Can I Put A Different ECU In My Car?

Yes

. In fact, if you want to change the ECU for any reason, a dealer will have to reprogram your keys into the ECU.

Do ECU numbers have to match?

No

, they don't have to be the same number as sometimes items are superceded so the number changes but the early and late items are still interchangeable, the trick is to discover if the original item was superceded by the one that you have as a replacement.

Does the ECU have to match the engine?

To match the ECU to the vehicle,

it must be programmed with the proper calibration

. Even if you just wanted to “try it out”, many vehicles would not start due to the antitheft system. You need to supply the VIN of your vehicle.

How much does it cost to reprogram ECU?

If the engine control module just needs to be tested, analyzed, and reprogrammed, it should cost you

between $150 and $300

. As with buying new, if you have someone else install your replacement remanufactured ECM, you could be looking at additional hundreds of dollars of labor costs.

Does a used ECU need to be reprogrammed?

While it's built to last,

it needs to be reprogrammed to ensure that everything is functioning optimally

. Several parts may experience wear due to constant friction, and engine parts may loosen because of vibrations.

How do I know my ECU is bad?

Another symptom of a bad or failing ECU is erratic engine behavior. A faulty computer may cause the vehicle to intermittently have issues such as stalling or misfires. The symptoms may come and go, and may not appear to have any sort of pattern to their frequency or severity.

How do I know my ECU model?

Open glovebox and empty contents. Squeeze in the back of each side of the back of the glovebox past the stoppers. Fold down glovebox, and

locate the control module behind the glovebox

. On it you will see the ECU number.

Can I replace an ECM myself?

The answer to the question “Is it hard to replace an ECM?” is

NO

! The parts themselves aren't inexpensive (as long as you're buying them from us!), plus high quality aftermarket and OEM ECMs can be easily installed yourself.

How do I reprogram my ECU?

1. Connect the vehicle interface cable to the OBD-II connector and turn the ignition switch to ON.
2. Open the ProECU software and choose Tools then Detect Vehicle.
3. Select Program Engine ECU.
4. Choose Query ECU to identify the ECU version fitted to the car.

What causes ECU failure?

The environment, the way you drive, and how you handle maintenance on your vehicle

are all factors that could contribute to strain put on your engine computer, so the chances of having an ECU failures is much more higher than you might have previously thought.

Can a bad ECU be reprogrammed?

In many cases, the

faulty ECU can be repaired or reprogrammed

, and this type of repair will usually run between $300 to $750, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Can you drive with a bad ECM?

4. Car

Not

Starting. A bad ECM may lead to a vehicle that won't or is difficult to start. If the ECM fails completely, it will leave the vehicle without engine management control, and will not start or run as a result.

How hard is it to change an ECM?

Replacement takes

just a matter of minutes

, as the ECM is easy to access. The location of the ECM depends on the make and model of the vehicle. In most vehicles, the ECM is located in the engine compartment. Some vehicles have the ECM mounted under the driver's or passenger seat, however.

What does resetting the ECU do?

“Resetting the ECU” is

the process of clearing all the long term memory from the ECU's memory

. These variables trim idle speed, fuel, spark, and more. The ECU will also store trouble codes for diagnostic capability.

Can you fix an ECU?

ECU repairs can be very expensive. The part alone can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Fortunately,

an ECU can be repaired or reprogrammed in many cases

—thus preventing the need to actually replace an ECU.

What happens if ECU gets wet?

Water may still enter it but the odds are low. However, if the ECU stays submerged,

the water will probably penetrate through the screws areas or at the plug terminal

, which is not sealed enough to be under water.