Need some serious help finding ECU

Post by **Sopdadope** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Hey guys. I need some serious help here. For reasons I'd rather not mention, my ECU is dead. I've scoured every junkyard within a 150 mile radius for ECU's but haven't found any so far. I have a 1991 Q45a and the ECU serial number is A18-A58 P67K. I've tried using ECU's from other 8/90-produced Q's but none will work. The car will run extremely rich and the engine seems like it's making only 40hp.

Unfortunately, this is the absolute last straw for me. If I can't find an ECU, I'll be parting out two Q's instead of just one. I'm so absolutely sick of this, just when everything is running smooth something so stupid and insignificant as a *****ing ECU sidelines my car.

She's been sitting in the snow for 2 months now and I've been forced to rely on public transportation. I would really love to keep this car but enough's enough.

Post by **AZhitman** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Soph - I'm searching in Phoenix right now...

No luck in the Phx Metro area but three of the biggest yards are closed for the holidays... A place called "autoECM" professes to rebuild ECU's, reach them at (972) 988-9922.

I'll keep looking... There's a place here with 4 90-93 Q's but the idiot behind the counter doesn't know what model they are ("They don't have trunklids.") What a moron. I'll try to go look at them, but the soonest I can go is this weekend.

Post by **Q45tech** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

I work under the premise that every spare part/ module I have [in my possession] WON't FAIL!I have been riding around with a spare engine and transmission ecu [the ones that came with the car new in 1990] since 1994 when I installed my JWT units. Also keep a few injectors, a MAF, a coil, an ignitor assembly, and crankangle sensor plus assorted bulbs and fuses.

Ecu failures of either type are very very very rare! I'd guess we might have changed 2-3 in 6 years. All were caused by some type of short --- wrecks or water leaks caused by wrecks!

Post by **911/Q45** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Would a guess of arc welding without disconnecting the ECU be on target?

Post by **AZhitman** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Hey guys - Take it easy. A brother is looking for some help - None of our business WHY it malfunctioned. Let's see if we can find the man an ECU!

Soph - Are you POSITIVE on the serial #? A guy at Greenleaf auto in DFW has a few 91 ECU's but his #'s don't match up. Also, do you have TCS?

Post by **Sopdadope** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Azhitman, check your email!

Now as for the reason why the ECU failed. I'll admit, I have a hamfisted approach to things BUT I was extra-careful when replacing the EPROM. It was when I was removing the "performance EPROM" that I killed the ECU. Following someone's advice, I heated the ECU to a certain temp. What I wasn't aware of was that if heated on too many occassions the sealant/membrane of the circuit board takes on liquid form and the embedded circuits could easily be pried off.

That's exactly what happened. It's utterly impossible for me to fix my mistake and I only wish I never attempted it in the first place. I called my local dealer and was heartbroken to find out it would cost me $850 to replace a stinkin ECU. That's gouging if you ask me.

It's extremely frustrating to me knowing that all of this could be avoided. I haven't driven my car in months and in hindsight, I wish I never spent a dime fixing this car. This car's been like that girlfriend that I argued with 24/7 and try as you might, but things never work out. It's been a love/hate relationship since the day this car came under my ownership and this stupid ECU incident is the final push. Had it not been for sentimental value, this tin-can on wheels woud've been to the crusher by now.

My only hope is to take the ECU to a buddy's PC shop and see if he can work some magic. If not, I'm not gonna hesitate in tearing this car to pieces.

Sopdadope to Q: "Imma take pleasure in guttin you boyyy!!"

Post by **Q45denver** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Here is a list of some you might check on for 1991 active federal version. Good luck.

1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 (274) -Ele Cont Unit (ECU) (R SRS20303 $250 Greenleaf - B and D Auto Parts USA-MA(Shirley) E-mail 1-800-752-0146 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 B15213 $250 Counselman Automotive Recycling of Mobile USA-AL(Mobile) E-mail 1-800-457-6551 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 4.5L,AT,A18-A21P66K 0-232 $250 Morrow Motors, Inc. USA-NC(Forest-City) E-mail 1-800-333-7202 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 -FRM 8/90 FRNT WHL A18-A58-P26 0820 X00216 $225 A-1 Auto, Inc. USA-WI(Denmark) E-mail 1-800-227-8012 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 7G0002 $200 Southern Imports USA-NC(Grover) E-mail 1-800-522-4787 1991 Engine Computer 4.5,AOD,12-90 8M1844 $200 Fagan Auto Parts USA-AL(Piedmont) E-mail 1-800-331-5282 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 TCS21394 $200 Greenleaf Dallas USA-TX(Dallas) E-mail 1-800-552-1534 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 A0341 $175 Southern Imports USA-NC(Grover) E-mail 1-800-522-4787 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 4.5,4AF,10-90,ACT-SU S,ECM AM0179 $175 Burlington Auto Parts USA-MA(Shirley) E-mail 1-800-228-5544 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 4.5,10-90,ACTIVE 950096 $150 Miami Parts USA-FL(Opa-Locka) E-mail 1-800-644-4788 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 -A18 158 P26 10T $150 Fisher's Imports USA-VA(Millers-Tavern) E-mail 1-804-443-5866 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 988573 $125 Harrison Auto Salvage USA-AR(Harrison) E-mail 1-800-432-9727 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 L21257 $75 Speedy's Used Parts USA-NC(Asheville) E-mail 1-828-667-2239 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 -Ele Cont Unit (ECU), (R kick pnl), frm P5127 $Call Lacey Used Auto Parts, Inc. USA-NJ(Lanoka-Harbor) E-mail 1-800-298-8233 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 NI7287 $Call Stebbins Auto Parts Inc. USA-KY(Louisville) E-mail 1-800-633-4624 1991 Engine Computer Infiniti Q45 10-90,FI,4.5L,FACT,A T THE CNTROLS HA8720 $Call Nordstrom's Automotive Inc. USA-SD(Garretson) E-mail 1-605-594-3910

Post by **fxjackso** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Your experience with a standard ECU in an active, and mine with an active ECU in a standard, seems to answer the interchange question.

