Being told my 2013 tC needs a new TCM, however Toyota no longer makes them.

If I were to someone source a used one, I would then need to have it programmed to work and communicate with my car, (seems like they are serial locked).

Anyone else been in this boat or have suggestions?

Dealership is basically saying there's nothing to be done, and I just drive it till it blows. It sucks because it's paid off and only have 78k on it.

TIA

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I've seen a used ones on ebay. Did the dealership say whether they can reprogram it?

The only thing that sounds odd with the original diagnosis: it took the mechanic ten hours to best-guess the cause. I'm not knocking your mechanic, it just seems odd it took so long. Did the dealership even attempt to retrieve CEL codes?

Have you considered a dedicated transmission shop?

 

Good point, my mechanic doesn't do electrical work, and he paid for a specialist to come in and diagnose (did not charge me) and that's when they determined it was the TCM.
The dealership however, barely did a visual inspection and then is telling me they can't get the part.
I did find one at another dealership though, and now I'm trying to get a hold of them to ask if I buy the part, can they do the install and I'm assuming reconfigure the computer.
I don't think it should be that difficult.

 

Another update, called a transmission place that was very helpful, and they are saying not to worry about the TCM but instead the wiring harness and start there.

The TCM could be bad but the symptoms stem from the wiring e.g. giving different codes when moving the wire around, and corrosion on the wires themselves).

So, anyone has any advice on an engine wiring harness, possible costs etc?

 

Wiring harnesses are typically cost prohibitive. A battery/alternator shop might be able to isolate and repair short circuit(s) in your existing harness and or connector(s). For that matter, any mechanic with basic electrical skills should be able to perform a continuity test.

First thing I would try is to remove the tcm harness and inspect for visual damage. Look for cut or frayed wiring. Check for cracked or broken plastic connectors. Verify that connector pins are not bent, broken or corroded.

Try to identify the corrosion source, such as a leaky battery, coolant or road film. Any exposed metal should be insulated with electrical tape or heat-shrink.

 

Replaced the wiring harness and that didn’t work.

How do I get to the TCM? I’m gonna check it myself if I don’t end it all first.

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How to get to it? Is something else in the way?

 

nope, sorry. I thought it was in a different place.

Here's the latest stupid update:

One dealership is saying that the TCM is plug and play (this is the same dealership telling me that they wouldn't put anymore money into this because it probably won't fix it. Again, only 78k miles on it and this is my only option?)
The other dealership and a transmission place told me that there is some programming or reprogramming that needs to be done anytime to you replace these or the ECU etc.
I literally don't know anything anymore- any suggestions?

 

MTX swap it ;)

 

I'd pick one of the two dealerships you've contacted and explain you're getting conflicting info. Ask for a manager's confirmation regarding programming versus plug and play.

 

I'm with ya, and in fact I just did that. Waiting on a call back