G16E-GTS ECU Unlock and Programming

Owned by Lucan Hetherington
Last updated: May 07, 2024
5 min read

The ECM must first be “unlocked” to program from the OBD port to allow effective gateway bypasses. If a programming attempt is made before the ECM is unlocked it will not receive the programming messages or commence the programming sequence.

OBD Unlock

There is now an OBD unlock solution available that allows the Yaris / Corolla to be programmed directly from the OBD port. This solution brings it in line with other EcuTek retail products and allows phone flash to work. To use the gateway bypass you only need to be using the latest ProeCU and ecu connect versions and the latest RaceROM patch (v2 and above).

Then you simply execute the programming sequence as you normally would, the RaceROM patch will then be installed using a server connection completing the gateway bypass and OBD programming can continue to be used as long a an EcuTek RR patch is installed in the ECU.

NOTE: IF you remove the patch (program a stock ROM in) the gateway unlock will be removed. This will require the ECU to be unlocked again with a patch and our servers.

Server Authentication issues

If the gateway unlock is unsuccessful due to server issues please wait 1 hour for the server to reset and try again. We are trying to improve the server reliability and as improvements are made updates will automatically be used.

If you have a server authentication issue you can still unlock with a physical bypass cable and install the RaceROM patch after this is does not require server access and OBD programming can continue unimpeded. This may end up being quicker then waiting for the server to automatically reset.

Physical Bypass ECU Unlock

To unlock a Yaris/Corolla ECU, you will need

  • Laptop and ProECU (or EVI-BT and ECU Connect)

  • G16E-GTS Unlock Loom

Unlock Loom (for illustration purposes only)

The first step is to connect the Yaris/Corolla Unlock Loom to the ECM.

  1. Remove the engine cover.

  2. Connect the Unlock Loom to the battery terminal. Attach the Red Clip on the Unlock Loom to the Red terminal (A +) on the battery and the Black Clip on the Unlock Loom to the Ground point (D -) on top of the engine.

  3. All three ECM plugs need to be removed, and just the EcuTek unlock Loom ECU Connector plugged into the correct plug of the ECM.

  4. Plug the EcuTek vehicle interface (EVI) OBD male into the Unlock Loom OBD female and plug the EVI USB male into your Laptop running ProECU.

  5. Turn on the Unlock Loom's red power switch, open ProECU on the Laptop and select Tools/Detect Vehicle.

  6. Select a ROM and Program the ECM as you would with any other EcuTek Product.

Once the programming sequence is finished, you can switch off the power switch, unplug the Unlock Loom from the ECM, power and ground, and reconnect the engine harness.

Video Guide to programming

Permanent Gateway Bypass (YARIS ONLY) - How to make your own Patch Loom

The Program Only cable sold for unlocking can be accompanied by a permanent gateway bypass cable to enable quick and easy programming inside the Vehicle without disconnecting the ECU. On the Yaris (both LHD and RHD) cars, there is a connector behind the glove box that the ECM CAN wires pass through. A patch loom that taps into the ECM CAN lines and allows programming can be made up. The Connector used is the AH1 connector.

The pinout of AH1 is, but this varies between LHD and RHD cars

The Connector information is

The original 90980-12766 13PIN male automobile connector plug shell and terminal are supplied from stock
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003190999112.html
The original 90980-12767 13PIN Female automobile connector plug shell and terminal are provided from stock
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003157983299.html

 

AH1 plugs into the location marked in the photo above on the RHD cars. It is accessible in RHD cars by removing the glove box and the kick panel below. See detail below.

We believe it's also in the same location (left side of the car) on the LHD cars - see below. It may be harder to get to on LHD models. However, access through the side covers appears to be possible.

If you need further information or want to register interest (we don’t produce a cable currently) in a Yaris-only permanent gateway bypass cable, please get in touch at sales@ecutek.com. Keep in mind that we will continue to improve the suite and intend to provide a solution for OBD port programming that will negate the need for a permanent gateway bypass cable.