Will not start on 1st Gear

Just bought a 1994 Super Custom Limited KZH106 with the 1KZ. When on Drive, it will start on 2nd gear. Transmission seems in good condition since 1st gear does work Manually on “L” Mode. I changed out the Transmission module and still the same. My mechanic now thinks it’s the main ECU brain that might be bad. Any advise would be appreciated. I am located in Los Angeles CA USA.

Assuming that you mean by 'start' that the engine can be started it sounds to me that the inhibitor switch or its actuating mechanism is faulty; it absolutely should not start in any driving gear!

If instead you mean that the engine is running but it won't move forward then maybe the ECU has had capacitor leakage and is not sending the correct information to the transmission controller. Pull out the ECU and do a close visual inspection of the circuit board for any signs of corrosion. There are threads on here about repair of the ECU; the damage normally found is inexpensive to repair.

It’s explained well enough. When you take off and hit the gas, it starts on 2nd gear and not 1st. I’ll
Probably send out the ECu to get inspected and fixed

It doesn't have a "2nd gear start" switch does it? My '91 LH119 does not, but two Prados I've owned did. The idea is to minimize wheel spin in slippery conditions such as ice. The Prado switches were a bit out of the normal line of sight.

No it does not have 2nd gear switch. Has a Module for the transmission and a Engine ECu. Both are good. Just checked. Is there a Gear range sensor? And where?

So I got the engine ECu checked and the Transmission module checked. They are in good condition. What can the next problem be? I’ve heard of a “gear range sensor” somewhere but I don’t know where that might be at. As I don’t have a diagram of the transmission components. Any help please? Will appreciated.

Oh that looks nice, what make, size wheels and tyres?

The ECU electro caps do go, the legs fall off rather than any visible thing on top. If you do change them (recommended) I post some info - just do a search. The 1uF is bipolar BTW.

But I doubt it's the engine ECU. Have you checked the fluid? Is it nice red/pink?

My #1 suspect however is one of the solenoids in the box, you can access them by dropping the pan. The Mechanical stick overrides the solenoids IIRC, so it seems the hydraulics are working but I suspect a coil is gone in the box. If you can work out the wiring you can try and click them with 12V to see if they are working. I never managed to find the wiring for that however, the alternative is to replace them all using a kit of new ones.

Where can I buy a new kit? Maybe a Link?