Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

ECM Issues... options?

  • 06-11-2014 11:58am
    #1
    Mr E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 55,590 ✭✭✭✭


    Hi folks, I've had an engine warning light on and off for the last couple of months (a few mechanics have had a look and couldn't see anything wrong).

    I took it to a main dealer on Tuesday and they hooked it up to a computer. They said that the ECM is failing and I'll need a new one. They quoted €1785 for parts and labour (money I don't have).

    Exact wording is "Carried out full engine diagnostic. Found multiple fault codes logged. Traced fault to internal failure in ECM. Inspected all wiring and connectors - all OK. Car needs new ECM €1,785 includes VAT and fitting".

    2005 Mazda 3, probably worth close to €5k (which is why you can see I'm reluctant to fork over 30% of it's value for a part).

    Options (as I see it) are:

    1. Fork over for the part. I'd need a bank loan.
    2. Start looking around for a new car (they suggested that I do this - it is 10 years old and has 200k on the clock). I'd need a bigger bank loan.
    3. Source the part from elsewhere (the guy who services my car knows some yards that deal in spare parts). He said he would ring around and get back to me.

    Any other options that I haven't thought of? What would you do in my situation?


Comments

  • #2
    joujoujou
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,055 ✭✭✭✭joujoujou
    Unregistered Users


    I'd go option #3.


  • #3
    Wossack
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,052 ✭✭✭Wossack


    silly question perhaps, but would there be potential for immobilizer issues if the ecu is replaced?


  • #4
    Toyotafanboi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,917 ✭✭✭✭Toyotafanboi


    option 3 seems the most logical.

    call me cynical but the diagnosis doesn't sound too convincing. what symptoms did the car have aside from an intermittent check engine light on the dash?

    i'd consider getting a second opinion before you spend anything.

    also, with 200k (miles i assume) on the clock, and i'm not saying the car is anywhere near the end of it's life. how much longer do you plan on getting out of this car? maybe another 100k tops? and is it worth investing "x" amount in a car that is only going to service you for "x" more time (if it boils down to a situation where you have to go with option 1).


  • #5
    Mr E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 55,590 ✭✭✭✭Mr E


    The only symptom (and it is a weird one) is that the speedo sometimes stays at 0 while the car is moving (it has happened 3 times in the last 4 weeks). It fixes itself after a while (usually when I kill the engine and start it up again straight away), and might be fine for a week before it happens again.

    I've sent a message to Hamiltons, so I'll see what they say.


Advertisement