I Can't Find The Screw On My Ecu!
 

I have a 99 maxima SE L . I am trying do a fault code diagnosis using the instructions in the post at the top of the 4th gen page.
I can't seem to find the screw. I attached a link to a photo.
It must be recessed but I don't want to reach around in there with a screw driver if I can't see the screw.
Is there anyone out there with a 99 maxima that has done this, any help would be great.

Click this link to see a photo of the ECU
http://ww-models.com/graphics/ecu2.jpg

You're right where you need to be, it's in the hole behind the broken tape (you probably knew that) but it's sunken down a bit and it's a small white plastic screw you need tiny screwdriver and kid gloves.

http://www.brianv.net/mods/ecu/ECU2.jpg

Go to http://www.brianv.net for all the info about resetting your ecu.

Thanks for the info.
How did you see the tiny white plastic screw underneath? I looked and looked and can't see anything. How do you know the position of the screw if you can't see it? I guess I could probably feel it.
It also says something about the idle speed adjust. Do I have to worry about that?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by looney662
[B]http://www.brianv.net/mods/ecu/ECU2.jpg

The ECU is different on the 99 Max the screw is recessed and hard to find, check out the photo on my post and compare it to the photo link that you gave me, you will see what I mean. That's why I was confused.

On my 99, the small white plastic screw is recessed off to the left side. You need to use a real small screwdriver, the type used for eyeglasses, to turn the screw. Be very gentle, and you be able to feel the stops when turning right or left. I know its tough to see and I used a strong flashlight to get a good idea where that white screw is located. As to the sticker about idle speed, just disregard that.

Just saw your picture, looks like mine. My white screw is recessed and located downward to the left. I can access it by inserting the screw driver on an angle.

After looking at the picture you posted, I'm not so sure you didn't break off the screw. Believe me, it's possible...

After I broke mine off, I had to remove the ECU, open it up and try to repair. When I realized that is not possible, I wired in a simple two position toggle switch which does the same things as the screw used to. I can now just reach down and flick the switch back and forth to read codes and re-set. Not pretty, but it works.

I hope for your sake, however, that you didn't break it. I too have a 99 SE.

Good luck,

Eric99SE

I just broke a hole through the plastic...
I did't use any tools yet.

Did you have a metal or a white plastic screw?
I am just curious.

I think I see it at the 4 o'clock position

It 's a gray slotted plastic screw

also have a 99 SE and just reset the ECU for the first time this past weekend. mine had a white plastic phillips head positioned around the bottom left. you'll need a small phillips screw driver used for electronic repairs. forget about a normal flat head screwdriver, it's too big. also, it requires very little pressure to turn in either direction.

hope this helps!

i have the same car, and i was able to get the codes, but couldn't find the screw to reset the ECU. I'm pretty sure that i broke it off in the process. I found out a couple of days later the guy iwas working with had an OBDII scanner, i just had him reset it.

eric99SE: that actually sounds better than all this turn screw here, turn screw there BS. how about some pics, or maybe if you're generous, a write-up?

Ok, I found the screw. Now I turned the ignition key to the second position as per the directions. Then I turned the screw in the ECU clockwise till stop waited 5 sec. then turned it back to original position.
I got nothing.. no blinking lights no sound ...nothing. I waited 5 minutes then tried again.
Still nothing.
The "Service engine soon" light is still on.
... :confused:

Here are directions for getting codes:

http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecu.html

You should waite about 2 sec. and you have to turn the key to acc not on. before the car starts. then turn the screw clockwise.

Those are the directions I used... I didn't see any blinking

what do you feel wrong about your car? did you notice a problem with your car?
turn your car on let it run for 3 min, then turn it off. then repeat the methond on vbx site. waite for like 3 min let the ecu record data.

Is your engine light on while the car is running? If not, there are no troubleshooting codes.

If your engine light is on with car running and you are unable to obtain codes by turning the ecu screw, I would suggest taking the car to your local AutoZone. They'll hook up an OBDII scanner and get the codes for you, free of charge.

I didn't knwo autozone do that for free. good to know. :)

Just did this on my car.

Reset the ECU with no problem!!!

I LOVE this forum!