replacing my ECU

Roscoe · 10-05-2018, 04:20 PM

so I took my car to the dealer for a check engine soon light they told me I need a engine wire harness and a new ecu for 6000$ the car never been in a accident so i don't no why the harness would be bad i'm asking if i take my ecu out and have it repaired and put back will I have to reprogram my keys

dts3 · 10-05-2018, 08:31 PM

Who does ecu repairs and what does that entail?

dts3 · 10-05-2018, 08:37 PM

A quick check on eBay shows that they are <$200. I'm not sure what type of programming is involved

ChopsZ · 10-07-2018, 09:52 AM

Sounds like your dealership is pulling a fast on one you.

Does the car still run and drive fine? Do you have a way of pulling the CEL code and posting it here so we can see what's possibly going on?

Don't go to the dealer for the CEL code. Go to someone like Advanced Auto or Pep Boys or a friend that has an OBDII reader. Someone who isn't trying to sucker you out of $6k.

ChopsZ · 10-07-2018, 09:53 AM

Also, how long has this CEL been going on and what kind of mods/ECU tuning do you have on the car?

Zingston · 10-07-2018, 10:08 AM

I replaced my Jeep Commander's ecu 3 years ago after receiving a warning about the transmission fluid running too hot... the reality was the temps were normal. It was simple: 4 bolts, 4 plugs, wait an hour or so and done. And it was ~ 200$. I'll try to find the site for the supplier and update this post. Oh, And the new one come complete with all of my Jeep's ecu updates up until that point... so worth it for the updates alone vs what the dealership quoted.

(The dealership wanted to charge me over 1000$ to just reflash the old one. Cant imagine their charge for a new one.

As it turned out the old one was faulty, so the refresh probably would have been a waste. Dealerships suck it so bad!)

Update: the label on the ecu has faded, so I'm not sure from where I sourced it. I do remember it was located in Miami. Google shows a ton of ecu rebuilders, however, so where I got mine isn't really that important.

ChopsZ · 10-07-2018, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zingston

Dealerships suck it so bad!

Yes, yes they do.

God-Speed · 10-07-2018, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChopsZ

Sounds like your dealership is pulling a fast on one you.

Does the car still run and drive fine? Do you have a way of pulling the CEL code and posting it here so we can see what's possibly going on?

Don't go to the dealer for the CEL code. Go to someone like Advanced Auto or Pep Boys or a friend that has an OBDII reader. Someone who isn't trying to sucker you out of $6k.

ltullos · 10-07-2018, 12:51 PM

While i'm no fan of dealer service, the standard CEL code readers from Autozone or other places will only give generic diagnosis, while the Nissan CONSULT scans will give much more detailed info, including intermittent faults which are not accessible by any CEL readers.

If you have a serious problem like this, pay for Nissan diagnosis but demand a full printout of the results.

CRiZO · 10-07-2018, 12:57 PM

For $6k I'd keep that engine light.

Have you messed with the electronics at all? Needing a new harness is pretty much never the case.

ChopsZ · 10-07-2018, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltullos

While i'm no fan of dealer service, the standard CEL code readers from Autozone or other places will only give generic diagnosis, while the Nissan CONSULT scans will give much more detailed info, including intermittent faults which are not accessible by any CEL readers.

If you have a serious problem like this, pay for Nissan diagnosis but demand a full printout of the results.

Nearly any free phone app for a wifi/bluetooth OBDII reader will tell you any current and stored codes. From there, you can easily get into the ballpark if not pin-point the issue via those codes.

That also goes for anyone who runs any kind of laptop based flash tuner. I can pull codes (current and stored) via my EcuTek software. I'm sure UpRev has the same capability.

Heck, when I got my throttle bodies bored, the ECU needed to relearn the new cleaned and bored TB's. Either you have to take it to the dealer or apparently there's ways of doing this manually by turning the ignition on and off a bunch of times while stomping on the gas pedal and crossing your eyes while reaming your ear with your free hand... Instead, I decided to just browse around in my Ecutek software and found an option to allow the ECU to "auto-relearn" the TB's. It took only 5 seconds and worked like a charm.

My point is... You do NOT have to go to the dealer and get charged for them to use their CONSULT scanner on your car.

ltullos · 10-07-2018, 04:00 PM

Sorry, but you are wrong about this. CONSULT scan will provide much more info than CEL scan because it performs diagnostic tests other than just reading stored faults.

I know this because I had intermittent problem with ABS computer which caused multiple faults and warning lights including speedometer failure, all traction control and ABS failure, and other faults. I have OBDLink and performed multiple scans which only reported P0500 fault (vehicle speed sensor). The CONSULT scan revealed faults on multiple systems and low voltage warnings which ultimately pointed to the ABS control unit failing such that it was creating shorts on CAN bus. Resetting system and clearing faults would temporarily work, but problem kept coming back and was only corrected by replacing the ABS control unit This was roughly $1500 item which was replaced under warranty.

