Every control module on the 2020-2026 Toyota Highlander — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) 2.5 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Integrated within transmission assembly, passenger side of engine bay
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Requires transmission removal or partial disassembly; VIN registration and adaptive learning reset required
Hybrid Vehicle Control ECU / Battery ECU (HV ECU) 2.0 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Under rear cargo floor or behind rear seat (Hybrid models only)
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Hybrid models only; high-voltage safety procedures mandatory; battery pack calibration and cell balancing required; dealer-only due to HV system complexity
ABS Actuator / Brake Control Module (ABS) 1.8 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, driver side near strut tower
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Brake bleeding required after replacement; VIN registration and calibration required
Body Control Module / Multiplex Network Body ECU (BCM) 1.5 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind driver side lower dash panel, above fuse box
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Controls lighting, power windows, locks; requires extensive configuration for vehicle options and VIN registration
Power Sliding Door ECU / Multiplex Network Door ECU (DOOR ECU) 1.5 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Inside sliding door panels (left and right), lower door area
🔧 Toyota Techstream or Autel/Launch
⚠️ Initialization and limit learning required; pinch protection calibration needed
Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPS ECU) 1.5 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.4 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Steering column area, behind lower dash or integrated with steering column assembly
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration required after replacement; zero-point learning procedure mandatory
4WD Control ECU / Transfer Case Control Module (4WD ECU) 1.5 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.2 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Under vehicle, attached to transfer case or near transmission (AWD models)
🔧 Toyota Techstream or Autel/Launch
⚠️ AWD system initialization; coupling calibration may be needed
Air Conditioning Amplifier / HVAC Control Module (A/C AMP) 1.2 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.2 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind center dash, integrated with climate control panel or behind glove box
🔧 Toyota Techstream or Autel/Launch
⚠️ Basic initialization usually sufficient; dual-zone or tri-zone configuration if equipped
Engine Control Module / Powertrain Control Module (ECM/PCM) 1.2 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, driver side firewall area, mounted on bracket near brake master cylinder
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ VIN registration and immobilizer pairing required; seed-key authentication needed; 2024+ may have enhanced security
Gateway ECU / Communication Gateway (GATEWAY) 1.2 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.6 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind driver side lower dash or integrated with BCM
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Manages CAN bus communication between networks; VIN registration required; 2024+ may have enhanced security protocols
Audio / Navigation / Multimedia System (RADIO/NAV) 1.2 hr R&R relearn only +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Center dash, integrated in center stack
🔧 Toyota Techstream or self-initialization
⚠️ 2020+ uses larger touchscreen with Audio Multimedia system; basic setup menu configuration usually sufficient
Power Back Door ECU (PBD ECU) 1.0 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Rear liftgate, driver side lower trim area
🔧 Toyota Techstream or Autel/Launch
⚠️ Height memory and limit learning required; pinch protection calibration mandatory; hands-free operation on some trims
SRS Airbag Control Module (SRS ECU) 1.0 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.3 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Center console area, under front seats or center tunnel
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Battery disconnect required; crash data must be cleared; occupant classification system calibration may be needed
Smart Key ECU / Immobilizer ECU (SMART KEY/IMM) 1.0 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind lower dash, driver side near steering column or center console area
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ All keys must be re-registered; ECM pairing required; security seed-key authentication mandatory
Pre-Collision System Millimeter Wave Radar / TSS 2.5 Radar (PCS RADAR) 1.0 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.8 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Front grille area, center behind Toyota emblem
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ TSS 2.0/2.5 system; aiming and calibration mandatory after replacement; requires alignment targets and specific procedures
Adaptive Front Lighting System ECU / LED Headlight Control Module (AFS ECU) 0.8 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.2 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind headlight assemblies or in engine compartment near headlights
🔧 Toyota Techstream or Autel/Launch
⚠️ Auto-leveling calibration required; steering angle sensor input must be verified; 2024+ may have adaptive high beam
Forward Recognition Camera / TSS Camera (FR CAMERA) 0.8 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +1.0 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Windshield area, behind rearview mirror
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ TSS 2.0/2.5 monocular camera; windshield replacement requires recalibration; static and dynamic calibration procedures required
Combination Meter / Instrument Cluster (METER) 0.8 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Instrument panel, behind steering wheel
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Mileage programming required by law; VIN registration mandatory; dealer-only for odometer transfer; 2020+ uses digital display
Digital Key ECU / Smartphone Key Module (DIGITAL KEY) 0.8 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind dash or integrated with Smart Key ECU
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ 2024+ feature on select trims; smartphone pairing and security authentication required; dealer activation needed
Occupant Detection ECU / Seat Control Module (ODS ECU) 0.8 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.4 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Under front passenger seat, integrated with seat frame
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Occupant classification calibration required; SRS system integration; zero-point calibration with specific weights
Data Communication Module / Telematics Control Unit (DCM) 0.8 hr R&R dealer / factory tool +0.5 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind glove box or overhead console area
🔧 Toyota Techstream with TIS subscription
⚠️ Safety Connect / Service Connect; requires dealer activation and subscription pairing; 2024+ may use 4G/5G connectivity
Parking Assist ECU / Clearance Sonar ECU (PA ECU) 0.7 hr R&R aftermarket tool +0.2 hr ▸ programming details
📍 Behind rear bumper or rear cargo area trim
🔧 Toyota Techstream or Autel/Launch
⚠️ Sensor calibration may be required; usually self-learning after installation
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour?
Tell us — corrections ship fast here.