ECU differences b/w CA and Fed spec
07-10-2005, 01:39 PM
#1
ECU differences b/w CA and Fed spec
I have a 96 that I'm converting a 5spd. The car was originally purchased in California and I checked the information plate to verify it is a CA spec model. I want to know if I can run a Fed spec ECU without a CEL coming up.
07-10-2005, 02:06 PM
#3
Not to contradict you Kevlo, but an org member is having CEL issues running an ECU from a CA spec 95 in his fed spec 95...something about EVAP in CA spec being electronic vs. mechanical in a fed spec.
07-10-2005, 07:07 PM
#11
a 95 fed spec has a mecanical evap (all under the hood), no boost sensor, and the egr runs off the same solenoid as the evap. a lot less complicated to do the exact same crap. all 96-98's are the same.
07-12-2005, 07:03 AM
#16
Originally Posted by Kevlo911
All 4th gens had Cali spec, but only 99's had MAJOR differences.
07-12-2005, 07:40 AM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 654
Don't mean to hijack this thread, but if I were to try to put a JWT 96 5speed ECU into a 98 5speed maxima (both fed spec), what would need to be done? What additional modifications would be necessary to not get a CEL? Is there a link someone can redirect me to? Thanks! 
07-12-2005, 01:03 PM
#21
Originally Posted by MaxxAddict
Don't mean to hijack this thread, but if I were to try to put a JWT 96 5speed ECU into a 98 5speed maxima (both fed spec), what would need to be done? What additional modifications would be necessary to not get a CEL? Is there a link someone can redirect me to? Thanks!
07-12-2005, 01:09 PM
#22
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Join Date: Feb 2004
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Originally Posted by i30ds
Intimidating task for a novice like myself.....
07-12-2005, 01:24 PM
#23
Originally Posted by MaxxAddict
Thanks. but I think i'm more confused now!
Intimidating task for a novice like myself.....
Intimidating task for a novice like myself.....
07-12-2005, 01:31 PM
#24
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 654
Originally Posted by i30ds
YOu could just leave the codes alone. Depending on where you live it might not even matter that the CEL is on. Here in CO if it is on, the go ahead and run the vehicle anyways and if you pass, then you pass. And these two codes will not effect emissions performance. If worse comes to worse, you could always pull the gauge cluster and reomve the bulb every 2 years.
What I'm asking is a hypothetical question. Suppose I obtain a used 96 ECU and send it to JWT to be modified and I then install it. Now what if later on I want to put my previous 98 stock ECU back in. Could I theoretically plug that puppy back in w/o any probs and the CELs? (suppose I wanted to sell the car and return it to stock settings.)
07-12-2005, 01:42 PM
#25
Originally Posted by MaxxAddict
hmmm, are ECUs interchangable?
What I'm asking is a hypothetical question. Suppose I obtain a used 96 ECU and send it to JWT to be modified and I then install it. Now what if later on I want to put my previous 98 stock ECU back in. Could I theoretically plug that puppy back in w/o any probs and the CELs? (suppose I wanted to sell the car and return it to stock settings.)
What I'm asking is a hypothetical question. Suppose I obtain a used 96 ECU and send it to JWT to be modified and I then install it. Now what if later on I want to put my previous 98 stock ECU back in. Could I theoretically plug that puppy back in w/o any probs and the CELs? (suppose I wanted to sell the car and return it to stock settings.)
07-12-2005, 01:55 PM
#26
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Posts: 654
Originally Posted by i30ds
That should work.
One more question: my car is Cali-spec according to the code on the little silver badge on the inner portion of the hood area (followed the instructions on the stickies, where the 12th letter is a "V"). But apparently when I installed my y-pipe I found out that my car is Fed Spec. Would this discrepancy be a factor when searching for replacement 1996 5speed ECU?
Thanks very much. You've been very helpful.
07-12-2005, 03:10 PM
#31
Originally Posted by MaxxAddict
ok. thanks kevlo911. you've been a great help!
96 cali 5speed ECU it is!
96 cali 5speed ECU it is!
07-12-2005, 03:32 PM
#34
Originally Posted by MaxxAddict
works out even better! thanks.
now to decide whether it's even worth the $600 to send it in.......
now to decide whether it's even worth the $600 to send it in.......
07-12-2005, 03:39 PM
#35
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 654
Originally Posted by i30ds
Oh I think it is... I got a 96 5spd ecu sitting up in my room right now that is ripe for modding! I plan on sending it in as soon as I can stock pile up some cash.
07-12-2005, 03:47 PM
#36
im the person THT was referring to regarding the fed spec vs cali spec...my car is a 95 5speed fed spec, mistakingly purchased a TS cali spec 95 5speed ECU. its throwing codes for the EVAP and a fuel temperature sensor. since the evap is mechanical on my 95, the cali spec ECU is throwing a code because its looking for a different part (electrical EVAP). but the car runs the same as before. i hate CELs, i wish i had the proper ECU
07-13-2005, 03:02 PM
#40
Originally Posted by i30ds
No I got it for $90 from Zack342's 96 I30t 5spd that he bought for a parts car.
Then 3 weeks later i was in a frenzy to find a 1996 5speed ECU to send to JWT.