Just bought 1998 i30 and found that it shifts 3-4-3-4 and seems that does not know what gear to use when I drive off ramp on about 40 mph.

Did a search and found TSB 98-064a "98-064A JUN 99 ECM - On/Off Throttle Shock" here

My car is not 8 years old yet and has 60kmi, is there any chance to replace ECU under Federal Emission Warranty? Any "right" words to say to the dealer? I bought it from private party...

Any advice is really appreciated!

Thanks

 

iirc, call the dealership and have them run your VIN for any TSBs. I believe TSBs last the life of a car until it is fixed per what the TSB says.

 

What else have you found besides "throttle shock" to describe your problem. Is there more information about that particular TSB?

 

Item 2 in this post describes my problem exactly

 

Turn off OD and see if it still happens.

 

A TSB is only fixed for free under the bumper to bumper warranty. A recall lasts the life of the vehicle. If there is updated code for the ECU, you can typically have the dealer flash that for a nominal fee.

 

You mean that the dealer can upgrade a firmware?

 

I have never owned or worked on an auto maxima/I30 but isn't there a seperate transmission control unit? The main ECU does not control shifting does it?

 

I am out of that warranty. I'll try to re-phrase the question.

TSB says that ECU needs to be replaced. Dealer will try to charge me, because I am out of bumper to bumper warranty. But ECU is covered by Federal Emission Waranty. Is there any chance to pay only for labor, but for ECU unit charge Nissan or Federal Government or whoever it is?

Thanks!

 

TSB says it does. I'll post the link to TSB from home, can't find it right away

 

I could not recreate the problem with O/D off. Will try again. But the point is, if there is a chance to replace the ECU for free then I will do replace it.

 

If it does and replacing the ECU is indeed what needs to be done, then get a used one from www.car-parts.com There will be alot under $100. You need to match up the part number on the ECU with the one your buying.

 

Good luck with that. They will do everything not to cover it. A new ECU from a dealer is over $1000.

 

Here it is:
TSB 98-064

 

I'm sorry but I didn't understand what the problem is, even after reading the TSB ... can someone explain this in a layman's way? Thanks a lot.

I too have a 98 I30 and I haven't noticed the continuous shifts from/to 3/4 in the speed range. If I give more gas, it shifts from 4th to 3rd and as I reduce the throttle, it goes back to 4th after reaching sufficient speed.

Thanks

 

It says somewhere in the owners manual, you you don't like it shifting from 3-4,4-3 keep od off. Your MPG will suffer a little too.

 

Sounds like you don't have problem then

 

thanks Mike for the clarification ...