An active ECU will work in an active or non active car.

A standard ECU will not work in an active.

The active car needs a signal from ECU to SUSP, and vice-versa. If the active ECU is installed in a standard (my case) there are no side effects.

When you find an active ECU be sure it is pre TCS. I suspect you will be OK with 91-93. May be a good idea to check with Joe T. on part numbers.

Don't give up!

Post by **Q451990** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Any luck with http://www.autogator.com ? They have a ton of Q's sitting around.

Heath

Post by **landtodd** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Hey Q45Denver, where do you get your leads on parts?

Post by **Sopdadope** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Hey guys, thanks for all the help so far. I hope each and everyone enjoyed your Christmas holiday.

Q45denver, I've called all those leads. None of them have the exact ECU I'm looking for so they won't work on my car. I've scanned every online salvage search engine, but to no avail.

I'm developing pix of my car now and will be scanning them soon just to show anyone interested in parts, that the car was in impeccable shape aside from the catastrophic ECU issue.

In the meantime, I'm looking for an early 90's, easy-to-DIY AWD, 4-door vehicle, those are the only requirements. So far, I've narrowed it down to the Mitsubishi Galant VR4, Subaru Impreza 2.5 or maybe, just maybe an Audi but I'm weary of these due to high-maintenance costs and rather weak durability. The Galant looks to be a great buy.

Again, tremendous thanks for chiming in guys. I've been a member of these infiniti clubs for a long time now and have gotten to know some of you very well. Sadly, the Q and I have to part ways but I hope to stay in touch with all of you and still frequent NICO in my spare time.

Post by **AZhitman** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Soph - DAMN, DAMN, DAMN. If I could find one for you I think I'd pitch in some $$$ just to keep you around as a Q owner...

If you do ditch the Q, I'm real interested in the rear bar and the shocks... But I'd rather see you fix her and keep her.

Post by **maxnix** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Geez, sopdadope, I would think a JWT ECU would solve all the problems for much less dinero than a bunch of unknown headaches at any price. Be sure to drive those cars before you decide how to spend your cash.

Good luck either way.

Post by **DAEDALUS** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Hope you don't go, but if you must, the Galant VR4 is fairly easy to work on and can be CRAZY fast without a lot of dough. A buddy at work will spank anyone between stoplights and he put less that 10k into the car, including its purchase price. I'm sure he would know the best online sites for it.If you decide to let the Q go, I am still in need of a glove box.

Post by **landtodd** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Sophan -- Finding an ECU is just a matter of time. I know it can feel like there's no hope, but part the car? Over this?

Of course, I respect whatever you decide to do . . . but I hope you reconsider. You've been a valued contributor on this board. I, for one, would hate to see you bail.

You were so resourceful finding '93 TCUs -- I got mine from you -- I can't believe something's not about to pop up. -Todd

Post by **Alan** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Hey Sop, I'm with Todd. Parts always seem to turn up, usually at the price you want to pay. If you can hang, I bet you will be rewarded. Best of luck, we would miss you. Alan

Post by **Sopdadope** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Update on my situation: Made over fifty phone calls to wreckage yards in Washington to Idaho. None have turned up. I tested two ECU's from a 91 and 92 active Q's with front-wheel steering and nope, the car still doesn't start. Tested the battery to see if maybe the two-month sit and freezing weather sucked the life outta it, but nope the battery's a-okay.

I've found a few good leads on some subie's and a '98 audi A4. I'll tow the Q to my shop where the dismantling process will begin.

Again, I can thank you folks enough for your well wishes. I wish everyone (and their Q's) the best of luck in the new year.

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

maxnix wrote:Geez, sopdadope, I would think a JWT ECU would solve all the problems for much less dinero than a bunch of unknown headaches at any price. .

Amen!

Is't a JWT ECU $695 retail?

Fred...

PS:Sope you been around for so long we dont wanna lose you.I would be jumping for joy if I only had a ECU issue with my Q compared to the recent chrash.

Post by **PalmerWMD** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Sope .Check your email!!

Fred...

Post by **QShip** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Sopdadope, is that the car you did the conversion from active to conventional suspension? If so, did you disconnect the module in the trunk that is part of the active system?

I'm asking because I was told that after disconnecting the module, you may then use an ecu from an active or non-active car.

Post by **Q451990** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

I certainly wouldn't part it out over an ECU. Put out a request on http://www.u-r-g.com/ and definately check with www.autogator.com! There are so many dead Q's out there I'm sure you can find one if you go national with your search. I just hate to see tearing apart an otherwise working Q for a $200 part! There's not that many old Q's still around!

Heath

Post by **Q45denver** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

when was your Q built? I think the ones I posted were for post 8/90 manufature date.

q built

Post by **Sopdadope** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

I'm going to try and disconnect that active module per Qship's advice. I'm keepin' my fingers crossed...

Post by **AGM** » Mon Dec 23, 2002 10:32 am

Sopdadope,

When I last rang JWT, they did not sell OEM chips but they reccommended a supplier who was very helpful and knew what I was talking about.

As I won't get back to the office for about two weeks, could I suggest you ring JWT for a good/knowlegable supplier of an OEM chip.

Regards

AGM

Need some serious help finding ECU

Need some serious help finding ECU

Abandon the Q ship?

Re: Abandon the Q ship?

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