Fix your ECM for cheap! Geo Tracker & Suzuki Samurai Sidekick computer repair

The 1989-95 ECM's are notorious for leaking capacitors. We show you where to buy replacements and how to install them in your ECM.
Visit our Hwy83 Suzuki website to order parts for you Samurai Sidekick or Geo Tracker www.Hwy83Suzuki.com

[@PaulMaysHymns]

Have you ever heard the phrase “you missed your calling“? You didn’t. You found your sweet spot. Thanks for doing this.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thanks for the positive comments, much appreciated!

[@nonow1353]

you are the f"ing man I live on an island off puerto Rico so I'm on my own and I wasnt feeling like paying 400$ for the module on a car I paid 350 for....though it is priceless much like this video thank yoy

[@maxehrlich]

Thanks, I have never been so entertained while learning how to fix my trucker!

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Glad you're enjoying the videos, thanks for watching!

[@ryanjaramillo5859]

This is my favorite KZbin channel for the samurai.. I have very little experience mechanicing lol but just used this video to fix my ecm and it worked! 1991 Sammy fires first time every time now. Thank Tony!!! Love being able to reach out and get answers will be ordering parts from your store as I continue working

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Glad you're enjoying the videos, thanks for watching!!

[@johnathanberry394]

Just bought a 94 tracker that popped a code 53 after about 2 days and since it was primarily a mud buggy im praying its bad grounds. But also definitely will need to pop the case open and look after watching this! It starts every time but sometimes cranks for a solid 5-10 seconds as though lack of spark (i can hear the fuel pump prime with every key on) does this cold or hot and every once in a while ill get a perfect start up right away. Your channel has all the best info on these old guys thank you!

[@A-Negative]

Great advice and tips! Will check the capacitors on my 95 hardtop tracker.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thanks for watching!

[@henrytomkowiak2433]

Just wanted to say thank you for showing this. I did it on my 93.....easy peazy!

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Glad the video was helpful!

[@michaelvimazal5012]

Dude, Awesome video, got me to thinking to change my capacitors out on my 1994 Sidekicker.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thanks for watching 🍻

[@pedromanuelortizreyes3921]

Great videos! thanks for the great info!

[@samdave8594]

You are a legend, this just happened to me....

[@jasonschuler18]

Tony I'm stumped! I have a 1996 suzuki sidekick 2 door convertable automatic transmission that will not shift into 2nd gear until about 2- 3 miles then it starts shifting and works great. Its not losing fluid fixed seals replaced tranny filters and also ran AT-205 Through the tranny and no change in the behavior of the drivability. Appreciate you. And all your help.

[@rohde1017]

I love you videos, they are always helpful and informative. I looked and have seen anyone do a video for how to remove the computer to even do this work.... And when I look up under the dash by the driver's left knee, I have no idea what I really need to unplug/remove. Do you have a video for that, or could you make one please? Again many thanks for all the other helpful videos too!

[@jacklandismcgowan1413]

Thanks for the information Great T-shirt. 👍👍👍

[@Mikefestiva]

Great info man! I haven’t had this problem yet on my 93 Sidekick but I definitely should check on my computer and install new caps in there. Really appreciate the video 🙂👍

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thanks for watching!

[@codyreece7871]

Iv got a 96 Suzuki sidekick with the 1.8 if you could do some videos on them it would be awesome

[@tommycollier9172]

Thanks this helps a lot.

[@scotfield3950]

Thank you!

[@mathewsren9712]

Excelentes videos crack. Gracias

[@mark_osborne]

Had this happen to me twice, I was lucky to find a used ECM the first time, the second time I could not find another used one but located a guy in Texas who fixed it for me - I was so relieved... great video !

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thanks for watching! 🍻

[@dapetik]

Do you have contact info? I need my samurais ecu repaired

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

@@dapetik repair service contacts are in the video

[@beyondthesky7472]

Very very very very great stuff! Thumbs up dude! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thanks for watching!

[@beyondthesky7472]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI Have you considered making videos on how to rebuild old 4-speed to 5-speed transmissions? I think there are plenty of dudes who would appreciate having a Fifth' in their old SJ410..

[@TBR96]

Great video. Just bought a Samuri that won't take gas. Gonna check this out

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Good luck! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@bigjim8088]

Better late than never. Wish I could've seen this about 10yrs ago. At first I could get mine to run if I primed it with a little gas it would run till I turned it off. But eventually had to replace computer. Anyway thanks for the video. Im sure it will happen again someday.

[@Red-yn9fv]

Very nice video, thank you.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Thanks Red!