My point is that it is not always necessary to pay for CONSULT scan, but CEL scans are sometimes worthless to help you pinpoint problem and every dealer is not trying to rip us off.

For the case reported where dealer found fault which saild OP needed to replace ECU and harness, it indicates to me that there is likely some component in the system which is pulling down the CAN bus. No CEL reader is ever going to pinpoint this, and even the CONSULT scan is likely to give multiple false faults.

I'm a retired semiconductor reliability & failure analysis engineering manager who worked on many automotive ICs, and have experience with this type problem. Bus faults can be very difficult to pinpoint because a component with marginal leakage can can produce intermittent transition faults which are dependent on many factors including the state of the other systems. CONSULT scan may not give the definitive answer either, but will give much more info to point in the right direction. And finally, I would insist that the dealer perform more than one scan - resetting systems and clearing codes in between successive scans in order to check the consistency of findings.

ChopsZ · 10-07-2018, 06:37 PM

Even if that's the case, I would strongly suggest going to another dealer for a second opinion.

And I'm not "wrong" either. I never claimed that CEL would be better than CONSULT. I never said that CONSULT didn't provide better information. I'm just suggesting that the OP try cheaper, various avenues to cover all his bases as far as this issue is concerned, because $6k isn't something to just throw around, especially if it isn't needed.

We still haven't heard back from the OP yet. We don't know if or what issues he's experiencing with his car, other than a CEL light on the dashboard. We don't even know if his Z is a auto or manual. That could have something to do with the CEL as well. Who knows until the OP gives us more information...

ByThaBay · 10-09-2018, 05:43 PM

I can send you a replacement ECU with the exact correct firmware for your model/VIN. Let me know if you'd like help.

thezguy2018 · 10-10-2018, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ByThaBay

I can send you a replacement ECU with the exact correct firmware for your model/VIN. Let me know if you'd like help.

how much do you sell Ecu's for?

10-05-2018, 04:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
Roscoe Base Member Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Suitland md. Posts: 4 Drives: 2009 370 z touring Rep Power: 7	replacing my ECU so I took my car to the dealer for a check engine soon light they told me I need a engine wire harness and a new ecu for 6000$ the car never been in a accident so i don't no why the harness would be bad i'm asking if i take my ecu out and have it repaired and put back will I have to reprogram my keys

10-07-2018, 09:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
ChopsZ Track Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Central Florida Age: 49 Posts: 965 Drives: 2016 370Z GM 6MT Rep Power: 2301	Sounds like your dealership is pulling a fast on one you. Does the car still run and drive fine? Do you have a way of pulling the CEL code and posting it here so we can see what's possibly going on? Don't go to the dealer for the CEL code. Go to someone like Advanced Auto or Pep Boys or a friend that has an OBDII reader. Someone who isn't trying to sucker you out of $6k. God-Speed, SouthArk370Z, Chuck33079 and 3 others like this. __________________ She's For Sale! PERFORMANCE: Aero Workz \| Akebono \| BC Racing \| EcuTek \| HKS \| MaxBore \| Motordyne \| Nismo \| RJM \| SPL \| StopTech \| Z1 AUDIO: Arc Audio \| Bazooka \| Helix \| Pioneer \| Stereo Integrity

10-07-2018, 09:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
ChopsZ Track Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Central Florida Age: 49 Posts: 965 Drives: 2016 370Z GM 6MT Rep Power: 2301	Also, how long has this CEL been going on and what kind of mods/ECU tuning do you have on the car? __________________ She's For Sale! PERFORMANCE: Aero Workz \| Akebono \| BC Racing \| EcuTek \| HKS \| MaxBore \| Motordyne \| Nismo \| RJM \| SPL \| StopTech \| Z1 AUDIO: Arc Audio \| Bazooka \| Helix \| Pioneer \| Stereo Integrity

10-07-2018, 10:08 AM	#6 (permalink)
Zingston A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2017 Location: Florida Posts: 4,028 Drives: like it's a rental. Rep Power: 2684370	I replaced my Jeep Commander's ecu 3 years ago after receiving a warning about the transmission fluid running too hot... the reality was the temps were normal. It was simple: 4 bolts, 4 plugs, wait an hour or so and done. And it was ~ 200$. I'll try to find the site for the supplier and update this post. Oh, And the new one come complete with all of my Jeep's ecu updates up until that point... so worth it for the updates alone vs what the dealership quoted. (The dealership wanted to charge me over 1000$ to just reflash the old one. Cant imagine their charge for a new one. As it turned out the old one was faulty, so the refresh probably would have been a waste. Dealerships suck it so bad!) Update: the label on the ecu has faded, so I'm not sure from where I sourced it. I do remember it was located in Miami. Google shows a ton of ecu rebuilders, however, so where I got mine isn't really that important. ChopsZ and Falconquey like this. Last edited by Zingston; 10-07-2018 at 10:29 AM.

