z32 '89 Non-Turbo Auto 2+0 ECU Computer Replacement

Discussion in 'Technical' started by gregzilla, Jan 20, 2018.

  1. gregzilla

    gregzilla Member

    Hi All,

    My car is missing a cylinder and apparently its the ECU computer. Can anyone help me with details on the best or alternative replacement solution for the unit?

    z32 '89 Non-Turbo Auto 2+0

    The image is the current faulty one I have.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. East Coast Z

    East Coast Z Well-Known Member

    How did you come to the conclusion the ECU is at fault?
    Is it a fuel or ignition related misfire?
     
  3. DazzaZ32

    DazzaZ32 Active Member

    Yep agree have you done all the basics ? Doing a load test, Checked coil packs codes injectors ptu and so on???
     
  4. gregzilla

    gregzilla Member

    It was actually the auto sparkie who came up with the diagnosis. I have had all sparks and coils replaced.
     
  5. DazzaZ32

    DazzaZ32 Active Member

    So what code came up for this diagnosis from the auto sparkie?
    And how did he decide it wasnt an injector stuck or not firing?
     
  6. gregzilla

    gregzilla Member

    He actually didn't tell me anything about codes but did say he couldn't 'talk' to the ECU with his diagnostic PC
     
  7. East Coast Z

    East Coast Z Well-Known Member

    The auto electrician has failed miserably in his diagnosis.............
    Did you change the spark plugs & ignition coils, then take it to the auto electrician for diagnostics?
    Or did the auto electrician tell you the plugs & coils were at fault & then couldn't communicate with the ECU & diagnosed that to be the cause?
    I repeat my earlier question.
    Is it a fuel or ignition related misfire?
     
  8. gregzilla

    gregzilla Member

    He changed the sparks a little while ago and everything was running fine but he did mention that the coils were not the best. About 2 weeks later I lost the cylinder during the holiday period so I bought a full set of coils and replacement coil plugs. I then took the car into him and he replaced the coils and plugs but the cylinder still didn't work. He tested the plug and it was completely dead so I'm assuming it was an ignition related issue.

    A few years ago, during the previous owner, the heater core had sprung a leak and he did bypass the heater core. I have had the heater core replaced and the ECU computer was covered in rust
     
  9. DazzaZ32

    DazzaZ32 Active Member

    So if the cylinder didnt work did you test the injector??
    pull the plug out and turn it over to see if fuel coming out?
    And have the coil pack attached with the plug out to check for spark?
    process of elimination
    Also swap in a working coil pack and plug to see if cylinder fired
    And you pic doesnt seem to show much rust on the ECU
     
  10. gregzilla

    gregzilla Member


    You probably guessed that I know very little about these type of things.

    I didn't check anything but the sparkie did swap around the coils. He told me he had put his meter to the coil plug and it was lifeless. No signal at all in all 3 pin points of the plug.
     
  11. DazzaZ32

    DazzaZ32 Active Member

    what state you in?
    Maybe someone lives near you could give you a hand.
    Cause you could spend thousands trying to do a simple diagnosis.
     
  12. gregzilla

    gregzilla Member

    I'm in Dandenong, Victoria but all up including parts, it's cost me $450 so far.

    Luckily not thousands! LOL
     
  13. DazzaZ32

    DazzaZ32 Active Member

    im in WA so i cant help but maybe someone around you will read this.
    or at least take it to a Mechanic .
    Do a search on the forum about diagnosis of misfire there is a lot you can do yourself
     
    gregzilla likes this.
  14. East Coast Z

    East Coast Z Well-Known Member

    What spark plugs did you install?
    The plugs won't be the problem, just curious that's all.
    Are they brand new coils or second hand coils?
    I take it you have replaced all six.
    Did the auto electrician test the PTU?
    Do you have a Digital Multi Meter (DMM)?
     
  15. geron

    geron National Petroleum Equipm

    Change your ECU.
    A forum member on here that I know had a similar issue and after lots of time spent with diagnosis thinking it was a wiring harness issue and many other things like PTU, coil packs, etc... it was in fact the ECU that was the cause.

    You should be able to get an ECU on here. People part out these cars all the time.

    Peter
     
  16. East Coast Z

    East Coast Z Well-Known Member

    Peter,
    If he obtains a replacement ECU & the problem is not rectified, are you going to reimburse the cost of the ECU?
    Better off diagnosing a problem & identifying the cause rather than changing out parts in an effort to solve a problem.
     
  17. TWIN TERROR

    TWIN TERROR Well-Known Member

    Hi,
    What series ptu do you have. Also can someone tell me if a tt ecu would do to test his car ? I'm in vic and might have a spare series 2 ptu. Also have a spare tt ecu. I have the test lights that were in the group buy somewhere. May be able to help but not in Melbourne near Geelong. Also your auto elec might be trying an ob2 machine to diagnose and they don't work on 89 models ;)
    Cheers
    Dave
     
  18. East Coast Z

    East Coast Z Well-Known Member

    Also can someone tell me if a tt ecu would do to test his car ?
    Yes, it would be suitable as test instrument.
    If the ECU is at fault, the misfire would disappear immediately at idle.

    Also your auto elec might be trying an ob2 machine to diagnose and they don't work on 89 models
    Tend to agree Dave.
    Because you can't connect to an ECU does not mean the ECU is faulty.
     
  19. geron

    geron National Petroleum Equipm

    It's just my opinion based on the information provided and going by personal experience.
    The sparky has already done the continuity diagnosis and has concluded it's the ECU. Why doubt?
    I posted my reply based on that and also my 1st hand experience with this particular issue.
    A replacement ECU would be cheap to purchase and good to have as a spare. I still stand by my initial post.
     
  20. East Coast Z

    East Coast Z Well-Known Member

    Peter,
    I understand your desire to help.
     

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