Toyota ECU/Computer Box Price Discounts?
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Almost two months after Typhoon Ondoy struck and here I am still waiting for my Toyota Vios 1.5G to be resurrected due to a damaged Engine Control Unit (ECU), popularly called computer box
Two of my officemates' cars, both new, were also submerged, the first is a Nissan Sentra (two weeks old) and the second's a Mitsubishi Lancer (2 months old). Both ECUs were repaired already and cars running fine...
My Toyota's ECU cannot be repaired with a damaged chip (a Fujitsu 10 21194-1230 chip) and ECU part number 89661-0D250 with engine number 1NZ-FE (1.5L A/T) notorious with car shops saying the computer box was disposable and cannot be repaired.
At my first inquiry with Toyota about 2 weeks after Ondoy, the ECU was priced at P36k. But since I was hoping my ECU can be repaired, I tarried and waited for it to be repaired only to tbe told that it can't bre rescued.
I again inquired from all nearby Toyota casa promo and heard of 40% discount valid until April 2010 but learned that the ECU now cost more than P50k and with the 40% discount is now about P31k...
Did they really apply the mark-up then offered the discount to make it more appealing? :(
Later I learned that a surplus 1NZ-FE engine from Japan costs only P30k from a friend of mine who imports whole engines. Those engines come with ECU too. I only imagined if I had known earlier, I could've bought a surplus engine, installed the ECU in my car then sold the surplus engine chop-chop or whole.
The only reservation I have with surplus ECUs is that my engine can really start but some features of my car won't be activated since some sensors/ accesories may not be present in the original car.
Read more!
Two of my officemates' cars, both new, were also submerged, the first is a Nissan Sentra (two weeks old) and the second's a Mitsubishi Lancer (2 months old). Both ECUs were repaired already and cars running fine...
My Toyota's ECU cannot be repaired with a damaged chip (a Fujitsu 10 21194-1230 chip) and ECU part number 89661-0D250 with engine number 1NZ-FE (1.5L A/T) notorious with car shops saying the computer box was disposable and cannot be repaired.
At my first inquiry with Toyota about 2 weeks after Ondoy, the ECU was priced at P36k. But since I was hoping my ECU can be repaired, I tarried and waited for it to be repaired only to tbe told that it can't bre rescued.
I again inquired from all nearby Toyota casa promo and heard of 40% discount valid until April 2010 but learned that the ECU now cost more than P50k and with the 40% discount is now about P31k...
Did they really apply the mark-up then offered the discount to make it more appealing? :(
Later I learned that a surplus 1NZ-FE engine from Japan costs only P30k from a friend of mine who imports whole engines. Those engines come with ECU too. I only imagined if I had known earlier, I could've bought a surplus engine, installed the ECU in my car then sold the surplus engine chop-chop or whole.
The only reservation I have with surplus ECUs is that my engine can really start but some features of my car won't be activated since some sensors/ accesories may not be present in the original car.
Labels: Driving
posted by paetechie @ 9:45 PM,
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Facebook Password Reset Confirmation Phishing Email
Monday, October 26, 2009
I received an email in my corporate email account informing me about a password reset of my Facebook account...what Facebook account? I don't have one
the email has subject lie: "Facebook Password Reset Confirmation" sent from IP address 202.64.92.44 (yeah, email addresses can be easily spoofed but not the source IP address but may be a compromise home PC)
Phishing email has body message:
"Hey xxxx ,
Because of the measures taken to provide safety to our clients, your password has been changed.
You can find your new password in attached document.
Thanks,
The Facebook Team"
the file attachement is a zip file with filename "Facebook_Password_4cf91.zip"
I didn't bother to have file scan with my online anti-virus, keyloggers and malware scanning tools. Running malware analysis might be interesting but sadly, I don't have the time for it.
Just beware of facebook phishing and don't even think of executing the attachment unless you know what you're doing.
Read more!
the email has subject lie: "Facebook Password Reset Confirmation" sent from IP address 202.64.92.44 (yeah, email addresses can be easily spoofed but not the source IP address but may be a compromise home PC)
Phishing email has body message:
"Hey xxxx ,
Because of the measures taken to provide safety to our clients, your password has been changed.
You can find your new password in attached document.
Thanks,
The Facebook Team"
the file attachement is a zip file with filename "Facebook_Password_4cf91.zip"
I didn't bother to have file scan with my online anti-virus, keyloggers and malware scanning tools. Running malware analysis might be interesting but sadly, I don't have the time for it.
Just beware of facebook phishing and don't even think of executing the attachment unless you know what you're doing.
Labels: Phishing
posted by paetechie @ 9:57 PM,
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GSIS/SSS Calamity Loans Applications
Thursday, October 15, 2009
I remember my college life when i usually asked by my mother, a public school teacher, to go to GSIS to apply/follow-up on her loan applications whether salary loan, policy loan, or whatever loan she can get her hands on just to tide us over
GSIS then was at the old GSIS building in front of SM City Manila behind Manila City Hall then it transferred to the new GSIS building at the reclamation area in Pasay City.
those were the days. Back then I knew by heart where to file, and whom to ask even the requirements for loan processing. Now i don't remember the details, i only remember it recently the GSIS vs IBM database issue that's painful not for both of them but for the millions of GSIS pensioners and loan applicants trapped in the middle of the "war"
Typhoon Ondoy again brought back surge for GSIS calamity loans. No idea about SSS calamity loans for i've yet to apply for one.