[@highlifejay3211]

This video just saved my tracker... it had a catastrophic failure but nothing a little extra solder couldn't fix

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Awesome! Glad the video could help out 👌

[@chrisboucher2813]

Is this the same procedure for the 1.6 16V sidekick? I bought an 88 samurai last year that had already been engine swapped. It sat all winter but I started it a couple times and once in the spring without issues. Went to start it a few weeks later and she cranks but doesn't seem to want to fire, plugs don't have any spark. Fuel pump works fine and is getting up to the rails, thought it might be a bad distributor or coil but I'll to test those. Keep up the great work man! love the videos very helpful 👍

[@braddahdussifyoumuss596]

Keep em coming Tony!!!!🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽😳aaaaaaahhhhhhhyeeeeeeah

[@MrGoneja]

My 91 samurai ecm is gold, and the part number is correct for a sami

[@somnnardkim]

Do you know if you can make a video about changing the motor mounts and IAC valve in a suzuki jimny?

[@Diesel735]

Good video ! Try not to apply too much heat to the PC board especially when using a " Soldering Gun. " The foil may lift. Use a solder sucker ( pump ) with soldering iron for a clean job.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Good advice! Thanks for watching 🍻

[@angelojea372]

i have a 2000 chevy tracker .dose all the stuff u tall about help me with mine

[@karlosgarcia6811]

Can you do vids of Chevy tracker’s

[@MicrophonicFool]

Helping my cousin with a 95 Tracker. ECM hasn''t completely failed, but when hot he gets a no start. Ideas? Shop says it is an ECM problem, but they have failed to find a replacement

[@betoherman6349]

Hi, does anybody know how to loosen the Phillips head screws that hold the ECM? they are on tight. thank you.

[@thomasbrewer4024]

If the caps are bad can the fuel pump still work but not the firing?

[@neilmartins9630]

Dont forget the anty static strap.

[@vijayakrishnannair]

👍 nice

[@trevoro2854]

Thanks a million for your videos, they are incredible. I hate to be the guy who asks for advice in the comments, but I'm working on a '97 tracker and was wondering if it would be ok to use Miller Genuine Draft (MGD) instead of Miller Highlife while replacing the water pump. Any advice is appreciated.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Always best to ask first before making a mistake. Yes indeed, MGD is a solid substitute if High Life is not available! 😁🍻🤣

[@elmermajano5111]

How do you kno if your ac compresor went out? I own a 1998 suzuki sidekick 1998 1.8

[@clydebaggett7498]

I have 93 with bad transistor the green middle one would you know where I could buy one

[@jimrust6598]

Ok so I pulled the ECU on my son's 92 geo and both of the capacitors leaked acid I went ahead and removed them and ordered new ones but a couple of the small capacitors 🤷🏼‍♂️ came off the board due to the acid leak, they are tiny squares and I'm not sure if they can be soldered back on, have you ever had this and is the board junk now? Thanks for the video so far I've watched all of the geo ones 👍😁

[@gymnastabby6798]

Thanks for the ECM lessons. I have a 95 Sidekick 4 door, automatic transmission problems. Had tranny rebuilt, solenoids, valve body, disks, etc. Problems continued, shifting, high revs, slipping, etc. Replaced tranny computer, problems continued. Replaced TPS and still having shifting and tranny issues. Can you please help? ... Do you think its the vacuum lines / modulator valve? ... Where is that located? Thanks!

[@mariopadilla8157]

Could a bad ecm also couse erratic idle

[@alexalpizar4096]

One question Tony, do you repair Suzuki Samurai 1995 engines.🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@keithgossett5286]

I have a 98 Suzuki sidekick. It runs fine then you turn on the headlights and the engine stumbles and dies. What should I be looking for to fix it ?

[@namerican8510]

Great video, I've repaired air conditioning boards that were obsolete and won't hesitate to fix my board on 94 tracker when the time comes. Do you have any ideas on if the cam sensor inside the distributor can keep the motor from starting? It's a '94 1.6 automatic. Has spark, fuel and injectors are all good. Crankshaft is at 12 and camshaft is on E and rotor is pointing to number 4. New wires and plugs and fuel filter. Engine turns but I'm not sure if the sensor is relaying to the board the cam position.

[@pancho1192]

Hola. Tengo una vitara Sidekick del 93 y no llega a arrancar. Un mencanico me dijo que desde el ecu no da los 5v necesarios para el arranque. Me pasaron este video para mostrar cual puede ser el problema. Se lo voy a enseñar a mi mecanico ya que no entiendo nada. Si resuelta, te aviso.

