Who is telling the truth

[rodalt02]

I am new to the forum and need help quickly. I purchased a 2002 Maxima from a friend. The car doesn't run and the first mechanic he took it to says that it needs the computer to be reprogrammed by the dealer. Well, he took it to the dealer and they says that he a new ECU, TSP and iacv all for $1600. The car will start but will only continue to run if I put my feet on the gas while starting it. He did have motor mounts installed last year and dealer says this is what destroyed the ECU. That seems like a long time between installation and killing the computer. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks

[Markc]

Need more info. Like did the car run fine after new mounts were installed? Must be a check engine light on, what are the codes?Apperantly malfunctioning mounts will take out the ECU.

[loystock]

I agree with Mark. We need more info about the car. Also have the car scanned for trouble codes. You may also have a problem with the fuel delivery - failing pump and/or dirty fuel filter.

[rodalt02]

It'a a 2001 GLS and before it died it ran fine with no check engine codes. I would have thought that codes would appear if the ECU was going out. Is there a way to check for codes while it is running with the accelerator depressed?

[Markc]

It doesn't need to be running. Just hook up the code reader and turn the key on.

[Chris92SE]

It is very rare for the IACV to need replacing, especially on a car that new. It might need cleaning and/or a new gasket.

I am assuming you meant TPS (throttle position sensor). Could be bad, but that should throw a code on an OBD II car.

I agree that you should get the ECU codes before anything else.

If any of those items do need to be replaced, they are fairly easy to DIY. You can also source used parts fairly easy and a heck of a lot cheaper than at the dealership.

[rodalt02]

I have a P0505 code. It is for the Idle Air control Valve. I know this can fry the ECM, but how do I know if it's really what happened. Also, how much is a IACV and where can I pick one up along with an ECM?

[loystock]

The DTC P0505 confirms the earlier diagnostic done at the dealership. Replacing an ECM is expensive. The driver for the IACV stepper motor is inside the ECM. If the IACV is failing, a short circuit in the assembly or harness will 'fry' the ECU. An open circuit should not affect the ECU.

For best OEM part pricing, NICO sponsor IoS (Infiniti of Scottsdale) - infinitipartsUSA.com a.k.a. everythingnissan.com is your best bet, with 25% off MSRP. They have an additional 5% of this month (Code "December5").

You can also try eBay or other online stores.

Below is the link to the 2001 Maxima FSM (Factory Servie manual). Diagnostic for DTC P0505 starts on page EC-429 (Engine Control System chapter)

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/2001/EC.pdf