2005 Saturn L300 ECM

Tiny
MZKADEE
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 SATURN L300
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
I found a used ecm from a 2003 same make, model. I was told that it would not communicate with the scanner to be programmed. I was also told that if the car had been sitting for a while, that would be a reason why it wasn't working. I'm still paying a note on my car and haven't had it but six months, and I really need some help to get this situated. I read a previous comment about learning the pass lock. How would I be able to do so if it will not communicate?
Tuesday, August 25th, 2015 AT 4:59 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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So you have a 2005 L300 v6 that you put a 2003 L300 v6 ecm in?It doesn't matter how long it sits it should still work if its compatible. Thats why if thats what you did? As far as learning the pass lock if the ecm isn't communicating trying to learn the pass lock sensor is a waste of time.
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2015 AT 8:57 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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So what was the old ecm doing?Why did you replace it?
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Tuesday, August 25th, 2015 AT 9:46 PM
Tiny
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My car completely stopped running. They couldn't get the original ecm to communicate with the reader. I have been very unsuccessful in finding a decently priced ecm, and the estimate from the shop is ridiculous considering I'm still paying a note biweekly. I was looking into the l emon law but this is the first problem, other than replacing the oil pan, that I've been confronted with. It's turning out to be a major mechanical issue. As I started before, I've only had this car six months, obtained from an Ohio dealership in February of this year. I'm at a complete loss as far as what to do.I'm faced with paying for a car that's has been inoperable for over thirty days because of repairs, but I'm unable to find the needed part.
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 6:06 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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So did the car just not start one day or did it die while driving? Also can they communicate with the body control module? Does your power door locks keyless entry/remote gas gauge etc all work?
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+1
Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 6:25 AM
Tiny
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The car died while driving home from work one night. I stopped at the gas station and when I pulled out I couldn't get it to go past 35mph. So I rode about 20 miles just that speed. I live at the to of a hill, and I knew once I shut it off, there was a possibility that it wouldn't restart. I made it home and sue enough, once I turned it off, it was dead. I had it towed and it was confirmed that the ecm was completely shot. The original estimate that I received was $1200. I then had it towed to another shop, that estimate was $950. So I began exploring options to find the part myself. Mostly all of the ones I have found are rebuilt or used from previous year. I even found a place online that claims to repair them for $125 with one day turnaround. Considering I've found two used ecm components and have had to return them both due to the first being the wrong one, and the second supposedly not communicating with the the reader, I'm at a loss.
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 6:48 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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So is there anything else inop like I asked?Also the scan tool powers up off the obd2 connector? When it would only go 35mph was the reduced performance light on?Also with the key in the run position is the security light on solid or flashing? Please answer all questions iam not there to check and answer them myself.
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
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Well when it initially died, it had no power at all. After a day or two, it had power, but would not start. All of the dash lights came on like normal, but the symbol of a car with a wrench inside of it, the check engine light, and one other light stayed on. I'm not completely acut sure as to which one it was. I do believe it was solid though. These were the same lights that came on the night at the gas station. Once they got it to the shop, they said everything was firing correctly but the ecm wasn't communicating with the car to make it start. Whether or not they were able to communicate with the bcm I don't know.
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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So right now with the key in the run position is the security light on solid or flashing? Again iam not there to answer my questions with your car so you really need to answer all the questions I ask your or its going to make helping you thru the internet even harder then it all ready is.
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2015 AT 7:39 PM
Tiny
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It is solid
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Thursday, August 27th, 2015 AT 7:02 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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If we cant talk to the bcm/body control module then you could have a bad body control module which can keep you from talking to the ecm thats why I asked if they could talk to the bcm. Also why I asked if the power door locks keyless entry gauges temp fuel etc worked. Those are some of the many symptoms when they do go bad. Its pretty common for them to go bad also. You have power to the orange wire at yoyr obd2 connector?Also lets try this try starting the car then dont turn it off leave the key in the run position in about 10 mins the security light should turn off. If it does do the same steps two more times leaving the key in the off position 30 seconds in between key cycles. When you try to start it dont let the key go past the run position while your letting it sit the 10mins after trying to start it.
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Thursday, August 27th, 2015 AT 12:30 PM

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