[@lizanderson567]

I also noticed there was no gas getting to the spark plugs

[@reneguay1347]

Where did you send it i have a 91 samurai with fuel injection???

[@salrivera7578]

Do 1996 And 1996 16 valves have the same ECM or no

[@jabuleahage7802]

Hi i am having a problem with my distributer module for sizuki 95 engine is g16A how can i fixed it because i am struggling to find it..thanks

[@jasonchapman9331]

I have 92 tracker. Check engine light stays on. Flipped the Nad switch, only dims slightly. Unable to retrieve any codes. Any suggestions?

[@lizanderson567]

I noticed a wire disconnected from the computer so I hooked it to the positive it didn't do anything so I hooked it to the negative and it killed the whole motor it won't turn over at all

[@highlifejay3211]

I'm stumped. What is the rating on the capacitor you swapped on the gold box

[@davebalmer1312]

Great Video! What about Trackers that are newer than the 1995? I have a 1996 that is showing the same symptoms. You don't mention those.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

96+ models are rare to have ecm failure issues

[@metalmechanic2938]

i need to get in toutch with you! 1993 asuna sunrunner automatic. i thinks the ecu is gone! 33920-56b40 is the number. i have a friend that has a 33920-56b30 and i wonder if it would work? can you help me with that?

[@chandlermalichanh5126]

Hey guys. I love the videos and they're super helpful for someone like me trying to get into the Sami world and wants to do it myself, Thank you. Is there an email that I can reach out to for a little help? I'm stuck troubleshooting my 91' and don't know what to do.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Our Facebook group is a great place to get technical support! facebook.com/groups/1186326121486419/?ref=share

[@rowanhuggard206]

Nice shirt! Sell me a couple- take my money!! 😎😎

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Contact the company listed in the video! 👍🍻

[@andwolo3921]

Do you have coupon code for capacitors?

[@chrisstorozhenko6579]

Have a 91 tracker, I can not find the ECM. Where would it be?

[@GeorgeSolymosi]

Hi, Tony, This is George and have a quick question. I have a 1996 Suzuki x90 and the ECM might be bad. Do you work on x90's? If you do, I need help! I live in Phoenix, AZ....do you know anyone in AZ that works on x90's?

[@danielserna2901]

we could REALLY really use a video showing where all the plugs go on an OEM harness, cluster especially.

[@Mraiji254]

My zuk just went blind on me last night. No headlights no dashboard lights nothing. I pressed the hook button and everything went off. I just fixed my computer

[@latortugaoffroad]

I have a Geo tracker 1996 The car is working perfect but it has the Check engine light on when I plug to the computer to read the code it can't read any thing the computer is not responding do you think it's also the capacitor?

[@jasonchapman9331]

Having the same issue. Engine light is always on, unable to retrieve any codes. Have flipped the Nad switch, with no change.

[@outdoorlife9611]

I have a Suzuki Samurai 1990 and the computer board is no good do geo tracker are the same? The only difference is the box? Thanks ✌️

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Not compatible

[@davidcurry9292]

Geruff lol Thanks!!

[@leonardolopez5071]

Sir question for you Does 1993 Geo Tracker have a crankshaft position sensor (PS).? And if it where please because I replaced the ECM and I still don’t get a spark from the coil and the coil is new too thank you in advance LRL

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

No, Crank sensor started in 1996

[@KDelta1986]

Any advice on diagnosing a fuel injector on a 1.6l? I have a 86 sammi with a 1.6 thrown in. Have fuel to the throttle body but injector ain’t spitt’n.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Check ecm would be my first move

[@KDelta1986]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI looks like with key on I’m getting 1.6ish volts to the red and yellow wires on the injector.

[@judypeetz3682]

Tony, you said a 91 Sidekick should have a silver ECM. Mine is gold. Caps look bad, black under the large one. Can I replace this caps and keep this ECM, or do I need a silver one? My idle is fast, 1300 - 1500 hot or cold. Also my fuel pump never shuts off, instead of just running 2-3 seconds when the key is turned.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

89 and 90 are gold. Be sure to confirm manufacturer year. 89-90 engines are easy to spot with the vacuum advance distributor.

[@lizanderson567]

I was dumping gas in the carburetor and carburetor cleaner and it would just turn over no fire no start

[@RustBeltFab_]

We have the older fuel injected one how do you fix it can you do a video showing how to fix it or diagnose what’s wrong?

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

The video shows the repair to capacitors

[@RustBeltFab_]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI But the board looks different on my ECU. I have the one with the legs on the case. The capacitors aren’t the same. It’s laid out differently on my board.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

It's the same procedure. Inspect the components and replace the capacitors. Blend door will have the parts kit

[@RustBeltFab_]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI ok I changed out the capacitors and it still doesn’t have spark or fuel. Any other ideas? I checked all of the fuses in the fuse block under the dash. I have the 92 with fuel injection. I can’t find the fuse box or boxes under the hood.

