'02 Pathfinder ECM and ICV replacement ????

[motoracerx]

Hey all. I'm looking at buying an '02 Pathfinder.

The seller states that it needs an ECM and ICV replacement. Apparently the ICV 'shorted out' in his words, and damaged the ECM.
A dealer told him those were the repairs needed after running a diagnostics test on it.

All the lights, electrical, and accessories work and the motor cranks and cranks, but won't fire.

Question is, can i swap the ECM and install a new ICV myself, and is there any type of re-programming that needs to be done with the ECM?

Basically, can someone please tell me the steps involved to do the ECM and ICV replacement?

Thank you.

P.S. I've done a lot of research and my head is spinning. Just looking for a few concise responses.

[MisterH]

I've never done an ECM change out so I can't advise on that. But I might offer another piece of advice. Unless you know the seller well I would go the extra step and attempt to verify the car's condition with a knowledgeable third party - like a reputable Nissan/infiniti dealer. It 's probably worth the $100 diagnostic fee just to validate the car's condition. If the seller doesn't provide you with a diagnostic report from the dealer he said he took it to I would take nothing at face value. You also might want to get a history report on the car from AutoCheck.

[EdBwoy]

What the seller is saying sounds about right. I would verify that those 2 are the issues indeed and then plan on some steps as outlined in this thread: 02-pathfinder-idle-issues-t593893.html

Basically, you will need a new IACV (idle air control valve). This is what kills the computer.
Then you can also send you ECM out for the shorted circuit to be repaired. It's usually around 100 bucks, and the service can be bought from eBay.
When my computer was repaired, I didn't need to reprogram the vehicle in any way, except for the idle relearn IIRC. However, the outfit will warn you that depending on what else what affected, you might have to reprogram your key as well. I don't know how common that is.

Some repair facilities will also stipulate that to keep the warranty, you have to replace the TPS along with the IACV. In looking at the manual, I didn't see a direct connection to this problem and although I had already purchased the TPS, I still have it sitting on a shelf with no issues 50,000 miles later. YMMV

As for the ECM, I found it fairly simple to remove. I removed the panel covering the knee brace under the steering column and it was exposed there. It's a pretty straighforward removal process, and I'll see if I took pictures when I did mine.

[sroberts]

I've replaced the idle air control valve (IACV) twice in my 2001. I had the same issue, where the car turns over and turns over but does not start due to a bad IACV shorting the ECM. I paid over $200 to have Circuit Board Medics repair the ECM and did the IACV myself. Not a difficult job, good thing as I had to do it on the side of the road. If you're good with a soldering iron you may be able to fix the ECM yourself. More details here, Idle Air Control Valve (IACV) Replacement DIY for 2001 Pathfinder

[apvm]

Have this problem with my 01 QX4 on boxing day. Towed it back home and now thinking if I should fix it or let it RIP.

I may be able to replace the black sensor of the IACV myself but to replace the own thing, it will be out of my skill level. (I was able to replace the ignition coil underneath the black sensor two years ago) As for the ECM if it is easy to take it out, I may able to send it out to have it fix, my ironing skill is very bad, last time I burnt my wifi router circuit board trying to fix it.

My main question is do I have to change the whole IACV (the valve body as well)? TIA