Wondering about ECUs

[sammyb33]

i have a topic i started in the parts wanted (area), and would like more people to be able to take a shot at my question.

 

I am currently in the process of swapping my transmissions, i have a 95 auto, and am starting the process of swapping it to a manual. I would like to know if i could still use my auto ECU or if i had to swap that too? and does anyone know if the manual transmission pathfinders had different crossmembers than the auto ones did??

 

 

thanks in advance,

 

-Sam

[k9sar]

OEM part for an AT is 23710-85P18

OEM part for a MT is 23710-85P23

 

my guess is that there are differences in the programming or wiring

[mws]

I haven't done a 5 speed swap in a Pathy, but I did do one in a VW Eurovan, which is one of the most computerized and electrically complex vehicles out there. The M/T ECU had about 30 less wires than the A/T ECU, and the A/T still had a separate CU for the trans.

 

We were able to retain the auto ecu after unplugging the A/T control ECU and removing 248 wires running to the A/T.

 

The only thing we couldn't get to work was to get the neutral and clutch safety switches to interface with the ECU. After 3 hours of schematic scanning and testing, no go on the starter.

We got frustrated and just stuck a momentary contact switch under the dash and a relay under the hood. Just push play to engage starter. Called it an anti-theft switch (can't spin starter with ignition key) and let it be.

[Pathfinder Phil]

I can't speak about a '95 exactly, but I swapped an '87 5 speed into a '88 auto truck. No ECU swap was necessary. I pulled the '88 TCU to have as extra parts. I wired the starter inhibit circuit to start no matter what. In gear, no clutch, whatever. I turn the key, it starts. Crossmembers were the same for me.