How to Mod a Nissan ECU
Modifying the electronic control unit -- or ECU -- on your Nissan can improve both power and gas mileage by making your engine more efficient. You can also purchase a chip for a fraction of what other modifications cost and install it yourself with very few tools. While you can't expect to turn your daily driver into a gas-sipping race car with just a small change to the computer, a good chip will give you modest but noticeable performance gains.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Find a mechanic with a dynamometer to get a baseline level for the power in your car. You want to make sure the chip has done its job and the gains will most likely not be significant enough for you to notice without impartial measurement. Record the baseline power or acceleration numbers.
-
2
Park the car on a flat, level surface. Open the hood and disconnect the positive and negative terminals from the battery.
-
-
3
Locate the ECU within the engine compartment. It is a black plastic box with several bundles of wire going into it. Its position will vary depending on the model of Nissan you are working with.
-
4
Unplug the wires that need to be connected to the chip. Again, this will depend on the make and model. Consult the documentation that came with your chip for exact bundles that need to be moved.
-
5
Connect the wires from the chip back into the ECU. Again, consult the documentation with your chip for the exact wires that need to be connected. Bear in mind that some chips have extra wires coming out which are designed to connect to a smart phone or laptop so the car can be individually tuned.
-
6
Reconnect the battery and start the car. Check to make sure there are no strange noises and no unusual dash lights. All these are signs the chip is not working as intended. Go back and check the installation and make sure everything is in the correct position. If you cannot stop the chip from giving a check engine light then visit a professional installer or contact the chip manufacturer's customer support department.
-
7
Clean the area on top of the ECU with the cleaning supplies. Be careful to remove any dirt, grease or oil that may prevent the double sided tape from sticking. Mount the chip on the flat plastic on top of the ECU with the double sided tape.
-
8
Revisit the dynamometer or drag strip and re-run the same tests you ran before. Compare the numbers and calculate the performance gains. Make sure the gains are within what the chip manufacturer promised and what you were expecting. If they are not then you should check the installation or contact the chip manufacturer.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Remove the chip if it continues to cause a check engine light, otherwise you could damage the engine.
References
- Photo Credit chip image by JCVSTOCK-ES from Fotolia.com