Read more!
GSIS then was at the old GSIS building in front of SM City Manila behind Manila City Hall then it transferred to the new GSIS building at the reclamation area in Pasay City.
those were the days. Back then I knew by heart where to file, and whom to ask even the requirements for loan processing. Now i don't remember the details, i only remember it recently the GSIS vs IBM database issue that's painful not for both of them but for the millions of GSIS pensioners and loan applicants trapped in the middle of the "war"
Typhoon Ondoy again brought back surge for GSIS calamity loans. No idea about SSS calamity loans for i've yet to apply for one.
Labels: eGovernment
posted by paetechie @ 3:19 PM,
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Computer Box Repair ECU Flooded Cars/Vehicles Don't Come Cheap!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
I hate to admit it but I'm one of the probably hundreds of car owners with flood submerged vehicles by typhoon Ondoy.
Since I know my car no longer has warranty and no insurance coverage against "acts of god" that include protection against flood damage.
My two mechanics from Andok's maintenance pointed out that my car's Engine Control Unit (ECU) popularly known as Computer Box and the Whetron Car Alarm and keyless entry system's damaged and need to be repaired/replaced. Note that there's another computer brain found in my Toyota Vios 1.5G and that's the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) computer that may have also been damaged. I already got the boxes withh me cleaned (using contact cleaner i bought from Handyman), and dried using a hair blower/dryer but the same problem that my car engine won't start (after replacing all oils, ATF, gas and coolant).
I'm looking for people and shops who can guarantee, as second opinion, that my ECU and ABS systems are really damaged. Testing, engine scanning and ECU replacement services, at a price cheaper than Toyota Casa. I prefer shops on Banaue (quezon city, araneta avenue, San Juan, and Mandaluyong. An officemate also pointed me to Evangelista St in Bangkal, Makati.
I may have to shell out too much money on this one but I have no choice. heard the ECUs of Honda are more expensive. Don't know about Nissan and Mitsubishi ECUs, new cars of my two peers also submerged plus a Toyota Altis of a director here.
Charge it to experience!
Read more!
Since I know my car no longer has warranty and no insurance coverage against "acts of god" that include protection against flood damage.
My two mechanics from Andok's maintenance pointed out that my car's Engine Control Unit (ECU) popularly known as Computer Box and the Whetron Car Alarm and keyless entry system's damaged and need to be repaired/replaced. Note that there's another computer brain found in my Toyota Vios 1.5G and that's the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) computer that may have also been damaged. I already got the boxes withh me cleaned (using contact cleaner i bought from Handyman), and dried using a hair blower/dryer but the same problem that my car engine won't start (after replacing all oils, ATF, gas and coolant).
I'm looking for people and shops who can guarantee, as second opinion, that my ECU and ABS systems are really damaged. Testing, engine scanning and ECU replacement services, at a price cheaper than Toyota Casa. I prefer shops on Banaue (quezon city, araneta avenue, San Juan, and Mandaluyong. An officemate also pointed me to Evangelista St in Bangkal, Makati.
I may have to shell out too much money on this one but I have no choice. heard the ECUs of Honda are more expensive. Don't know about Nissan and Mitsubishi ECUs, new cars of my two peers also submerged plus a Toyota Altis of a director here.
Charge it to experience!
Labels: Driving
posted by paetechie @ 11:20 AM,
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Latest Typhoon Ondoy Flood Pictures Manila
Saturday, September 26, 2009
caught me by surprise by typhoon ondoy's watery world when waters started rising around 10am and continued up to around 4pm reaching a floodwater about 7 feet deep
here are two pictures of floods by typhoon Ondoy somewhere in metro manila. More photos only if i have my waterproof camera with me.
Latest news from PAGASA on typhoon Ondoy said it's going northwards. Metro Manila's flooded even makati, manila, quezon city. No news yet on number of deaths and millions of pesos in damages.
I already declared a personal state of calamity: no work on monday September 28, 2009
saddest about it was that my car got totally submerged in water.
gastos again!
Read more!
here are two pictures of floods by typhoon Ondoy somewhere in metro manila. More photos only if i have my waterproof camera with me.
Latest news from PAGASA on typhoon Ondoy said it's going northwards. Metro Manila's flooded even makati, manila, quezon city. No news yet on number of deaths and millions of pesos in damages.
I already declared a personal state of calamity: no work on monday September 28, 2009
saddest about it was that my car got totally submerged in water.
gastos again!
Labels: Floobydust
posted by paetechie @ 3:44 PM,
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iPhone 3G iTunes Error: “We could not complete your iTunes store request,an unknown error occurred (-9808)”
Friday, September 18, 2009
I got a distress call yesterday from an officemate with an iPhone 3G (a
relatively new one even if the iPhone 3GS is already out)
The iPhone had a blank white screen running old firmaware 2.2.1 and after trying to reset it, Id decided to upgrade it to the latest iPhone firmware version to see if it fixes the problem.
