The 98/99 ECU Thread
04-09-2005, 03:59 PM
#203
Originally Posted by jouvert00
It is actually a plug and play deal, I have all the benifits of the 95-96 ecu upgrades
7k rev limiter/speed limit removal/ignition map timing adjustment/fuel map adjustment
There is no harness swap or rewiring needed.
7k rev limiter/speed limit removal/ignition map timing adjustment/fuel map adjustment
There is no harness swap or rewiring needed.
04-10-2005, 06:46 AM
#205
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Originally Posted by Jar
I know the point here is more geared to the 99 but has anyone used a 97 in a 98 without problems? if a 97 works since you can put a moded 96 in a 97 wouldnt that wourk for the 98 too?
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=350138
04-10-2005, 07:27 AM
#206
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Originally Posted by jouvert00
I forgot to mention the only thing that needs to be done on the 96 upgrded jwt ecu is you would need to relocate the fuel ignition wire by simply moving it from pin 117 to pin 11. 
1. physically moved connections on board side of ecu connector. If they did it this way, it is strange why you would still need to move the pin for the fuel pump relay. This would be fairly labor intensive and I would expect JWT to charge an extra premium for this.
2. modify the software to remap the required i/o.
Notes:
1. You will lose your immobilizer.
2. Quite possibly will only be available for 5 speeds as the communication method between the ecm and tcm modules was radically changed from 98 to 99.
3. These ecus would not be able to go back into a 95 thru 97. This would only be a consideration for resale.
04-10-2005, 10:16 AM
#208
Originally Posted by Ninos_Maxima
^ I thought the imobiliser system has its own seperate ECU
04-10-2005, 08:01 PM
#210
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Originally Posted by RichMax
It does. Earlier in this thread there is a link to a description of the NVIS/NATS system. From what I can tell, the separate IMMU (immobilizer contoller unit) communicates with the main ECU using protocols which may be unique to 99+ Maximas. The 99+ main ECU is awaiting an "o.k. to start" signal and, alternatively, can be sent a "don't start" or "immobilize" signal (if the wrong key is used, for example). I dont think older main ECUs can handle these signals appropriately, in order to act on them, and therein lies the problem.
Ecus for maxes prior to 99 are not "immobilizer aware" so they are not looking for the "OK to start" signal. The signal is still sent from the immobilizer of course but the ecu input on that terminal is not used.
If you do not believe me, look at an EC circuit diagram and/or pin-out for any 95-98 max and compare it to a 99 to convince yourself.
04-11-2005, 05:36 AM
#212
Originally Posted by eng92
The immobilizer is a non-issue.
Ecus for maxes prior to 99 are not "immobilizer aware" so they are not looking for the "OK to start" signal. The signal is still sent from the immobilizer of course but the ecu input on that terminal is not used.
If you do not believe me, look at an EC circuit diagram and/or pin-out for any 95-98 max and compare it to a 99 to convince yourself.
Ecus for maxes prior to 99 are not "immobilizer aware" so they are not looking for the "OK to start" signal. The signal is still sent from the immobilizer of course but the ecu input on that terminal is not used.
If you do not believe me, look at an EC circuit diagram and/or pin-out for any 95-98 max and compare it to a 99 to convince yourself.
.By the way, I aired an idea a while back- we could really use the expertise of an EE/CS guy with good IC knowledge to help us out here... and as large as this community is, I'm sure there is someone amongst us. That someone, being a member of this community, would also not be blind to the profit potential
...
04-11-2005, 06:22 AM
#216
Sorry for the delayed response, i was out of town and just returned last night.
As far as the pin 117 to 11.On the 99 max fed/cali, the fuel pump relay pin on the ecu was moved for some reason to pin 117, and in previous years 95-98 the the fuel pump relay existed on pin 11.
When i receive the 96 modded ecu all i would do is jump a wire from 117 to 11 on the wiring harness so that the fuel pump relay would be activated.
As far as i was told the vehicles immobilizer would not be affected by the ecu.
I received the jwt ecu over the the weekend so i didn't have chance to install it, i would probably get a chance tues or wed to install it.
I will let you know when it is complete and give you the final word.
As far as the pin 117 to 11.On the 99 max fed/cali, the fuel pump relay pin on the ecu was moved for some reason to pin 117, and in previous years 95-98 the the fuel pump relay existed on pin 11.
When i receive the 96 modded ecu all i would do is jump a wire from 117 to 11 on the wiring harness so that the fuel pump relay would be activated.
As far as i was told the vehicles immobilizer would not be affected by the ecu.
I received the jwt ecu over the the weekend so i didn't have chance to install it, i would probably get a chance tues or wed to install it.
I will let you know when it is complete and give you the final word.
04-11-2005, 07:56 AM
#217
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Originally Posted by jouvert00
When i receive the 96 modded ecu all i would do is jump a wire from 117 to 11 on the wiring harness so that the fuel pump relay would be activated.
In this case you will have to move the terminal in the connector. If you have never done this before, make sure you pop up the two white terminal locking tabs on the connecctor or you will damage the terminal trying to get it out.
