ECU problems

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
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ProtonXX
Posts: 193
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:33 am

ECU problems

Post by ProtonXX »

Ive been battling my ECU for a while. Basically I have to reset the ECU every 100 miles to get the best mileage. If the ECU runs too long without a update the mileage tanks. I was wondering would it be a good idea to get a newer ecu (out a 2005/2006) . Not sure what else to do lol, any ideas?
kevera
Posts: 3127
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2003 8:30 pm

Re: ECU problems (ProtonXX)

Post by kevera »

That's a weird one dude.You might want to check a few things first.A clean maf sensor,Good air filter,oil change,restricted exhaust(probably cat converter),PCV valve.To me it sounds like you have a problem somewhere else,and the ecu cannot compensate for it.
June '07 VOTM Sept '07 MOTM HCVO /HCMO The Red Devil
goodvibe
Posts: 915
Joined: Sun Jul 27, 2003 10:39 pm

Re: ECU problems (ProtonXX)

Post by goodvibe »

Mods? If you've got an intake and/or exhaust, it could be running lean until the ECU adjusts. Better mileage but less performance for 100 miles or so. If not clean your MAF especially if you've gat an oiled filter. Other than that I don't have a clue.
Vibe GT, TRD springs, Progress bar, STB, Unichip, Borbet E 16x7.5, 225/50 Bridgestone RE750, beefed up grounds and battery bypass capacitors(had em laying around)
northvibe
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Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2005 2:25 pm

Post by northvibe »

yeah this sounds deeper than a ecu. I think theres a underlying couplret here, do what these guys stated above. ecu's are expensive and usually dont go bad..(usually)
ProtonXX
Posts: 193
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:33 am

Re: ECU problems (kevera)

Post by ProtonXX »

MAF was replaced once & CleanedPCV Was cleaned but might get it replaced.Air Filter Cleaned & its a K7N Drop inNo mods cuz they dropped mileage too muchOil changed with Modil 1 Syn.Im suspected a bad CAT also, so im getting a JP midpipe at the end of this month. Other than that Im lost too.Was thinking about getting a new ecu because each year the Vibe mileage goes up
northvibe
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Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2005 2:25 pm

Post by northvibe »

ohhhhh bad cat's do dirty things like that! just take it off hahha sounds like you've done some investigative work yourself! awesome...mmm what about spark plugs are they dirty? vacuum leaks in some hoses? you'll usually hear a hissing noise. btw where did you order a JP midpipe, their site never really listed one....and ive been looking into one for my exhuast system. do you have a base or GT vibe>?
tcam
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Joined: Tue Mar 14, 2006 12:13 pm

Re: (northvibe)

Post by tcam »

how bad does the mileage get?
Raven
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Location: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec

Re: ECU problems (ProtonXX)

Post by Raven »

You have to use the ECU for your year of Vibe. You can't use an '06 ECU on an '03 for example. For one thing, the '05 and '06 are drive by wire.
Lancer
Posts: 1365
Joined: Mon Jul 15, 2002 3:53 pm

Re: ECU problems (ProtonXX)

Post by Lancer »

What kind of gas do you use? Do you get it at the same place everytime? What octane do you get?How hot is it by you?Like tcam asked, how bad is it? Wierd... Northvibe,You have to call Jp Performance and order it. It's a 'custom' order. It's what I SHOULD have done.
18" Enkei's & Kumho Ecsta's-------UNICHIP Eibach Sport springs----------Morroso oil pan Injen CAI & Oil cap----------Stage 2 FI cams Custom Exhaust-----------TRD Supercharger AEM alt. pulley -------JSP Carbon Fiber hood 380cc injectors----DC Sports ceramic header
Petrucci914
Posts: 991
Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:33 am

Re: ECU problems (Lancer)

Post by Petrucci914 »