As I plugged the iPhone to my notebook and fired up iTunes, I was able to upgrade it to the latest version but an error of iTunes kept popping up that says:
“We could not complete your iTunes store request,an unknown error occurred (-9808)”
After investigation and some logs "forensics" of Windows Vista, I found out it's caused by a certificate revocation error, probably due to my use of an older iTunes version.
Due to lack of time, I just used a workaround solution to "hack" Internet Options (from Internet Explorer Options tab), Advanced and Security to uncheck "“Check for server certificate revocation (requires restart)” then restarted Internet Explorer to effect the change.
When I tried again to access iTunes store, the error did go away.
My officemate was so happy she thought her iPhone's bad and saved her the hassle of visiting Globe business center for local iPhone technical support.
Read more!
relatively new one even if the iPhone 3GS is already out)
The iPhone had a blank white screen running old firmaware 2.2.1 and after trying to reset it, Id decided to upgrade it to the latest iPhone firmware version to see if it fixes the problem.
As I plugged the iPhone to my notebook and fired up iTunes, I was able to upgrade it to the latest version but an error of iTunes kept popping up that says:
“We could not complete your iTunes store request,an unknown error occurred (-9808)”
After investigation and some logs "forensics" of Windows Vista, I found out it's caused by a certificate revocation error, probably due to my use of an older iTunes version.
Due to lack of time, I just used a workaround solution to "hack" Internet Options (from Internet Explorer Options tab), Advanced and Security to uncheck "“Check for server certificate revocation (requires restart)” then restarted Internet Explorer to effect the change.
When I tried again to access iTunes store, the error did go away.
My officemate was so happy she thought her iPhone's bad and saved her the hassle of visiting Globe business center for local iPhone technical support.
Labels: iPhone Tricks
posted by paetechie @ 8:21 PM,
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Report Drug Pushers Anonymously PDEA/DDB Hotline
Sunday, September 13, 2009
As I've posted sometime ago about a neighbor of mine dealing drugs in my neighborhood. I'm thinking of reporting her anonymous to the dangerous Drugs Board and/or Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and see if those agencies are really doing their jobs or just sleeping in their air-conditioned offices.
How to report drug pushers anonymously:
Call DDB 24-hour Action Center with mobile numbers: 0928-NO DRUGS, 0917-NO DRUGS, and DDB hotline number 929-6623 and also Yahoo Messenger (YM) chat account nodrugsphilippines. report drug pushers, smugglers, drug syndicates, drug mules, drug lords et al
The DDB vows confidentiality to all personalities who will provide information. This I hope is true for many people are willing to report scums if their anonymity is guaranteed.
Note that Imbestigador doesn't cater to anonymous callers/testers requiring personal appearance at GMA 7 Imbestigador office at GMA 7 office on EDSA corner Timog Avenue.
ABS-CBN's XXX has email address for reporting but no information if they allow anonymous whistle blowers.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing"
Read more!
How to report drug pushers anonymously:
Call DDB 24-hour Action Center with mobile numbers: 0928-NO DRUGS, 0917-NO DRUGS, and DDB hotline number 929-6623 and also Yahoo Messenger (YM) chat account nodrugsphilippines. report drug pushers, smugglers, drug syndicates, drug mules, drug lords et al
The DDB vows confidentiality to all personalities who will provide information. This I hope is true for many people are willing to report scums if their anonymity is guaranteed.
Note that Imbestigador doesn't cater to anonymous callers/testers requiring personal appearance at GMA 7 Imbestigador office at GMA 7 office on EDSA corner Timog Avenue.
ABS-CBN's XXX has email address for reporting but no information if they allow anonymous whistle blowers.
"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing"
Labels: Floobydust
posted by paetechie @ 9:09 PM,
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September 7, 2009 is a Non-working Holiday?
Friday, September 04, 2009
As claimed by my officemates and allegedly seen on TV, September 7, 2009, Monday, was declared a non-working holiday.
Ever the skeptic as I am as my officemates already made wrong announcements before, I checked out Inquirer.net and Philstar.com, Manila Bulleting and gov.ph for the official annoucement but no latest news yet posted.
I'm just hoping it's true. All I know is that September 7 is Labor Day in America (celebrated on the first Monday of September) or is it because of the burial of Iglesia Ni Cristo's Erano Manalo that's why it's declared a special non-working holiday.
Related Post:
Philippine Holidays in 2010
Read more!
Ever the skeptic as I am as my officemates already made wrong announcements before, I checked out Inquirer.net and Philstar.com, Manila Bulleting and gov.ph for the official annoucement but no latest news yet posted.
I'm just hoping it's true. All I know is that September 7 is Labor Day in America (celebrated on the first Monday of September) or is it because of the burial of Iglesia Ni Cristo's Erano Manalo that's why it's declared a special non-working holiday.
Related Post:
Philippine Holidays in 2010
Labels: Floobydust
posted by paetechie @ 6:21 PM,
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