04-11-2005, 08:06 AM
#218
Originally Posted by eng92
There probably will not be a wire to pin 11 in your 99 harness as it was not used.
In this case you will have to move the terminal in the connector. If you have never done this before, make sure you pop up the two white terminal locking tabs on the connecctor or you will damage the terminal trying to get it out.
In this case you will have to move the terminal in the connector. If you have never done this before, make sure you pop up the two white terminal locking tabs on the connecctor or you will damage the terminal trying to get it out.
04-11-2005, 02:13 PM
#219
As it stands we still have NO solution for people who are keeping a 4AT and NATS...
an older ECU will definitely not do for the 99... and at present all we have is theories, no viable options...
But still... let us know how it works with your 96 5MT ECU
an older ECU will definitely not do for the 99... and at present all we have is theories, no viable options...
But still... let us know how it works with your 96 5MT ECU
04-11-2005, 04:59 PM
#222
Originally Posted by Ninos_Maxima
wait so autos cant get the ecu?
So using a 96 ECU would only work in a 99 with no TCU (i.e., a 5-speed Max). Of course, you could always drop the TCU from an older Max (96 or so) into your 99 to make things work, but there has to be SOME reason why Nissan changed the communications protocol, and the 99 TCU is probably improved at least a bit over the 96...
Some documentation on the TCU changes would be great...
04-11-2005, 05:42 PM
#223
OK, I can work with this.
1. Anyone with a '99 Auto who wants to do this should do a 5-speed swap. Anyone with an auto should do the swap anyway.
2. Anyone with a '99 5-speed must also factor in the cost of a nice aftermarket alarm system when they consider a modified '96 ECU. It's not a bad idea anyway, unless you live somewhere where you're not concerned about theft, in which case you don't really need the Immobilizer either.
Thanks to all you pioneers making this happen! Keep updating us!
1. Anyone with a '99 Auto who wants to do this should do a 5-speed swap. Anyone with an auto should do the swap anyway.
2. Anyone with a '99 5-speed must also factor in the cost of a nice aftermarket alarm system when they consider a modified '96 ECU. It's not a bad idea anyway, unless you live somewhere where you're not concerned about theft, in which case you don't really need the Immobilizer either.
Thanks to all you pioneers making this happen! Keep updating us!
04-12-2005, 03:28 PM
#224
I called JWT today
Spoke to Ben then Clark. They both explained that a 1996 ECU can power a 1999 car if pin 117 is moved to 11 position because that is the only difference.
Spoke to Ben then Clark. They both explained that a 1996 ECU can power a 1999 car if pin 117 is moved to 11 position because that is the only difference.
04-12-2005, 03:35 PM
#225
hrmmm are they gonna charge any more for doing this? is the programming diff at all? also i want jouvert to install it and get back to us, if this actually works.. than oh man... us 99'ers may actually have a future 
04-12-2005, 04:15 PM
#226
thats not true they are more than just the fuel pump that are on different pins that are different on the ecu`s.. you ignition sigal`s are on differnet pins as well. look at my website. i have all the info for the 96 and 99 ecu on there
www.thedv8tor.com
www.thedv8tor.com
04-12-2005, 06:47 PM
#229
Ive just briefly compared the '96 and '99 FSMs and I can tell you guys that it's not gonna be swapping just one wire... Unless JWT has somehow physically modified the boards internally. 
Until I get a "converted ECU" and open it up I won't belive them.
Until I get a "converted ECU" and open it up I won't belive them.
04-12-2005, 07:35 PM
#230
Originally Posted by 98SEBlackMax
Ive just briefly compared the '96 and '99 FSMs and I can tell you guys that it's not gonna be swapping just one wire... Unless JWT has somehow physically modified the boards internally.
Until I get a "converted ECU" and open it up I won't belive them.
Until I get a "converted ECU" and open it up I won't belive them.
04-15-2005, 09:21 AM
#235
Sorry for the tardy update but i am afraid that i have some dissapionting news.
I had everything hook up on the 96 ecu pin 117 moved to pin 11 and all solid conection but the problem i was having is the car would start but everytime gas was applied it would cut off for some reason.
I called JWT to confirm that all my connections were corrrect which they confirmed.
Ben at JWT said that they did about fifty ecu conversions 97-99 maximas and only one had a similar problem.
To make a long story short he advised me to send back the 96 ecu so they would run a secondary test on it, to be honest i am very dissapointed that it did't work the first time around but i am very confident we will get it squared away.Should have it back within a week.
Sorry ninos maxima but the battle is not over yet keep the faith.
keep you updated.
I had everything hook up on the 96 ecu pin 117 moved to pin 11 and all solid conection but the problem i was having is the car would start but everytime gas was applied it would cut off for some reason.
I called JWT to confirm that all my connections were corrrect which they confirmed.
Ben at JWT said that they did about fifty ecu conversions 97-99 maximas and only one had a similar problem.
To make a long story short he advised me to send back the 96 ecu so they would run a secondary test on it, to be honest i am very dissapointed that it did't work the first time around but i am very confident we will get it squared away.Should have it back within a week.