I bought a replacement ECU when I got my UNICHIP. Got it for like $55 on eBay. Just have to make sure it's for your generation, transmission, etc.
2003 Pontiac Vibe Base - AutomaticTRD Supercharger w/ Smoothflow PulleyaFe Drop-in Filter - DC Sports HeaderFull 2.25" Exhaust -Magnaflow Catback + CatsOptima RedTop - Tru-Cool Tranny Cooler
northvibe
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Post by northvibe »

if no one minds me asking....how much is the JP down pipe? I was trying to price out exhaust: ported headers, down pipe, and cat back exhaut (magnaflow)
goodvibe
Posts: 915
Joined: Sun Jul 27, 2003 10:39 pm

Post by goodvibe »

I'd clean the MAF again. The drop ins can lose oil very easily after a cleaning. Real easy to over oil and their proximity can compound the issue.
Vibe GT, TRD springs, Progress bar, STB, Unichip, Borbet E 16x7.5, 225/50 Bridgestone RE750, beefed up grounds and battery bypass capacitors(had em laying around)
ProtonXX
Posts: 193
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:33 am

Re: (goodvibe)

Post by ProtonXX »

JP Midpipe is around $500 & its custom made from what I heard because you have to call them to make one Takes about a month. I got really lucky with a used one thats only $200 I have a base vibe115F All Day100F All night -Las vegasI have a Base 03. Mileage will be as bad as 26 MPG. 100 Miles after Reset I average up to 31-32. Im Using shell gas only because that give the best mileage & performance.
Petrucci914
Posts: 991
Joined: Sun Oct 23, 2005 12:33 am

Re: (ProtonXX)

Post by Petrucci914 »

Remember, Northvibe, if you buy the JP Midpipe then you only need an axle-back exhaust, such as Vibrant or Borla. The Magnaflow has the resonators and extra piping that the JP Midpipe would already have. You could buy the Magnaflow but the second piece could not be used.
2003 Pontiac Vibe Base - AutomaticTRD Supercharger w/ Smoothflow PulleyaFe Drop-in Filter - DC Sports HeaderFull 2.25" Exhaust -Magnaflow Catback + CatsOptima RedTop - Tru-Cool Tranny Cooler
Lancer
Posts: 1365
Joined: Mon Jul 15, 2002 3:53 pm

Re: (ProtonXX)

Post by Lancer »

What octane do you use?The Hot (crappy) air might have something to do with it. And are you checking mpg using the same routes each time, or are you just taking readings from random trips? Like one trip your just running errands around town, the next you driving to the next city.Oh!! Is your A/C on all the time? That alone could be the cause. I know my a/c zaps like half the power out of my car. Hardly use it anymore because of that.
18" Enkei's & Kumho Ecsta's-------UNICHIP Eibach Sport springs----------Morroso oil pan Injen CAI & Oil cap----------Stage 2 FI cams Custom Exhaust-----------TRD Supercharger AEM alt. pulley -------JSP Carbon Fiber hood 380cc injectors----DC Sports ceramic header
tcam
Posts: 912
Joined: Tue Mar 14, 2006 12:13 pm

Re: (Lancer)

Post by tcam »

Quote, originally posted by ProtonXX »115F All Day100F All night -Las vegasI have a Base 03. Mileage will be as bad as 26 MPG. 100 Miles after Reset I average up to 31-32. Im Using shell gas only because that give the best mileage & performance. that's not that bad at all. I get 24mpg almost all of the time. I drive agressively though, and live in just as bad of heat as you do.
ProtonXX
Posts: 193
Joined: Sun Nov 26, 2006 9:33 am

Re: (tcam)

Post by ProtonXX »

The is A/C on all the time, but I got a OBX Alt +crank pulleys & did some vent tweaking so its on/off half/half . Im Using 87 Octane in the city and 91 on long road trips in cali.I did notice I get the best mileage at night.
goodvibe
Posts: 915
Joined: Sun Jul 27, 2003 10:39 pm

Post by goodvibe »

Wow! I just looked at some of the stuff you've tried, Proton. If you've lost mileage, it's probably not the ecu. I'd look for a leak in the intake after the MAF or something that may not have been put back 100% from one of your tests. Hose from PVC or something like that.
Vibe GT, TRD springs, Progress bar, STB, Unichip, Borbet E 16x7.5, 225/50 Bridgestone RE750, beefed up grounds and battery bypass capacitors(had em laying around)
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