Posted by: Lightning
2000 Xterra problem. Heavy misfire/ECM problem - 12/09/15 04:48 PM
My Xterra has been a great vehicle since I bought it in 2000. Just recently having a few problems with it which I guess should be expected with 15 yrs and 122,000 miles now.
While diving the other day, after about 20 miles, it started misfiring hard. Pulled over, checked all the simple plug wires and connections and limped it back towards home. It slowed more and more then eventually it said no more and cut off. After letting it set for a little less than an hour, it started up and ran great. Next day it ran fine. The flowing day it ran great for a while, then started missing again and on the way home it died and would not restart. I called a tow truck and when they got there, it started right up and drove into the flatbed.
My mechanic was able to replicate the problem and did some diagnosing and originally said they were not getting much of a signal from the crank position sensor and that was where they needed to start ($280). After they replaced that, they said it didn't fix it and they have traced the problem back to the ECM where it was not sending a signal to fire. So they are saying I need a new ECM.
So they said if I could get one, they would install it, or they could get one (already flashed) for probably about $400.
I see some ECM units listed on ebay for around $100 with 60 day warranty, and dealer said that they would charge $95 to flash it. What do you guys think about the situation? Does the unit need to be in the xterra to be flashed (which would require a tow) or can I just bring them the ECM and the VIN (and $95) and they can flash it?
Should I ebay it?
Edited to add:
No check engine light, no codes. 3.3, automatic, 4x4.
Are all 2000 xterras using the same computer or do I need to find a specific one?
While diving the other day, after about 20 miles, it started misfiring hard. Pulled over, checked all the simple plug wires and connections and limped it back towards home. It slowed more and more then eventually it said no more and cut off. After letting it set for a little less than an hour, it started up and ran great. Next day it ran fine. The flowing day it ran great for a while, then started missing again and on the way home it died and would not restart. I called a tow truck and when they got there, it started right up and drove into the flatbed.
My mechanic was able to replicate the problem and did some diagnosing and originally said they were not getting much of a signal from the crank position sensor and that was where they needed to start ($280). After they replaced that, they said it didn't fix it and they have traced the problem back to the ECM where it was not sending a signal to fire. So they are saying I need a new ECM.
So they said if I could get one, they would install it, or they could get one (already flashed) for probably about $400.
I see some ECM units listed on ebay for around $100 with 60 day warranty, and dealer said that they would charge $95 to flash it. What do you guys think about the situation? Does the unit need to be in the xterra to be flashed (which would require a tow) or can I just bring them the ECM and the VIN (and $95) and they can flash it?
Should I ebay it?
Edited to add:
No check engine light, no codes. 3.3, automatic, 4x4.
Are all 2000 xterras using the same computer or do I need to find a specific one?