PCM trouble

Tiny
BHOLE389
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 NISSAN XTERRA
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 163,000 MILES
I have a 2000 X, 3.3L, manual, 163,000 miles. I had the service engine light come on not too long ago, but it was running great, so I drove it for a week or so. However, it was bugging the crap out of me, so I read up in my Chilton manual, and decided to try and get the ODBii codes manually by turning the screw on the PCM (ECU). I found the hole where the screw is, and stuck a screw driver in there. I couldn't really tell if it was on a screw, but I turned it and the codes flashed. It read that my right bank cat. Converters ware having trouble. I turned the "screw" back, the light stopped flashing codes, and drove some more. All is good. Then I tried to erase the codes by doing the same thing with the PCM screw. Again I couldn't really find it, but the service light turned off. Problem is that doesn't even light when I turn the key on. On top of that, the next time I drove, I heard a bunch of crackling noise down by the PCM, and my car stalled. It starts up now, but when I drive it, it stalls every mile or so. It restarts every time, but I have to turn the key completely off first. The idle is high as well (about 1500rpm).

Did I fry my PCM? If my X is running, does that mean the PCM is still good? Can I test the PCM? I thought maybe I didn't turn that "screw" enough back, but I haven't tried to do it again, for fear of being "screwed"! But either way, I am screwed.

Can anyone give me there thoughts?
Monday, December 6th, 2010 AT 6:26 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Bring it in and have the pro scan the computer properly quit attempting -
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Monday, December 6th, 2010 AT 7:22 AM
Tiny
BHOLE389
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thanks, but I live about a 2 hour drive from a "pro scan". So, I am guessing that would take me a solid day to drive there when it stalls out every minute or two. Appreciate the "help".
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Monday, December 6th, 2010 AT 7:29 AM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Start by checking the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter and fuel pump
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Monday, December 6th, 2010 AT 8:12 AM

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