The infamous no-start problem can plague any car, and my 1997 Toyota Celica was no exception. After a successful MOT in January 2025, which included a new brake caliper, the car refused to start. This post details my journey to diagnose and fix the issue, ultimately leading to a fully functional Celica.
Identifying the Culprit: The Immobilizer System
Initial diagnostics pointed towards a fault within the immobilizer system. A specialist, Cartech (UK), attempted to reprogram the Engine Control Unit (ECU) (89661-2G100) to bypass the immobilizer, a process known as “Immo-Off.” Unfortunately, this proved unsuccessful for this particular ECU. While Cartech couldn’t achieve the Immo-Off solution and retained a £100 diagnostic fee, they refunded the remaining reprogramming cost.
Sourcing a Replacement: ECU and Related Components
My next step involved searching for a replacement ECU (89661-2G100) on eBay. Understanding the intricate link between the ECU, immobilizer ECU, and the ignition key, I inquired with a seller about the availability of the complete set: original keys, key barrel, transponder key amplifier (89783-20020), and transponder key ECU (89780-20090). Fortunately, the seller possessed all the necessary components, and I purchased them for £300.
The Solution: Installing the Replacement Parts
On February 24th, 2025, the parts arrived. Within thirty minutes, they were installed. After a moment of anticipation, the engine turned over and started without hesitation. Multiple successful restarts confirmed the problem was solved. The elusive no-start issue was finally resolved.
A Restored 1997 Toyota Celica
This experience, while challenging, highlights the importance of persistence in troubleshooting car problems. With 78,000 miles on the odometer, a fresh MOT, and a consistently reliable start, my 1997 Toyota Celica is back to its former glory.
This journey underscores the value of community support and shared knowledge in overcoming complex automotive challenges. While I’m unsure which specific component was faulty, the complete replacement of the ECU and related parts proved to be the solution. Hopefully, this detailed account of resolving a no-start issue in a 1997 Toyota Celica will assist others facing similar problems.
