Can the ECM of '02 Maxima be used for '01 I-30?

[sarathkumardas]

Hi,

I just bought an Infiniti I-30 last month and the 'Service Engine Soon' Light came on. The dealership has asked me replace my ECM as the idle speed controller has been shorted out and now the engine stops if the accelerator pedal is not pressed. The ECM at the dealer costs $1230.

I saw an '02 Maxima ECM on eBay and it costs around $100. I would like to know if I could use this.

Thanks,
Sarath.

[maxhopper]

No, the 2002 Maxima has a 3.5L motor while the 2001 I30 has a 3.0L. You should be able to use a 2000 or 2001 maxima ECU. Try http://www.car-parts.com. They show some available in your state.

[sarathkumardas]

Thanks a lot for your help Scott. I shall check into it. Do you know of any mechanics in the Dallas area who work on Maximas or Infiniti I-30's so that I don't have to take it to the dealership.

[maxhopper]

I don't know any shops in that area. It shouldn't be too hard of a job to do yourself with some basic tools. I can round up some instructions if you'd like.

[sarathkumardas]

I would appreciate it if you could tell me.

[maxhopper]

You will need to get your new ECM reprogrammed in order for the ignition key(s) to work since the key features an immobilizer. Reprogramming will probably run around 1-1.5 labor hours at a dealership.

The ECM should be located between the center consol and the firewall, behind a couple of access panels.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Remove panels to access ECM. They should be held in with plastic fasteners, just pull the panels out and the fasteners should come with them (fasteners should be able to be reused). You may have to remove the pannels on the side of the ceter consol stack to gain better access. They are held in by a couple of screws.

The ECM should be bolted to the floor of the center "hump." Remove the bolts.

Unplug the wiring harness connectors.

Installation is the opposite of removal.

If you run into any problems, just post up: and we will help you get through it.

[sarathkumardas]

Can you please tell which other cars' ECM's can i use for my '01 I-30 incase I don't get one made by infiniti.

Thanks,
Sarath

[MinisterofDOOM]

You should be able to use any 2000 or 2001 Maxima or I30 ECU.
I'm not sure if you can use the 2001.5 (Anniversary Edition) Maxima's ecu...

[sarathkumardas]

I am curious as to why is that the we cannot use the previous years' like 98-99 etc maxima or I30 ECU even though they have a 3.0 liter engine. just curious.

Sarath

[sarathkumardas]

Also while i am searching for ECM, there are categories of ECM for the same car. For ECM without traction control, there are 2 of them. Will there be a problem with that?

Sarath

[sarathkumardas]

Suppose I buy a used ECM, does it need to be reprogrammed?

Thanks,
Sarath

[Fezzik]

There are enough differences between the 99 and 2000 in the max that the ecu is different. One is the immobilization. you may possibly get away with a 99.5 ecu.

[sarathkumardas]

thanks Fezzik

[Christos1]

I know this is an older thread. but a couple questions:

If replacing the ECU with a used one, we must reprogram the keys according to this post. Reprogramming the ECU can only be done by the dealer, right? In some other postings i've read, they suggest there may be locksmiths that have the handhelp tools to do this reprogramming. Anyone done this?

If you have to take it to the dealer, you'ld have to get the car towed there if you've replaced the ECU. Or maybe have everything ready to be pulled, drive there and then pull the old ECU at the dealer.

I've got a similar problem where my car will not run unless you have some throttle on. I suspect the ECU because just before i got off the expressway last night, a sudden strong electircal smell (Burning) started inside the car. When I got to the first stoplight...the car died. It started back up but I had to give it gas to keep it running. Check engine was one for about a month, with DTCs of:
O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Malfunction - Bank 1 Sensor 1
O2 Sensor Circuit High Volts - Bank 2 Sensor 2

So i will be replacing these O2 Sensors, and it now seems like I need to replace the ECU as well.

Any thoughts?

-Chris

[advancedsrs]

My 2001 Maxima had a bad ecm so I called the Nissan dealer and was shocked. I found a website that sells maxima ecm engine computers for $385.00 here is the site http://www.ecmoutlet.com/maxima_ecm.html I saved a quite a bit by not going to the dealer. It's been 6 months and no problems since.