Hi,
I am working on a 1998 323 protege BJ 1.8L manual.
The ecu is faulty and I am thinking of replacing it with a used ecu that has the same part number. Would any programming be necessary to set it up? Anything to do with the VIN or security stuff. And if so would I be able to do it at home?
Thanks

 

Absolutely it will need to be programmed to the vehicle, otherwise the immobiliser won't work.

Unless you have a high range/ top of the range scan tool, you wont be able to programme it yourself. Best bet is Mazda, otherwise you will need to ring round local workshops and ask if they have the necessary scan tool.

 

You may want to check for a ECU that has been checked and offered as a refurbished or rebuilt ECU that can be a plug--in-play for your exact application.

But if want to just get a donor ECU I would first contact local service shops and ask if they can do what is called a PASS-THROUGH or ECU Programming Interface tool for OEM-level reprogramming of stock and replacement ECU.

I use a Snap-on pass thru pro myself and it takes about 10 minutes. so I would expect a .75 hr shop rate charge for the service in most shops which may be in your area less expensive than a dealership.

By the time you try to do it right the saving of a auto recycle/junk yard ECU ends up being more then simply getting one form a supplier ready to go?