So where exactly is the ECU and is there a table somewhere that I can use to decode it?

According to a post on another thread by iwannabmw:
All you need is a little screwdriver and the ability to count flashes on the CEL and you can pull the codes yourself

Now that I know it's a pretty simple thing to do, a little more detail would be great so I can actually get some items fixed.

 

by the way, I have a 93 SE since I imagine the location varries from engine to engine

 

Sorry, I was in smart *** mode when I wrote that. I posted the link like 4 times that day, there has been a lot of codes coming up. Everything I know is about a 4th gen, but I think the 3rd gens are similar. The ECU is located by the drivers right foot, so you take the two plastic screws off and expose the box itself. There should be a little screw that you can turn recessed into the unit. Turn it towards whichever stop it isn't on and wait two seconds. Then turn back and the CEL will start flashing. There will be long pulses and short pulses to indicate the digits of the code. The hard part is going to be finding out what they are for the 3rd gen. If you have a copy of the service manual or can borrow one from the library you can read them off the chart and figure out what the problem is. Maybe someone in the 3rd gen forum has a list of them, or you could post what the flashes were on this site and someone could help you look them up. The link to the 4th gen directions is below for reference purposes, also try maximadriver.com and maximaforum.com People there might have them as well.

http://vbxmaxima.8m.com/ecu.html

 

cool, thanks for your help. I'll check it out this weekend.

Btw, I didn't think you were being a smart ***, I'm sure if I knew a bit more about my car I would have known what you were talking about.

 

Well you have come to the right place to start.

SuDZ

 

i havent figured out where the ecu diagnostic tool on 3rd gens is... btw... its not next to the accel pedal like on 4th gens.

 

There has to be somebody on this board who knows how to pull codes off a 3rd gen and knows where the stupid thing even is.