Sorry ninos maxima but the battle is not over yet keep the faith.
keep you updated.
04-15-2005, 10:51 AM
#236
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Originally Posted by 98fiveSpeed
Since the information regarding an ECU upgrade four our model years is so
fragmented, I would like this thread to be the location with
the most-complete and up-to-date information for (the lack of) ecu upgrades.
As far as I know, these are the possibilities,
1) Technosquare Inc.
http://www.technosquareinc.com
I spoke with them today and was told that they have no time-frame
set to deal with the 98/99 ECU's. They are working backwards and
have the ECU's ready for the 2003 downto 2000's but have not started
any work on the 98/99 ecu's. Im sure they will have something in
the near-future but as of now, there is no plan. The person I spoke
with also said that they would need a guinnea pig for the test..
I dont have a problem being one but since im in SF bay area and
they closer to LA, so I dont know how this would work. I dont know
what kind of testing would be involved and we would be shpping
the unit back and forth. I am even willing to make the trip out
there, if they agree to do our ecu. But regardless, they dont have
any time-frame to help us out. I have a feeling that if we get together
and show enuf intereset, they will try to do our ECU.
2) Jim Wolf Technology INC.
http://www.jimwolftechnology.com/
These guys do ECU's for 90-96. I spoke with one of their techies
today and he told me that the 96 ECU would work and that the
CEL (Check Engine Light) might not/might comeon. This would only be
due to the exhaust related things but the car would run without
problems. Are there any 97/98/99's running modified 96 ECU's?
The cost for this was quoted to be $595.00. He did not indicate
whether JWT would ever consider doing 98/99 ECU's.
3) G-Force Engineering
I found no information on this. I would appreciate if someone could post links.
4) Stillen
I left a message with the tech and will update this thread whenever I hear back.
5) JET Chip
From what I hear, its crap. I would like more feedback on this.
6) The other solution is to use a piggyback system such as E-Manage.
This will allow for the fuel system tuning. The only problem is
this wont remove/upgrade the rev-limiter.
What did I leave out?
How about the more recent ECU's, anyone know if the 2000+ ecu will work for the 98/99's?
fragmented, I would like this thread to be the location with
the most-complete and up-to-date information for (the lack of) ecu upgrades.
As far as I know, these are the possibilities,
1) Technosquare Inc.
http://www.technosquareinc.com
I spoke with them today and was told that they have no time-frame
set to deal with the 98/99 ECU's. They are working backwards and
have the ECU's ready for the 2003 downto 2000's but have not started
any work on the 98/99 ecu's. Im sure they will have something in
the near-future but as of now, there is no plan. The person I spoke
with also said that they would need a guinnea pig for the test..
I dont have a problem being one but since im in SF bay area and
they closer to LA, so I dont know how this would work. I dont know
what kind of testing would be involved and we would be shpping
the unit back and forth. I am even willing to make the trip out
there, if they agree to do our ecu. But regardless, they dont have
any time-frame to help us out. I have a feeling that if we get together
and show enuf intereset, they will try to do our ECU.
2) Jim Wolf Technology INC.
http://www.jimwolftechnology.com/
These guys do ECU's for 90-96. I spoke with one of their techies
today and he told me that the 96 ECU would work and that the
CEL (Check Engine Light) might not/might comeon. This would only be
due to the exhaust related things but the car would run without
problems. Are there any 97/98/99's running modified 96 ECU's?
The cost for this was quoted to be $595.00. He did not indicate
whether JWT would ever consider doing 98/99 ECU's.
3) G-Force Engineering
I found no information on this. I would appreciate if someone could post links.
4) Stillen
I left a message with the tech and will update this thread whenever I hear back.
5) JET Chip
From what I hear, its crap. I would like more feedback on this.
6) The other solution is to use a piggyback system such as E-Manage.
This will allow for the fuel system tuning. The only problem is
this wont remove/upgrade the rev-limiter.
What did I leave out?
How about the more recent ECU's, anyone know if the 2000+ ecu will work for the 98/99's?
04-15-2005, 01:50 PM
#238
"Get one"? I don't mean to upset people, but it seems that everyone is missing the point here...
There is no plug-and-play upgrade for the 99, and there is no profit potential for one in the eyes of the companies which develop them...
We have to utilize what resources we can to have one developed.
That includes what has already been mentioned... tapping CS/EE people with IC experience. Someone among us should know someone... and what needs to be done seems absurdly simple compared to the work these people do on a regular basis...
There is no plug-and-play upgrade for the 99, and there is no profit potential for one in the eyes of the companies which develop them...
We have to utilize what resources we can to have one developed.
That includes what has already been mentioned... tapping CS/EE people with IC experience. Someone among us should know someone... and what needs to be done seems absurdly simple compared to the work these people do on a regular basis...
04-15-2005, 03:22 PM
#239
well like i said earlier there is more than just one pin that you need to move on the 99 for it to work with a 96 ecu... the ignition coils are on differnet on the pinout..there is like 3 or 4 pins you need to move to try and get it to work
keep us updated