Just curious what kind of price range I am looking at for an ECM for a 2001 Nissan Maxima. I am getting a PO505 code, I replaced the Idle Control Valve and still getting the same error. I took it to the dealer and they tried to get the car to relearn, but they were unable to get the car to relearn. I was told that the ECM will need to be replaced, and that it would be around $2,000 dollars for the part. Is it possible to get a used ECM and were would I look to get a used ECM?

 

When you replaced the IACV, did you inspect/repair the STA509A MOSFET in the ECU? If not, you need to do that in order to get the idle back to spec. What is the car idling at anyway?

$2000 is absurd. There are several folks/companies that are aware of the IACV burns out the MOSFET in the ECU issue in the 5th Gen maxima and can repair that MOSFET for $100 or so. Event if you had to replace the ECU, get a used one on ebay or your local junk yard and have the dealer reprogram your keys into it.

 

You can find one here and have a locksmith do the reprogram for about 1/2 what the dealer will charge.
http://car-part.com/

Repair is another good option for cheaper and you keep the cost of the reprogram as well.

 

You are another victim of this nasty problem all 5-Gens have.
Read this first: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6O...hibHlkRmc/view .

As stated in the above note, your best option is to have your ECU fixed (there are links and costs in the document). You should only try to get a "new" ECU if, for some reason, your existing ECU can't be fixed. In that event, try junkyards or e-Bay. Be aware you must get an identical ECU (same product #) - they differ depending on options and on year of manufacture.

 

No, didn't check the STA509A MOSFET. What would I be looking for when I do check it? When the car does idle, it is around 800-1000 RPM.

 

Read the doc in post #4 above - it's all there, including pictures.

 

I repair them $100 each 1 year warranty

 

I suggest you remove the ECU open it up and take a photo. Upload the pics and the members will give you some ways to fix it. P0505 should be IACV only p0605 is ECU. look at my profile pics you'll see what a perfect ECU looks like.
Sure the dealer wants to put a new ECU in they get them 50% off and they'll probably charge you an overnight delivery fee too. does it drive at all?

 

They were saying sometimes automotive ECU's can have issues where the pins meet the circuit board.

 

I will get a pic of the ECU for you guys. However, the car still runs. But, got another issue as well. The brake and battery lights are coming on.

 

Brake and battery lights on together means that the alternator is not charging. Verify this by getting your voltmeter and measuring the voltage while the car is running. The voltage should be around 14.1 volts. Specification is 14.1 to 14.7.

 

Go to a "you pull it" type junkyard and get a ECM from a car with your transmission type and year (verify the part codes from both ECM's). In the last couple of years I've yet to go to one of these yards and not see a few 5th gen maxima's. The one near me charges $33.50 for an ECM!!! While your in the yard open up the ECM and give it the smell test and look over the mosfit chip for cracks or damage. With any replacement ECM, you'll then have to get it programmed.

 

Stupid question, how do I find the ECM?

 

It's mounted to the floor under the dash in the center on the hump. You have to remove the panels on both sides.

 

Thanks, Derrick2k2SE. I hope that once I get it out, that I can get it repaired. I just called the dealer again, and found out the part is $1032 CDN, have to prepay for it and once I order it, it can't be stopped or returned.

 

If you need one you can get a used one from car-part.com for under $200 or somewhere close.