ECM Foam damaged ECM-RECALL Sentra 2001-2003

[BWnissan]

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

Read Full

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

[mpe235]

The ecm is covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles. The a/c problem could be a wiring issue. It is very common on this model. It is very common to find corroded wires in the harness at the lower radiator support. The 3 most common wires that I see are power to the Horn, A/c and ecm.

[chilelamas]

I also am having the same problem with my 2002 Sentra GXE...I actually joined here today to see if anyone had any ideas of what to do next.

My BIL was actually thinking that my problem could be the dual pressure switch but we can't find where it is located in the car.

It would make more sense to me that my problem could be a corroded wire as I have had numerous problems with my horn. Hummmm. Thanks for the idea mpe235! I really don't want to replace my ECM if I don't have to.

[BWnissan]

Finallly I got the foam replaced, as well as the engine sensors which were also part of the recall. In addition, I have replaced o2 sensor (P0037); however, after 50 miles and reseting of the computer I still have the same error message P0037.
Aprivate electician which tested all the wiresto air condition told me that the only wire which does not give proper output is that one from the computer; therefore, he sugessed replacing ECM.

If there is 80k miles warranty on the ECM can how can have the dealer replace it with out a cost to me. They say they need to do the testing again for which I have to pay gain and that starts from $220.

I may end up eventually suing them for these all problems and lack of air-condition for a over a year. Maybe if they pay few million$ in punitive damages thay will address customer needs more appropriately.

[bogumilnissan]

I got the dealer to replace the ECM to no cost to me about year ago.
Everything was working fine until recently the: when I turn the fan on the windshield the A/C starts automatically (even when turn to get the hot air). However, this does not happen when I turn the fan on feet or directly on me.

This same issue happend about 2 years ago before the A/C stopped working. I wonder if this is the same problem with NEW ECM as I had with the old one.

About 2 years ago I used to take out the A/C fuse for the winter so it does not turn on when I need to heat my car.
After I replaced the fuse I could get A/C to start in the summer.

Any advice?

[srthakur]

Originally Posted by mpe235

The ecm is covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles. The a/c problem could be a wiring issue. It is very common on this model. It is very common to find corroded wires in the harness at the lower radiator support. The 3 most common wires that I see are power to the Horn, A/c and ecm.

Hi Mpe235
My car is 2001 Nissan sentra & 92 K miles on it. My ECM was replaced last month. My mechanic has charged me $ 520 for it.
As you written, the ECM having warranty of 8 years or 80000 miles.
Does this means that It was covering in warranty period?? If yes, I have could have got it fixed free of cost.

[mpe235]

It would not have been covered because you were over the 80,000 mile limit.