Just recently I found about the ECM foam recall and I got it replaced at my dealership. The problem is that I go it replaced after 5 years since the dealer did not infor me about this during normal service checkups.
Dealer says that the bad foam did not damage my ECM while my electrician says that ECM is the problem for my A/C mulfunction (when I turn A/C I see only cooling fan working) and it could be also the reason for 02 Heater Sensor problem.
In my understanding Nissan should have RECALLED REPLACEMENT of whole ECM if the bad foam damaged it!!!
I am not sure what to do:
My electrician who charges me a lot less than the dealer recommended the ECM replacement for which he will charge me only $45.
Nissan dealer says that I need to replace 02 heater sensor for $350 and that ECM is fine; however, there is another computer associated with the A/C that could malfunction??? To check the A/C for problems they charge $220...and if it the problem is really with ECM it may cost me $1,000 for replacement and reprogramming. Who is right? Did anyone have the same problem?
Recall Date: NOV, 2003
Potential Number of Units Affected: 276000
Recall Notice
Defect Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE QG18DE ENGINE OR QR25DE ENGINES, THE FOAM MATERIAL USED FOR THE INTERIOR LINING OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) BOX EMITS SULFUR AS IT CURES.
Consequence Summary:
IF ONE OF THE RESISTORS INSIDE THE ECM HAS A CRACK ON THE SURFACE COATING, THE GAS MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE RESISTOR. THIS COULD CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO COME ON, POOR DRIVABILITY (IDLE INSTABILITY, POOR ACCELERATOR), OR THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Corrective Summary:
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSIDE LINING MATERIAL FROM THE ECM BOX. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN