2013 Rogue Main Computer (ECU)

[fdelros]

Brief introduction to the issue:

Hello everyone,
Hope you ‘all doing well. My name is Felix, I am in Charlotte, NC and I am new here. I found this website while searching for parts for a vehicle I purchased recently. I recently purchased a 2013 Rogue which had been in a flood (Hurricane Sandy remnants). I bid on the car because the auction described that the car ran and drove, I figure that I would probably only had to deal with the smell and cleaning as well as the occasional failing electronics.

When I got the car, I did a quick assessment and realized that even though the car started and transmission engaged (no smell ), the steering wheel was locked. I towed the car to the dealer where it was determined that the water had damaged the steering wheel electronics that control the lock (I have seen many people in this forum complaining about the wheel lock electronics). The dealer was asking for $1,900 parts and labor to replace the part.

I asked them if they would work with a used part instead and they told me they would because the car was off warranty due to the flood condition. I went online and got a used part for about $200 and brought it to them for replacement. They are, as we speak in the process of replacing the part, but have advised me that the “main computer” is not communicating with the scanner they use to diagnose any other issue that the car may have.

Issue:

When the dealer says "main computer", do they mean ECU/ECM? I am not sure, because the vehicle starts and run. I asked them to give me a part number of the main computer to see if I can get it used from a junk yard and save some money, but as we all know dealers make money selling you new parts and they are giving me the wrong around to provide the part number.

Help needed from the community:
As stated before, it is a flood car so I do not have any service manual or manuals at all. I checked online and because the vehicle is too new there is not much material out there yet. Is there a way to get that part number (as well as the other computers on the vehicle) somewhere else? I think I can replace that part myself and save a bundle. The vehicle, again is a 2013 Nissan Rogue SV with the L package and automatic AWD transmission. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone, I am really glad I found this place!

Felix

[ImStricken06]

flood car = oh boy. i wish you luck man.

i cant tell you which computer they mean. i have heard plenty mechanics use the wrong terms or 'smear' terms for things that resemble others. like calling a tire a wheel. the same person them calls a rim a wheel. lol

[fdelros]

I know, I am still praying. The comment about the main computer not linking to the scanner came because I asked them to program the key fob. The fob is able to turn the engine on, but it does not operate the doors. When they tried to program the remote to the car, that is when they discovered that the systems do not link. Any idea? could it be talking about the BCM?

[ImStricken06]

no idea. every feature has its own "computer" now a days. main computer could be mistaken as bcm, ecu, ecm, alarm, etc etc etc. we dont know what "main" that computer is in charge of.

[rdub2k4]

could be the BCM. For all we know the OBD2 port under the steering column could be shot, which is why their tool doesn't communicate with the ECU.

[Rogue One]

could be the BCM. For all we know the OBD2 port under the steering column could be shot, which is why their tool doesn't communicate with the ECU.

Sounds legit. My research indicates fob programming is done with the bcm.

[dave08902]

With flood cars you need to remove the interior and clean and dry it out. You need to look at all the connectors and check for corrosion and clean or replace them. You also need to see how high the water got in the flood. You also need to drain all the fluids in the car. The rear and forward differential will be filled with water depending on the height of the water. The engine and transmission oil, you need to check for milky oil on dipstick. If you had saltwater damage then you are in a lot of trouble. If you had brackish water you have a lot of work. If you had a fresh water flood then you have the least amount of work. Just remember you need to wash out the interior in brackish or saltwater floods because of the salt. Basically you need to flood the car again with your water hose and flush out the interior You can tell when you remove the interior and you will see a white film which is the salt. You also need to check for mold growth in the carpets and matting. If it is brackish or salt water you need to inspect the connectors very carefully. Especially the wires that leave the connectors up to three inches for corrosion. You need to remove the pins from the connectors and peel back a little of the wiring and look for corrosion. That is why it is very important to physically look at flood vehicle before buying one. A good place will not clean the car and you can see how high the flood was. Never buy anything that went above the bottom of the seats. It looks like yours went up to the dash with all your problems. Your problem with your ecu mot communicating could be just corrosion on the connectors. When buying flood cars you need to expect putting many hours into it to fix it correctly, you can't just buy it and expect to drive it. If you don't fix it correctly you will have many years of trouble and headaches. That is why flood cars get such a bad reputation.

[Rogue One]

Excellent advice Dave! Hey fdelros, this might come in handy. The part numbers are for the 2010 but may be the same for your model year.

[Rogue One]

If the BCM is damaged it's gonna set you back just over 3 Benjies. http://www.nissanpartszone.com/oem-niss ... odule.html
Likewise, if there's a problem with the keyless control assy, your looking at spending $70 to replace it. http://www.nissanpartszone.com/parts/ni ... jm00a.html