I have a 99 SE and I just got done installing my PR CAI and I need to reset my computer because the CEL came on. So I opened up the little panel by the gas pedal, peeled off the plastic sheet on the little screw hole.... and nothing is there. I tried a smaller screwdriver, a little mirror and flahlight, I stuck my screwdriver all the way in the box!!!!!!! I know exactly which hole I am supposed to be in. I used to own a 95 and Ive reset the comp millions of times in that. Is there something different on the 99's? Is there any other way to reset the computer? PLease help!!!!!!!!

 

My brother had this problem too when he tried to do it himself. I found it though when I looked.

The screw on the 99s is a little white plastic thing located a little inside and below the hole in the ECU. Use a flashlight and shine it down at about 45 degrees into the hole. You should see it.

You'll need a small Phillips screwdriver. Really hard to feel the stop points too.

 

i was also losing my mind trying to do this...
i have a 99, and you need a mini (very small) phillips screwdriver.
however the screw isn't in the middle, its off to the side a bit.
good luck!

 

Sweet! Thanks!
Didn't the gas pedal get in the way of you, the flashlight, and the screwdriver? Why would Nissan do this? For them to make more money and have Nissan dealerships charge you $75 to reset you ECU? Doesn't make sense.



PS- I no longer drive the 85 Tempo. Havn't changed my sig. Don't buy a Ford, even you get it for $300 and it runs. It WILL break down.

 

hehe, np, i KNOW the frustration you went through...trust me

don't try and stick your head near the pedals and look for the hole, just feel it out with your hand, and it should be fine.

but yes, nissan is stupid for forcing us to be in such awkward and uncomfortable positions

 

Just want to say that the screw is very fragile, and when you do it just turn the screwdriver by the...uh...shaft, very lightly and youll know when it stops cause it wont turn anymore without putting too much force on it. very easy to do once you get the hang of it.

 

OK

I went outside and tried it again and nothing!!!!!!! im getting really frustrated here!!!! Let's say you are looking at the screw hole straight on. Would I need to angle my screwdriver like 45 degrees down? up? sideways? how far in? And would I also have to angle the screw driver towards the front or back of the car? Can you give me some idea? I don't want to start scratchin the circuit board in there.

 

On my 99 SE the screw has a white plastic head and was not in the center of the hole. It was offset towards the left side of the hole.

I had to use a flashlight and magnifying glass to see it ( I must be getting old) Once I found it I used a small precision Phillips headed screwdriver to turn it.

It is a real pain getting down into the floor mat, but it does save you from the dealer telling you that you need to pay them big $

 

i had the same problem, and i'm pretty sure i broke off the screw on my ECU. Someone should modify the "ECU diagnosis" page to tell about the 99's

 

The screw will be at about 7 o'clock on the hole. Insert the screwdriver about 1/8" in the hole and angle the tip down. You should be in the ballpark.

 

If his 99 is Cali spec, will he still find the screw in there?


I think the Cali spec cars share the same ECU as the 5th gen guys. I don't think there's a screw in there.

** Billy Corgan - Please keep us updated! **

 

<--- 99 cali spec and ive reset my ECU ... its down there like where everyone else's is... its very tiny and adjitating... i stuck my head down there and i used one of those lil screw drivers you use to fix glasses with..... super tiny.

... it is a real awkward position, i got a muscle cramp/spasm while i was doing it.. etc etc ... lets just say its not pretty.

BUT it is down there.... good luck

 

what type of screwdriver are you using?
because a normal phillips won't cut it...it has to be VERY small.
i don't remember EXACTLY, but i think the screw is towards the bottom of the hole.
do'nt bother looking in...just stick the screwdriver in and find it.

 

Well I just got back from work, thanks for all the input, but im going to bed. Im going to tackle this thing first thing in the morning

 

I have a cali spec and the my ECU has the little screw, i've reset it before, you just need a small screw driver and some patience. I think if you left your battery unplugged overnight it resets the ECU too.