I have a 2004 Tundra, V6 5VZ-FE engine, 2wd, automatic. 43,000 miles. A very straightforward truck. 4 months prior to this writing my truck took a surge from a lightning strike. Evidence of this is seen on the aerial wherein much of the black coating is fried off. I was there when it happened. The truck did not start afterwards. It would crank but would not turn over. There were no blown fuses. I replaced the crankshaft sensor, no dice. Finally I replaced the ignitor. Easily found in the engine compartment mounted on the right wheel well. That fixed it. Started right up. Has run great ever since. Note: I found the Ignitor on ebay for $40. Toyota dealer wanted almost $450.
However I have some lingering problems. The engine will not pass emissions inspection because the computer at the inspection station says that the Evaporative System & the Catalytic Converter are not registering as ready to test. An OBD scan by their OBD tool & my own tool indicates the same thing but does not currently show any DTCs. I did have a DTC for the AF Sensor upstream from the front Cat. I replaced that. I also replaced the Oxygen Sensor downstream from the rear Cat just to be thorough. Dealer purchase with identical Toyota numbers. That fixed the DTC but I still have a not ready indication for the Cat & Evap.
Also on the dashboard I have lit & flashing Indicator lights for the Airbag System & the Antilock Brakes, ABS. I changed my front brakes, they were due anyway. The light for the ABS still flashes intermittently, at irregular intervals & is not too annoying. The Airbag light flashes nonstop so I covered it with a piece of tape. Wonderful.
I am inclined to think that I have problem in my primary computer, ECP. I have had the battery cables on & off numerous time since the lightning hit. I also just put in a new battery. As well, directly after the lightning surge I replaced the old computer with an identical one that I bought used. (ebay also) At the time I figured the surge went directly to the computer. It did not work in the truck. I immediately reinstalled the original computer & its been back in ever since. Before I start troubleshooting these individual indicators, Cat, Evap, ABS & Airbag, perhaps I should examine the primary computer.
My question is this. Should my original computer be recalibrated? Is that something that can be done? As well, can the replacement computer be reconfigured to my truck?
Truck runs great. Just can't pass inspection.
I have no interest in taking it to Toyota. Too far, too expensive & I need my truck everyday.
<quote> The engine will not pass emissions inspection because the computer at the inspection station says that the Evaporative System & the Catalytic Converter are not registering as ready to test. </quote>
The only information I can help you with on this is that if, as you say, you have had the battery disconnected several times, the OBD-II system requires a specific driving cycle after power is restored to make the system ready to test. It may take several long (say, 20 or 30 minute) trips before you can test the emissions after disconnecting the battery. I don't know if you have had a long enough period of the system remaining intact (battery power applied and sufficiently long driving cycles) to complete the "readiness" cycle.
Good luck with this one; voltage surges wreak havoc in unexpected places.
Lightning Struck Tundra. Computer Problems?
Linear Mode
