I had my '02 Maxima at the dealer today to get the throttle body replaced ($485 plus tax all together if anyone is interested)....and prior to them doing the work they said once it was replaced I may still need to replace the ECM....they tried the idle relearn procedure about 5 times and it wouldn't take, so they say I need to replace the ECM as well, and they are quoting me almost $1000 just for the part (not sure how much they want to actually install it). The car runs good enough right now (it had a low idle issue, but as long as I keep the A/C on the idle stays around 700 rpm or so), so I'm not in a hot rush to get this thing fixed, but is this something where I can find the part somewhere for less money and install it myself? Does anyone have some directions for removal/installation of a new ECM, or is this something that really needs to be done by a dealer. Any help would be great. Thanks!

 

I notice that Courtesy Nissan in Texas (I think that's where they are) offers remanufactured ECMs for about $200....that's a lot better than $1000....anyone have any thoughts about using remanufactured ECMs?

 

it is fairly simple to replace the ecu yourself, i bit tough to get to the mounting bolts due to the location of the ecu (under radio), but nothing too hard. The problem that you'll have is that your car won't start, you'll need to get it towed to the dealership to have the keys reprogrammed.

Or....

you can drive to the dealership, unplug the old ecu and plug the new one in (at the parking lot), have the tech come out and program the keys and do the relearning procedures, then you can drive home and swap out the ecus. would save you time and a tow charge.

 

by the way, its about $200 for them to swap it out. Thats on top of the $1000 fr the ecu itself.

 

http://www.courtesyparts.com/betasit...t-p-45515.html

 

i got a junkyard maxima ECU for mine for 135 shipped. works perfect

 

McSteve,

Did you install it yourself or pay the dealer to do it? What about getting the keys reprogrammed? Are dealers willing to install/reprogram an ECM that they didn't sell? Thanks!

 

i had the nissan tech down in tucson install it. he is a friends of brian catts, and put it in at a really reasonable price. I don't know how much only putting it in cost, because i had to replace both motor mounts as well. he did reprogram the key tho, and i'm sure they wouldn't cos trouble about reprogramming the key. it does cost like 100 bucks each tho from what i've heard.

 

To the OP. Aren't you still covered by the emissions warranty? The ECU should be covered if you are.

 

No, no more emissions warranty for me....the car has 140,000 miles on it.

I have another question for the group (thanks so much for the help BTW)...I know that if I swap out the ECM with a new one, I'll have to get the keys reprogrammed before the car will start....but how about if I send out the existing ECM, have it rebuilt and sent back to me? If I then reinstall that same ECM will I still have to reprogram the keys? Or will the rebuilt ECM still have enough of it's "old identity" left for the keys to work right away? Just wondering if that's an option. I could park the car for a few days while I send out the ECM and have it rebuilt and shipped back to me as long as I could hook it back up and not have to get the keys reprogrammed. Thanks!

 

i hade repare my ECM .. if ur car is not magnatic key it will be very easy just plug ang play the ecu .. and start the ignation, if it not u must to change the ecu and than reprogram the key from the Agent...

in the Middle east our maxima car from 00 to 01 is normal key after 01 it coming magnitic key..

 

notes:
every year (model) its comming deferent ECM So u need the Same Code number for the ECM (the Big Number) 25 or 28 or 28 or 32 .. its depent on the car option and transmation. so first take off ur ecm and check the number than search for secund hand ECM u will found it very cheep price

 

If someone needs reprograming i know the place in Brooklyn NY, he's charging 100$ for reprograming, but i'm wondering where to find ecu for cheap price i have 01 Maxila GLE

 

http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat....car-parts.com

Choose Computer Box Engine for the part

 

I FOUND A PLACE IN FLORIDA THE GUYS NAME IS LU THE OWNER .. SAY I RECOMENDED U .. MAYBEY IT WILL HELP BUT REGARDLESS HE TOLD ME YOU SHIP IT TO THEM AND THEY SHIP IT BACK TO YOU FOR 179.00 HE EVEN TELLS U WHAT TO DO SO IT WONT GO BAD .. BUT MY ISSUE IS THAT I TOOK OFF THE WIRE AND WHEN I PUT IT BACK ON MY CAR TRYS TO TURN ON BUT IT WONT..

 

Buy a used Ecu, make sure it has the same options you have now. Remove the side panels on your console and undo the 4 screws holding the ecu to the bracket. Pull the ecu out of the bracket and let it sit on the passenger side floor. Drive to the dealership and swap your ecu in the parking lot. Go inside for your appointment and tell them you want your key programmed to the ecu. 1/2 hour labor. Drive home. Put the ecu in the bracket and bolt it up. Do the idle air relearn in your driveway. Throw out the old ecu. Or have it repaired as a spare

 

I have A 1999 Nissan maxima. We changed the ECU out and switched the chip out in the key that went with it. It started up fine and ran for 20 minutes and we thought it was fixed, then we tried to start it back up and it would not. Is it possible to switch the ignition switch, ecu and a non chipped key from another year Nissan maxima?