The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

[Arno]

Hello,
I am from Holland and living in Uganda. I am the owner of a LJ78 Prado SX 3.0 liter Automatic, but it recently started to give me problems. I will try to explain as clear as possible what is the problem:
First, my car stopped suddenly. Some lights were flashing on the dashboard, and that was it. After the engine stopping, I tried to start, but the starter didn't work.
My mechanic ( a Ugandan) checked the starter.
After that, the starter went, but the engine itself wouldn't start. He found out there is no fuel going into the engine.
Now that has been fixed. But according to him it was the computer that had a problem. They did some repairs on it, at the car started again.
But now, the car makes a strange rattling noise. Especially when cold. It seems to be the injectors, not the engine. Also the car has not much power. When climbing and I press full gas, the speed drops back to 60 km/h. Normally on those hills I can still reach 100.
Now, 1 mechanic says it is the computer that still has a problem. The second says it is the injector pump.
Can anyone here help me a bit? Maybe the problem is a common problem with this car or maybe it sounds a bit familiar. It would be really nice to have some advice. I am doing volunteer work here and we really need the car. Also I have not very much to spend (not because I am Dutch , so any help is much appreciated!
Thanks very much!

[Google]

[Tommi786]

Hi Arno. I live in Nairobi and have the same car. These cars are indeed known for failing ECU/computer units at this age and mine also had issues and I have had to get it repaired because replacement units are extremely hard to come by. However, have you first had a diagnostic check done? That will tell you the exact problem. It could be the ECU but it could also be one of the electronic valves and sensors either on the injector or block - knocking sound could be coming from a failed crank position sensor and low power could come from one of the injector valves including the timing control valve. Can you get a report of error codes first as this will more easily point you in the right direction.

[Tommi786]

Hi Arno,

Wondering how you got on with this. If you need an ECO refurb, try Dave Steadman of Japan 4x4 - he can arrange that for you. I also just managed to get my slightly temperamental ECU replaced with a refurb unit from him.