other option is to get all 3 components from a donor car and install them together. Do not power up the vehicle until all modules are installed.

I hope that helps save someone from a mistake.

justalex · 08-23-2020, 11:04 PM

Thank you for sharing this information, I may need it in the future.

reh8388 · 08-25-2020, 10:17 AM

There are several threads of people successfully swapping just the gauge cluster so I am curious where this information is from as it seems inaccurate. Is there a better source than a "senior member"?

Robcokiwi · 08-25-2020, 06:06 PM

reh8388 - The Toyota tech who I took my car to, who by the way was unable to get it working, told me that there are 3 or 4 modules that are part of the security system. He mentioned the gauge cluster as one of them. If you put in a new gauge cluster and got it flashed at the dealer you would certainly not have any problems but apparently a used one will cause problems. I am still working on mine. Will update if I find anything more out. I mentioned Opie because he is the only person including a Toyota tech who could tell me what specific modules communicate with each other in the security system.

Yoshoobaroo · 08-25-2020, 06:51 PM

The gauge cluster is only in that circuit in twist-key cars. On push button cars you can swap the cluster out no problem.

08-23-2020, 10:40 PM	#1
Robcokiwi Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Drives: 2017 Toyota 86 Location: North Carolina Posts: 31 Thanks: 9 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Do Not Buy/Install Used Modules If anyone is looking to buy a used module beware. This may be common knowledge but I was not aware of it. To quote senior member Opie "There are 3 components that work as a "System" for the Immobilizer to work correctly and allow the car to start. If swapping parts between cars all 3 components must be swapped/used in order for proper communication to start the car. The main body ECU (network gateway ECU) *also called the BIU, it's the black box attached to the interior fuse box, the combination meter (gauge cluster) and the keys (keys will require swapping the ignition lock cylinder and the door/trunk lock cylinders). If any of the parts are used/installed individually the system will not allow the car to start. Once any of these components are programmed together, they must stay together and cannot be reprogrammed to work individually." If you have to replace one of these modules please do not waste your money and buy a used one. Buy a new one and take it to the dealer to be programmed. The other option is to get all 3 components from a donor car and install them together. Do not power up the vehicle until all modules are installed. I hope that helps save someone from a mistake.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
SRS modules - two 2017 and one 2013	FT86Logic	Interior Parts (Incl. Lighting)	4	05-08-2022 02:31 PM
FS: OEM Red Interior LED Modules H701SCA000	Slade	Interior Parts (Incl. Lighting)	4	04-23-2016 06:41 AM
WTB: OEM Blue LED Modules for the Footwells	Slade	Want-To-Buy Requests	0	12-30-2015 04:30 PM
Modules? Relays?	Scik	Cosmetic Modification (Interior/Exterior/Lighting)	4	06-14-2012 07:22 AM

08-23-2020, 11:04 PM	#2
justalex Member Join Date: May 2018 Drives: 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited Location: United States Posts: 35 Thanks: 5 Thanked 15 Times in 7 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	Thank you for sharing this information, I may need it in the future.

08-25-2020, 10:17 AM	#3
reh8388 Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Drives: 2016 Scion FR-S Release Series 2.0 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 46 Thanks: 4 Thanked 16 Times in 9 Posts Mentioned: 2 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	There are several threads of people successfully swapping just the gauge cluster so I am curious where this information is from as it seems inaccurate. Is there a better source than a "senior member"?

08-25-2020, 06:06 PM	#4
Robcokiwi Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Drives: 2017 Toyota 86 Location: North Carolina Posts: 31 Thanks: 9 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts Mentioned: 0 Post(s) Tagged: 0 Thread(s)	reh8388 - The Toyota tech who I took my car to, who by the way was unable to get it working, told me that there are 3 or 4 modules that are part of the security system. He mentioned the gauge cluster as one of them. If you put in a new gauge cluster and got it flashed at the dealer you would certainly not have any problems but apparently a used one will cause problems. I am still working on mine. Will update if I find anything more out. I mentioned Opie because he is the only person including a Toyota tech who could tell me what specific modules communicate with each other in the security system.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password