1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse DIY Replacement of ECM?

VERTIENTE

MEMBER
1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
150,000 MILES

Our Eclipse has been running raggedly--stalling while idling, cutting out while driving--and when we took it into the shop the mechanic indicated that he believed it was a bad computer. He estimated that the Mitsubishi dealer would charge $850 for the replacement part and another $200-300 for the work. I've seen replacement ECM's online for $150-250, and am wondering if replacing it myself is an option. If it's programmed to match my VIN and mileage, is it feasible for me to remove the existing ECM myself and plug in the new one? Is this a difficult repair? Thanks in advance.

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 AT 3:21 PM

1 Reply

CH112063

MECHANIC
1,320 POSTS

A 97 is very easy, the location and price makes it a good do it yourself job. That computer is very sophisticated, it contains programs for checking its sensors and circuits for codes called faults, all the codes meanings are listed here, and the small scanner that is sold at the store for equipment can help you decide whether its the computer or not. If he thinks it is, he must have read these codes, or found none, its better for you to make sure it is the ECU or not something else. Read about how a modern fuel injection system operates, there are many things that can go wrong, I worked with many Mitsu's and replacing the engine computer was rare, in fact, never.
After all, its made in Japan.

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Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 AT 5:38 PM