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.

 

[little a]

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.

Yes I did, battery/alternator all good. Had a mechanic check ground too- thanks

 

[SomedayHusker]

Awhile back I replaced an ECM on an F-150 and as far as I could tell it came pre-programmed correctly from a reputable seller on eBay. Truck still had the same problem and now I run all Toyotas 😀

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

Awhile back I replaced an ECM on an F-150 and as far as I could tell it came pre-programmed correctly from a reputable seller on eBay. Truck still had the same problem and now I run all Toyotas 😀

Family member borrowed my Lexus GS350 to jump their friends car few years ago....they crossed the cables on my end and screwd up my car....I fixed several electrical issues ovee the next month as they popped up till the code came back the ECM was bad. Sold that beautiful car for scrap the next weekend

 

[RedBaloneyPony]

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

also, possibly go sit in the passenger seat and stare at glovebox, give the dash a few taps.

 

[BTF69]

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

See, I get the feeling he has NOT yelled at it or hit yet.

 

[BTF69]

also, possibly go sit in the passenger seat and stare at glovebox, give the dash a few taps.

HAHAHA! Oh my god, yes!

I love when my cars pulls a "Christine" and a light will go on, telling me something is wrong and the next the, the light is off. So I just figure that my car is like Christine and fixed itself.

 

[SomedayHusker]

Family member borrowed my Lexus GS350 to jump their friends car few years ago....they crossed the cables on my end and screwd up my car....I fixed several electrical issues ovee the next month as they popped up till the code came back the ECM was bad. Sold that beautiful car for scrap the next weekend

You have GOT to stop letting neighbors, friends and family near your property!! Hope your home reno is coming along!

My little brother just got an SC430 to toy around in and he friggin loves it.

 

[mgbreis]

Family member borrowed my Lexus GS350 to jump their friends car few years ago....they crossed the cables on my end and screwd up my car....I fixed several electrical issues ovee the next month as they popped up till the code came back the ECM was bad. Sold that beautiful car for scrap the next weekend

Do you still have your Ridgeline? Mine is almost to 287k and almost flawless other than peeling clearcoat on the roof. I actually replaced it this year but I still have it and drive it to annoy my wife and boss.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

Do you still have your Ridgeline? Mine is almost to 287k and almost flawless other than peeling clearcoat on the roof. I actually replaced it this year but I still have it and drive it to annoy my wife and boss.

I do still own my adventure mobile!!!!!

It annoys my wife to, hahaha...lets be honest, these things ain't real pretty!!!