jetfields

I have a Sentra 2001 with 95,000 on it. It was having some trouble starting every once in a while...and when I was at high speeds (i.e. 80 mph) the RPMs would go down to 0 for a split second and bounce back up. This didn't happen every time. Check engine light never came on. I took it to the dealership who told me I need a tuneup. Then then called back later and said it needed a new ECM. I went to pick it up and the car was totally inoperable. Dealer said that the ECM was not giving any readings the computer so they weren't able to get any codes, which means it's bad. Dealer told me I would need to tow it off the lot. I drove it for a month with only the RPM problem. So, I don't trust them much. Now I don't know what to do. Do I fork over the cash for the new ECM, or tow it home and try the tune up. Any suggestions?

Jeramy McCutcheon

I have a 2001 Nissan Sentra as well and just started experiencing a similar problem, although I don't see the rpm gage dip to 0 for a split second, It completey stalled out on me driving at 120km per hour on the highway. It wouldn't start back up right away, but after about 20 minutes it fired up and I drove it for another 4 miles, luckily right to my driveway, but died on me again just before I turned in. I don't want to have to fork out the cash for this, and I do not want to take it to the dealership if I don't have to. If anyone can give any kind of suggestion, it would be valued greatly. Thanks.

jetfields

Sounds similiar to my issue. I called Nissan corporate and found out that the ECM is covered for 80,000 miles under a U.S. federal warranty. So, you may want to take it to the dealer and find out if that's the issue, then call Nissan and find out how to get it covered. Unfortunately, mine has 95,000 miles so it's not covered and will cost about $500 for a new ECM/$300 for a used.

I found a site where you can send your ECM to get recalibrated. Has anyone ever tried that? What's the difference between that and getting a new one?