ECM / ECU Repair cost 2001 Pathfinder

[sroberts]

An independent repair shop specializing in Japanese cars quoted $600 to rebuild the ECM plus an hour or two labor to remove and reinstall. Is that a reasonable cost? (2001 Pathfinder). I cannot do the work myself because the car is stranded at the shop 200 miles from home. I hate to put $800 or so into it because that is approaching 20% of the car's value.

[4xq]

You can send these away for repair - it costs from 85 to 200+ on ebay. You will need a new Idle Air control valve and possibly a new throttle position sensor to get a warranty from the repair people.

Removing them is maybe a 20 or 30 minute job at best. They are under the dash to the right of the steering column.

Perhaps rent a car dolly and tow it back home yourself? A one ay trip. You must disconnect the rear driveshaft to do that. Unless that boat is attached!

Otherwise, be nice to them but negotiate with your facts. Good luck!

[Buzzman]

Agree with 4xq. You need to get some more info from the shop, like what are the symptoms, codes, etc., and about why they want to rebuild the ECM.
If it's because of a bad IACV, then you can get the ECM rebuilt for $250.00 or less.
Get back to us with more info, and we can help.

[sroberts]

Thanks for the help, it is a bad IACV that caused the problem, I am negotiating the ECM repair cost. They send them out locally to be repaired and I've asked them to use an online mail out service instead because I do not need the car right away. If anyone can give a thumbs up to one of the online vendors, I would appreciate it thanks.

[atraudes]

Everyone I've seen that's had this problem has had great luck with the circuit board medics. Check the below links for more info and experiences.

02-pathfinder-idle-issues-t593893.html
2002-pathfinder-wont-idle-any-suggestions-t530479.html

[Buzzman]

Make sure you replace the IACV before re-installing the rebuilt ECM.
Then do an idle relearn.

[sroberts]

Update - I've been out of town for most of the last month so haven't done much on this - the repair shop balked at coming down from $600 + 2hrs labor to send out the ECM, and to show what a deal I was getting they sent me an alternate estimate for a new OEM ECM @ $1000 + 2 hrs labor. So I footed a $300 bill to tow my car back home and have sent my ECM along with $250 to Circuit Board Medics.

[Buzzman]

Smart move. Don't forget to replace the IACV.

[sroberts]

On its way - Hitachi Idle Air Control Valve - $90 from PartsGeek

[zach7685]

Let us know how the turnaround is. They are local to me and I have to get mine repaired I just can't be without my vehicle for very long.

[sroberts]

The turnaround time from Circuit board medics was excellent. I used UPS ground - it is quick between Atlanta and the Greenville area, I think the round trip took 3 days. Circuit board medics tests the ECM with a Nissan IACV and they provide a 1 year warranty. I've not had a chance to install the new parts yet.

Steve

[sroberts]

Update: I installed the IACV and ECM and the car cranks with vigor but will not even try to start. I checked the related fuses (62, 63m and many others) but no luck. I made sure the ECM plug was fully inserted and locked.

From the HOWTOs I also tried HOW TO: Read DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) and HOW TO: Reset ECU (Clear DTC codes) but neither procedure works - the SES light never starts to blink. Should these work for a 2001 Pathfinder?

I suspect the ECU may not be fully repaired but I'm still hoping for a simple solution, such as something not plugged in, or a blown fuse. I'll recheck all of the fuses today. Any other suggestions? I wish I could at least get the car in "limp" mode, as it is on the street and I need to get it up to my house.

[4xq]

Did you check the fuse box under the hood? The 10A ECCS2 fuse often pops when the ECM goes out. Check the others there as well.

[4xq]

The SES light should come on when you turn the key to the on position.

You also need to make sure that when you turn the key to "on", that your anti-theft light goes out. Here is an old post I necro'd out of an old thread:

A side note: If you try and start the QX4/Pathy and it fails five times in a row due to the NVIS system, it'll go into "lock mode" and you won't be able to start it even with a good key. If you have a scan tool and pull the code P1610, this means you're stuck in lock mode. To reset and get out of lock mode, perform the following steps:

1. Turn ignition switch off.
2. Turn ignition switch on with good key. Do not start engine. Wait 5 seconds.
3. Turn ignition switch off.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 twice (total of three cycles).
5. Start the engine.

I haven't used this procedure, but you may run into the 5 tries no start problem as I suspect both you and the mechanics you had look at it earlier have attempted several starts.

[sroberts]

Success!! I checked the fuses again and found the ECCS2 fuse was bad. If I squeeze the fuse with even light pressure it tests okay with my continuity tester - during my initial testing a couple of days ago I was able to get the tester to "beep" and presumed the fuse was good. And visually it looks fine unless I use a magnifying glass.

I plan to run the ECM training sequences later today but for now at least my car is off the street. I really appreciate everyone's help.

Steve