[@lizanderson567]

How about a 87?

[@abrahamjimenez4488]

I have the 96’ geo tracker 4wd automatic transmission, 1.6l . This will not work since it is a 96’ right ? :/

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Those year models are less likely to have issues with the ecm but the inspecting and replacing will be the same

[@senecadaze]

i have the 1990 EFI ECM on passenger side, Holy Crud those screw are way to tight whats the trick ? impact driver?

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

#3 Phillips and impact gun will rip them right out

[@senecadaze]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI Nope! Had to grind the nuts off behind the battery , turns out ECM was not the problem

[@tonyswagz]

Is there a way to reset the computer?

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

No. They are not programmable or need any re learning

[@JnRskaters]

Is this the same for the 96-98 trackers and x90s

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

The 96+ models are not very common to have issues

[@JnRskaters]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI that’s pretty cool I can’t wait to get me older sami or track thks for info

[@earlhurt971]

​@@Hwy83SUZUKI95 models only have 2 capacitors?

[@irodragon7184]

Are there any kits for 97 models or do I need to source each part?

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Try contacting blend door for the parts in a kit. 96+ models are much less likely to have these issues

[@irodragon7184]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI If this isnt the likely issue what would the problem for a crank no start with no power going to the pink black wire heading to the fuel pump? I'm guessing the relay?

[@panxosrx]

hello friend...i have a vitara 1G (japan) TBI system injection....when is running under 1500RPM the ignition timing is good (xenon gun testing) but upper running 1500RPM the ignition timing jump to much and the engine start pre-detonation....this issues is CPU of the ECM right??.....please help me......follow my channel....(pure suzuki samurai)....im from Chile.....take care...thanks!..

[@unknownnumber1264]

Would this problem cause intermittent stopping/starting issues? I was driving my 94 yesterday and it completely cut off at 40 mph with a CEL. After a minute the car started like nothing happened, no CEL, and drove. Then it sputtered to a stop about a mile later and when I waited for the engine to cool down, it started right up again with the usual cold start idle etc. I'm hoping that the capacitors are the only problem and not something else, any advice?

[@CruzGarage]

Have the same issue, we’re you able to figure it out?

[@unknownnumber1264]

@@CruzGarage Haven't driven it since. It starts fine and idles smoothly but I'm going to tackle the ECU capacitors and see what happens. I'm almost positive that is the problem and hope to see the obvious signs of them leaking. I will update.

[@CruzGarage]

@@unknownnumber1264 I found a few links after digging for hours. Also posted on fb groups and I’m really thinking the ecm capacitors is really our problem. Ordered a new ecm, getting it on the 8th.

[@unknownnumber1264]

@@CruzGarage awesome, let me know how it turns out. Does yours start occasionally or is it completely dead? I think the ECM board expands and loosens the solder sometimes. I had the rusted fuel pump ground and connector issue as well, which caused no-start situations in the past. I fixed that by hardwiring the fuel pump to a separate toggle switch to avoid dealing with that nonsense factory wiring at the left side (rusted rocker panel).

[@CruzGarage]

@@unknownnumber1264 got the new Ecu from o Riley’s today. Ran fine but then check engine light came back on and same symptoms. Spoke to a mechanical genius and he told me he had the same problem in his old little pickup. He replaced the ignition coil. I replaced that today ( O’Reilly Part #23-0332). Drove her down the street just fine and no CEL came back on.

[@tufftrails]

Yo Tony...so let's say some dumbass did some welding on the body or frame and didn't disconnect the battery....could that cause some damage to the ECM? I am running out of parts to change.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

Should not be an issue

[@tufftrails]

@@Hwy83SUZUKI Having issues trying to diagnose...some forum suggested that welding on the frame could cause a "Spike" or power surge that could cause problems with the ECM...Thank You for the crazy quick reply...

[@user-fl9uy3wb9w]

Well, a ECM out of a standard work in an automatic

[@vernhartjr]

Do you repair? Apparently I have the ECU that sells for $400. Can I send you a photo? I'm a broke ass desert rat.

[@Hwy83SUZUKI]

The video shows the process of how to replace the capacitors. That's the cheapest way, $15 in parts. Otherwise the contact info of the professional service is in the video as well if you want to contact them for repairs.

[@timabbott4420]

I love watching all your amazing videos. You should look into using a service such as Promo'SM!