ECU Reset (are 99 ECU's different?)
 

So I was going to get the code out of my ECU tonight (which should be 0707 'cause I don't have the rear O2 sensor installed right now) and much to my surprise, there isn't a screw in the same location as there was on my 97.

Are 99 (Fed Spec) ECU's different? The sticker that covered it is different and had something to do about idle on it. I wish I had it, but I dropped in in the snow and can't find it. Damn.

Anyways, here's a picture of my ECU (its not great!):

http://www.rit.edu/~ejjfac/maxima/ecu1.jpg

There isn't a screw in the hole! WTF?

Is this normal for 99's or am I missing something here?

I think it's on the other side
 

Anyway, it's a round hole.

Re: ECU Reset (are 99 ECU's different?)
 

Chi99Limited said his ECU has no hole ither :slant:

maybe they were using 5th Gen ECU's? check what tony said first

Interesting...I always assumed that all 4th gens were the same. Oh well. I'll check out Tony's suggestion about the other side tonight. Anyone with a 99 have experience resetting their ECU?

it should be the 2nd hole from the left, the idle speed screw (is that the hole the sticker was covering?)

Yeah, but there's no screw. There's like a plastic gear in there, that I didn't want to mess with. I can't really get a good look at it because, well, its not in the greatest location in the world.

I will take a picture tonight
 

The hole was covered by the sticker and right next to the idle screw. It's a white plastic phillip type head that seems very fragile. I use a very tiny phillip screw driver when I reset mine. Anyway, I'll take a picture for you when I get home.

Re: ECU Reset (are 99 ECU's different?)
 

It's in that small hole behind the label that has the idle adjustment. I believe the same dial controls both, but not sure how it does the idle. you have to use a small phillips to turn the dial. Like you had mentioned, it's a pain in the butt to get it in there. I ended up using my wife's small mirror and a jeweler's screw driver to reset it. The screw is a white I believe.

Re: Re: ECU Reset (are 99 ECU's different?)
 

Now you mentioned it. I believe the idle adjustment and the ECU reset are the same little white screw. DO NOT USE TO MUCH FORCE WHEN TURING IT. I never figured out how to adjust the idle from the ECU. Maybe you have to turn over the engine then turn the screw for idle.

I have a 99 SE, and as others have mentioned here, the screw is indeed a small white plastic screw behind the hole that had the sticker on it. Use a very small screwdriver, and by all means, be gentle. I know this because I busted mine when I was too forceful.

Since the CEL was stuck on, and the screw was broken off, I couldn't reset it. I had to take out the ECU, and open it up to see what was up. Since the adjusting screw literally broke off, I was in a bind. I couldn't re-solder the switch back on, so instead I ran some leads off the circuit board to a two position toggle switch. Now, to check the ECU, I just flip the switch, wait a couple seconds and flip it back and watch the lights.

Ok guys, I got it. I was attempting to turn it with a rather large flathead screwdriver as you can do with other years. This wasn't getting me anywhere and I couldn't see why.

I'll go at it with a small phillips screwdriver tonight.

Thanks for the help!

hehe.. it's the little things in life that make you laugh :laugh:

From reading this thread and others, I've gathered that at some point in the 1999 model year, the ECUs changed. Szymon (Max7) has a 99 SE-L and his ECU looks exactly like any other 4th gen, and yet Adam (CHI99Limited) has the same type of ECU you have. Perhaps they did actually start using 2000 ECUs late in the 1999 model year?

I got a fairly early 99. It was manufactured in 12/98.

Mine was manufactured 12/98 also and i have the little plastic screw

Hmm well that throws a wrench in my theory... I wonder when szymons and adams were manufactured.

My 99 was manuf. in April of 99 and I have the little plastic screw that you guys are talking about. Man, that thing is delicate.

mines was manufactured in 12/98 and has the plastic screw too. i have a 99' gxe.

Could someone tell me where exactly the little white plastic screw is? I have a '99 as well and the thing is ****ing me off so bad because I cannot find the little screw to turn.

Also, what size screwdriver should I use? Philips--right?

from my experiences, it seems as though the 1999 is in it's own little section. sometimes it's a 4th gen, sometimes it's a 5th gen... oh well.

I believe mine was made in 4/99 and i'm gonna have to reset my ECU now that i know how :) .

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bill Wattison
Could someone tell me where exactly the little white plastic screw is? I have a '99 as well and the thing is ****ing me off so bad because I cannot find the little screw to turn.

Also, what size screwdriver should I use? Philips--right? [/QUOTE

You need a small philips screwdriver not a flathead like previous years.

Do you know the exact size of the screwdriver that I should use? I really have no clue because I cannot see the area. The only way I will be able to do this is if I randomly poke at various areas of the hole with the correct size screwdriver (unless there's a better method I should try.)

Thanks for the help!

what about the idle?
 

Quoted Message:
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Originally posted by SighMax
It's in that small hole behind the label that has the idle adjustment. I believe the same dial controls both, but not sure how it does the idle. you have to use a small phillips to turn the dial. Like you had mentioned, it's a pain in the butt to get it in there. I ended up using my wife's small mirror and a jeweler's screw driver to reset it. The screw is a white I believe.

Does resetting the ECU set the idle as well? Does anyone know?:confused:

All I can tell you is that it is pocket size about 4-6 mm in diameter. There are two holes on the '99. You need to use the one on the left. It is covered by clear tape so you will need to punch it through. I don't have a '99 or I would take a pic for you. I helped someone do it. It is the hole to the left of a sticker that says "idle set", that's all I can remember. The small white plastic screw is recessed in there so it is difficult to see. I recommend you use a flash light. Good Luck!

I turned the thing clock wise once, waited two second then back to normal position then clockwise again wait 2 then back & I stillg et the light :confused: