How do you know when the ECU is bad. I've been having problems starting up my car for the last two weeks. So I took it to a reputable shop, and for 3 days they tried looking for the problem, but couldn't find anything. They checked the battery, alternator, starter, grounding system, fuel system, various sensors, and the only thing they think could be a problem is the ECU. They think the ECU might have something wrong with it. So how would I go about checking to see if the ECU is bad, before I reluctantly take it to the dealership.

P.S. the CEL is throwing out codes for Crankshaft position sensor(04 07), and a secondary code for knock sensor (03 04).

please help.

 

I remember reading on this forum not too long ago about someone having the same problem starting their car. It was the crankshaft position sensor that was bad. The knock sensor maybe just a secondary code being triggerd.

 

The Knock sensor is definetly a secondary code, but the mechanic said that he put in a new crankshaft sensor to see if that was the problem. but the car still had trouble starting, so he said that wasn't the problem. everybody is at a loss.

 

Did you put a underdrive pulley on your car recently? I know the wrong pulley was sent to someone and it threw this code. Don't remember if it is a 4th or 5th gen that had the problem though.

 

Someone is selling an ECU for a 96 on the org right now. Check out the "for sale" threads.

This is the thread

He only wants $80 shipped

 

I did have an underdrive pulley installed, but only after I started having problems starting up.

 

odd, i just reset my ecu after getting the knock sensor code, two days later i have had a lil trouble starting my car also, ut now the problems are seeming to go away, this happened to me within the week...... maybe just a coincidence?

 

that's weird because, I still have the starting problem, but it feels like it's getting a little better. hmmmm.....

 

Just thought of something which may help. About 2 yrs. ago I had problems starting my Toyota Supra. After checking/rechecking everything I couldn't find the problem. Finally I thought it was maybe ignition switch causing intermittment problems, so I wired a toggle switch from battery to starter and placed the toggle on my dash to start. Had no problems using toggle to start the car. On day I decided to take a closer look at the contacts on all the wires connected to the starter. They looked fine but I went ahead and cleaned them by a light sanding. Afterwards, the car started just fine through the ignition switch. 2 yrs later, car still starting without any problems using ignition switch.

I'm wondering if you have a wire/contact somewhere thats has a slight bit of corrosion or maybe not just getting enough metal/metal contact.

Hopes this helps.

 

bump