OT- Car mechanical help

[little a]

I have a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder that has a bad ECM (P0603 code)- guidance would be much appreciated. Should I go 1) go to a dealership for a new one and programming- $1100
2) send it off to a ECM repair place -$200 (no guarantee they can repair)
3) buy a junkyard ECM for $100-150 and then pay programmer $150-200
Anyone done ECM repair? Thanks

 

[otismotis08]

If you have some decent car repair skills and some time, I'd go for door #3 and check for Pathfinder forums that discuss how to re-program if needed.

 

[thall_]

I have a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder that has a bad ECM (P0603 code)- guidance would be much appreciated. Should I go 1) go to a dealership for a new one and programming- $1100
2) send it off to a ECM repair place -$200 (no guarantee they can repair)
3) buy a junkyard ECM for $100-150 and then pay programmer $150-200
Anyone done ECM repair? Thanks

Unless you’re experienced, I wouldn’t bother.

Rebuilt my sisters Sentra with my dad when she totaled it and it was a hell of a project.

There should be a JDM specialist near you that’d do it cheaper than the dealer.

 

[huskerfan66]

I'd go with 3 and keep price low. Especially if junk yard will guarantee it. If it's bad they should stand behind it

 

[BTF69]

I always THINK I can do things like this and then I remember that I can't.

 

[Vanhusker]

If you have some decent car repair skills and some time, I'd go for door #3 and check for Pathfinder forums that discuss how to re-program if needed.

Agree, forums are a great source as they often contain very specific knowledge of your vehicle. Between that and YouTube, people learning to work on cars today are lucky.

 

[huskerfan66]

I always THINK I can do things like this and then I remember that I can't.

Especially in these days of so much electronics on the engine that the average Joe can't work on them anymore

 

[mgbreis]

I might lean towards #2. I get that there's no guarantee they can fix it, but that IS their business and those places are usually pretty good. I've had 100% success with sending off airbag control modules for repair and reprogramming. I assume you've checked all of the grounds related to the ecm and fuse panel, etc. When it comes to aging vehicles and electrical issues, grounds are the first thing to check. There are good videos on YT.

 

[Husker.Wed.]

I assume you checked all the fuses, cleaned the battery terminals real well and made sure your battery isn't real old and has 12.5 volts (at least) when sitting? Also that the voltage is 13.5-14.5 when running?

I always check the little things before I go onto the big things.

 

[salsa red]

#2, they usually need to be reprogrammed if they're used or new. Repairing the one in it won't require reprogramming.

 

[WHCSC]

Have you tried opening the hood and staring at the engine for a while?
That’s my “go to”

 

[drubendall]

Buy from Ebay from a seller who will warranty and have it programmed.

Some switches are easily accessible to swap out. Youtube is your friend. If someone can make a video of it being done in under 5 minutes, I am in. If othere guys are making 20-30 minute vids using specialized tools to make the repair, I am 100% out.