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BradicusMaximus
PssssssssyyyyyyyyduckRegistered User regular
PssssssssyyyyyyyyduckRegistered User regular
So I recently found out the ECM in my Suzuki Reno is fucked. I've been in talks with a shop and they want to get the oem part that will run me about 1400 bucks. Yikes.
My question, is it worth going this route as opposed to getting one used from a place like car-part.com? I've used this site to get replacement parts before but its always been pretty minor. I'm not well versed in the realm of car computers. As I understand it, if I get it used they have to reprogram it. According to guy at the shop, this would run me about as much in labor as it did for the new part. Is it really that difficult? I don't really think hes lying or anything. I would just like to know for peace of mind.
Also, my girlfriend told about places where you can send in your ecm to see if they can just repair whatever was fucked up with it. How valid is this?
My question, is it worth going this route as opposed to getting one used from a place like car-part.com? I've used this site to get replacement parts before but its always been pretty minor. I'm not well versed in the realm of car computers. As I understand it, if I get it used they have to reprogram it. According to guy at the shop, this would run me about as much in labor as it did for the new part. Is it really that difficult? I don't really think hes lying or anything. I would just like to know for peace of mind.
Also, my girlfriend told about places where you can send in your ecm to see if they can just repair whatever was fucked up with it. How valid is this?
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If the motherboard has rotted or one of the major chips has exploded, you're fucked, and you need a replacement. Now, a dealer (or someone who has access to the same specialized diagnostic tools the dealers use - this generally isn't something that can be done with blink codes and the OBD port) will need to reflash the ECM to your car, basically all this does is put in your mileage and the car's VIN number, but the ECM won't work without that info. If you can get a good second-hand unit, the reflash shouldn't cost much. $1400 is daylight robbery. And more than you ought to be spending on a car that's only worth about twice that much, if KBB is to be trusted.
Putting the damn thing in will be the easiest part so I'm definitely gonna do that myself.
Got a used ecm for 120 and getting it programmed tomorrow for 90 bucks. Suck on that, mechanic!
This is they way to do it.
FYI pull your old one apart and look for a solder crack's. That is what kills them, that and water intrusion most of the time.