[Ransomnote23]

Hi,

I have a 2004 xterra, Auto trans, 3.3 N/A. The ECM has died and I am looking for a replacement. My first impulse was just to get one from a junkyard for another '04, AT, 3.3NA, but my mechanic said he thought it would still need to be reprogrammed and recommended that I send mine out to be rebuilt.

Can anyone help me out with this? I can get a junkyard unit for about $85 vs. $500 for the rebuild. Will a junkyard unit be plug and play?

Thanks!

 

[zombat]

I would think that a ecm out of the same year make and model with all the same features would work just fine. But I'm no expert.

 

[smason54321]

That makes sense for something like an engine, where a freshly rebuilt motor has more value than some random high mileage wildcard. But the ECU's are not prone to failure and I'd expect the same model year and N/A motor to work like a champ. In fact, rebuilding one that has previously failed seems highly questionable to me. I also suspect your mechanic would stand to make a few bucks for his recommendation versus you obtaining one yourself. Many mechanics will straight out refuse to install customer obtained parts because they rely on that 30% margin on parts to feed their familes

 

[Ransomnote23]

Thanks Zombat and Smason for the replies.

That's what I was thinking too. Did a bit more digging over the weekend and I cant find any other mention of needing to reprogram an ECM... So I'm thinking I'm going to go for the junkyard unit...

 

[zombat]

That's what I would do myself. Let us know how it goes and good luck.

 

[Natebo3000]

Thanks Zombat and Smason for the replies.

That's what I was thinking too. Did a bit more digging over the weekend and I cant find any other mention of needing to reprogram an ECM... So I'm thinking I'm going to go for the junkyard unit...

Hi, was wondering what ever happened with this. I have a 1st gen too and was wondering about the programming. Did you need to get it programmed?

 

[Blackberry]

No programming is required if the vehicle has the same equipment. Second gen need keys programmed and idle set but you shouldn’t have to worry about those things

 

[Joesjunglegym]

No programming is required if the vehicle has the same equipment. Second gen need keys programmed and idle set but you shouldn’t have to worry about those things

So, I ended up getting a replacement ECM (runs rough with a lot of vibration). Anyway, when I removed my ECM, the car stopped cranking. I just replaced the ECM and it cranks fine but won't turn over. I got the same model number MEC70-010 B1 7310 (my original) vs. MEC70-010 B1 6Y14 (replacement).

You mention that the keys need to be reprogrammed (mine is 2007, 2nd gen)? I didn't think the engine would even crank if the key wasn't coded? So my options would be a locksmith or have it towed to the dealer?

 

[Joesjunglegym]

Also, does the ECM have an EPROM or removable chip that I could swap in lieu of the key coding?

 

[Blackberry]

All 2007 will need keys programmed. Look for a solid security indicator. That tells you there is a security issue. VBC is the logic that won’t allow the vehicle to crank without passing a security check and wasn’t implemented until starting MY2009. The numbers on the computer itself mean little. The software part number is much more important.

 

[fasipetemitope38]

Can thinkdiag program Nissan Xterra 2005