10-07-2018, 04:00 PM	#12 (permalink)
ltullos Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: DFW Posts: 312 Drives: 2016 Nismo Tech MT Rep Power: 14	Sorry, but you are wrong about this. CONSULT scan will provide much more info than CEL scan because it performs diagnostic tests other than just reading stored faults. I know this because I had intermittent problem with ABS computer which caused multiple faults and warning lights including speedometer failure, all traction control and ABS failure, and other faults. I have OBDLink and performed multiple scans which only reported P0500 fault (vehicle speed sensor). The CONSULT scan revealed faults on multiple systems and low voltage warnings which ultimately pointed to the ABS control unit failing such that it was creating shorts on CAN bus. Resetting system and clearing faults would temporarily work, but problem kept coming back and was only corrected by replacing the ABS control unit This was roughly $1500 item which was replaced under warranty. My point is that it is not always necessary to pay for CONSULT scan, but CEL scans are sometimes worthless to help you pinpoint problem and every dealer is not trying to rip us off. For the case reported where dealer found fault which saild OP needed to replace ECU and harness, it indicates to me that there is likely some component in the system which is pulling down the CAN bus. No CEL reader is ever going to pinpoint this, and even the CONSULT scan is likely to give multiple false faults. I'm a retired semiconductor reliability & failure analysis engineering manager who worked on many automotive ICs, and have experience with this type problem. Bus faults can be very difficult to pinpoint because a component with marginal leakage can can produce intermittent transition faults which are dependent on many factors including the state of the other systems. CONSULT scan may not give the definitive answer either, but will give much more info to point in the right direction. And finally, I would insist that the dealer perform more than one scan - resetting systems and clearing codes in between successive scans in order to check the consistency of findings. wideglideleon likes this.

10-05-2018, 08:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
dts3 Track Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Farmington Hills, MI Posts: 599 Drives: 08 Expedition Rep Power: 6765	Who does ecu repairs and what does that entail?

10-05-2018, 08:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
dts3 Track Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: Farmington Hills, MI Posts: 599 Drives: 08 Expedition Rep Power: 6765	A quick check on eBay shows that they are <$200. I'm not sure what type of programming is involved

10-07-2018, 12:51 PM	#9 (permalink)
ltullos Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: DFW Posts: 312 Drives: 2016 Nismo Tech MT Rep Power: 14	While i'm no fan of dealer service, the standard CEL code readers from Autozone or other places will only give generic diagnosis, while the Nissan CONSULT scans will give much more detailed info, including intermittent faults which are not accessible by any CEL readers. If you have a serious problem like this, pay for Nissan diagnosis but demand a full printout of the results.

10-07-2018, 12:57 PM	#10 (permalink)
CRiZO Track Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Dallas Posts: 672 Drives: in traffic Rep Power: 20699	For $6k I'd keep that engine light. Have you messed with the electronics at all? Needing a new harness is pretty much never the case.

10-07-2018, 06:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
ChopsZ Track Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: Central Florida Age: 49 Posts: 965 Drives: 2016 370Z GM 6MT Rep Power: 2301	Even if that's the case, I would strongly suggest going to another dealer for a second opinion. And I'm not "wrong" either. I never claimed that CEL would be better than CONSULT. I never said that CONSULT didn't provide better information. I'm just suggesting that the OP try cheaper, various avenues to cover all his bases as far as this issue is concerned, because $6k isn't something to just throw around, especially if it isn't needed. We still haven't heard back from the OP yet. We don't know if or what issues he's experiencing with his car, other than a CEL light on the dashboard. We don't even know if his Z is a auto or manual. That could have something to do with the CEL as well. Who knows until the OP gives us more information... ltullos and Zingston like this. __________________ She's For Sale! PERFORMANCE: Aero Workz \| Akebono \| BC Racing \| EcuTek \| HKS \| MaxBore \| Motordyne \| Nismo \| RJM \| SPL \| StopTech \| Z1 AUDIO: Arc Audio \| Bazooka \| Helix \| Pioneer \| Stereo Integrity

10-09-2018, 05:43 PM	#14 (permalink)
ByThaBay Base Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 239 Drives: 2015 370z Rep Power: 10080	I can send you a replacement ECU with the exact correct firmware for your model/VIN. Let me know if you'd like help. Hotrodz and MZ DAIZY like this.

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