Dealer Couldn't fix it...for 5 YEARS!! (Nissan No-Start when COLD)

My neighbor has been having a cold-start issue with his 2011 Suzuki Equator (Nissan Frontier) for the last 5 years.
He says whenever it's below 20F (-5C) outside, it just cranks and does not fire up.
He has taken it to the Nissan Dealer for the last 5 winters and spent over a GRAND on diagnostics, and his truck is still broken!
Let's see if we can 100% pinpoint the root cause of the no-start and get this truck back to full health.
THINK TOOL PROS:
www.amazon.com/dp/B08XXWHQVJ?...
Flagship One Inc.
www.fs1inc.com
Enjoy!
Ivan

[@kenvasko2285]

Bonus information. I am the happy owner of the Equator. Ivan was a pleasure to work with and explained everything to me in language I could understand. A true professional. The truck has started ever since the fix. Many thanks Ivan!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks for the feedback, Ken! Was a pleasure to get your Equator back to 100% full health again :)

[@robhughes8516]

I’m convinced Ivan isn’t of this planet…his ability to diagnose and repair is beyond any other mechanic/tech I’ve ever known, seriously, his diagnostic abilities are second to none. I wish I had even a quarter of his abilities.

[@kenvasko2285]

Don't worry, he won't get a big head, he wears a beanie cap and a tight headlight as a preventative.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

@@kenvasko2285 xD

[@Randythesavage777]

Dealer mechanics are just parts exchangers Ivan is the real deal 👍

[@peteh1942]

As an electronic technician the 2 tools for solving this sort of problem was a can of freezer and a soldering iron. Normally this sort of problem was associated with electrolytic capacitors rather than dry joints and when time is money these tools proved invaluable. Love your train of thought on solving problems Ivan.

[@jonmullaly7497]

On board circuits are another profession all together. Caps are not an issue like old days and diag a board is high skilled biz... Most DIY board fixes I've lucked out on are microscopic resistors that short/open. I've done plenty of reflows on clusters and drl modules however...

[@kenvasko2285]

Bonus information to the bonus information. It's been 9 months since Ivan "fixed" my Suzuki Equator. I am happy to report that it started right up today even though temps were in the low single digits. Was there ever any doubt? I don't think so! Thanks again Ivan. Good job.

[@mike_svt93]

The last couple of episodes with follow ups from happy customers is a nice touch closing the video. Good job!

[@daf62757]

When I try to explain your channel to my friends, I call you an auto cardiologist. Amazing. You need to have instructional videos to teach young people how to do this kind of repairs. Simply amazing!

[@Auto209]

These are those videos. We're learning. It stems from having a good foundation. I have a basic foundation in automotive electrical and struggle to follow some things. However, I get the general idea and I'm learning a lot.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thanks for the kind words David!

[@TonyRule]

@@Auto209 Stick with it. It's a valuable and transferable skill and there's a shortage of competent people.

[@QBRX]

You'll need a subscription to Service Data, and wiring diagrams, and a couple good scanners as well as a solid foundation in auto electrics. Then young people can learn how to do this kind of repairs.

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

I wonder if this is a solder joint problem related to lead free solder. We had a problem at work recently where certain boards would grow dendrites between the pads of a very tight pitch connector during the "damp heat" test which was causing system failure during the test. Basically you warm the system up to about 40 °C and keep the humidity high, but not condensing, and hold it there for up to 48 hours. It turns out only boards which needed manual re-work during initial manufacturing had this problem. It was traced back to a problem with the solder flux being used during the re-work process. We changed the flux chemistry and the problem went away. Naturally, we use lead free to be RoHS compliant. I am not saying dendrite growth caused the Nissan problem, but my point is you just need to be careful with your solder process. Something that was never a problem with leaded solder, or with a wider pin pitch, or with a different flux formula, or in different operating conditions can become a problem and take a significant amount of effort to troubleshoot and fix.

[@arcadeuk]

Lead-free solder is the work of the devil, it makes anything subject to high vibration half as reliable. I thought automotive, medical, aerospace and military were exempt from RoHS (for obvious reasons) so has that changed now?

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

@@arcadeuk You are right. RoHS does not apply to "means of transport for persons or goods", but there is a end-of-life vehicle (ELV) directive dating back to 1997 which aims to "prevent[] the use of certain heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium". That is technically for the EU, but with a global company like a big automaker there may be reasons to adopt rules like this world wide. It also depends on who actually makes the ECU. Nissan probably has a contract manufacturer design and build this part, someone with a specialization in automotive control units. If whatever company makes them already has lead-free SMD lines then that is what they would build. So maybe the solder isn't lead-free, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is. I work for a German company and they make us jump through hoops to use any part which has an RoHS exemption and if it isn't RoHS compliant at all there is no chance in hell we can put it on a board. I forget sometimes that other industries aren't even covered by RoHS.

[@hightttech]

Almost certainly a solder joint issue. I wonder if the PCB is potted, epoxy coated or just the ECM case is environmentally sealed. Would love to get it on the bench and probe around the PCB with some freeze spray.

[@ScottDLR]

It make the possibility of cold solder joints much more likely for sure.

[@annaplojharova1400]

Automakers (or their suppliers) do use lead free solder for cost reason. Leaded solder requires that line to be completely separated from other production. Plus to handle the leaded stuff, way more complicated material management procedures are required (handling with toxic substances), which adds cost. As the lead free solder technology has somehow matured, most switched to it just to save cost. But I don't think such a temperamental thing as a cracked solder or a whisker short circuit would behave so consistently over the all 5 years. My bet would be more on the use of some inadequate component, whose parameters vary with temperature so the thing fails consistently at the same temperature threshold. Mainly electrolytic capacitors are known to deteriorate their ESR at freezing temperatures. When the electrolyte starts freezing, it stops conducting the current; and in these capacitors one electrode is formed by and so connected via that electrolyte solution. There are of course types using electrolyte formula that does not freezes (at least until -40degC), but there could have been batch with either somehow compromised electrolyte composition (unintentionally more diluted, inadequate mixing,...), or a wrong capacitor type was mixed in. And a capacitor is on the spotlight also because during cold cranking the circuit has to activate voltage boosting to maintain internal voltages even when the battery voltage is sagging. And this boosting may bring higher current load on the capacitors, so when their ESR gets higher, the voltage ripple becomes too high for the computer to operate correctly.

[@nigelwelch6201]

Hi Ivan I've been watching a lot of your videos recently , your diagnostic skills are amazing, I've been in the motor trade for 42 years here in the UK 30 of them working on BMW, some of the problems I've watched you diagnose have taught me a thing or two, especially when you get the scope out, I don't think a lot of workshops own a scope or know how to use one, keep up the good work.

[@TonyRule]

I've been out of the trade for a bit over quarter of a century in NZ. We always had an oscilloscope everywhere I worked in NZ, but almost nobody had a clue how to use it except one guy I worked with late in my apprenticeship - he was a mechanic that looked like a nerd so of course HE knew. So I mostly had to teach myself with library books - remember those?. The first one was a gigantic yellow Krypton as part of the "tunescope".

[@brucemadden1626]

@@TonyRule What's a "book"?

[@TonyRule]

@@brucemadden1626 Think of a Kindle... made of lots of pieced of paper joined at one edge with the words written on them, instead of the display. And much more durable and not subject to whimsical editing for political expediency. If you stumble across one in the wild labelled "dictionary", look up "vaccine". The results may surprise you.

[@scientist100]

A lot of shops dont even know what a scope is and some mechanics think that an expensive snapon scanner tells you everything that's wrong with the car without doing any diagnostics, it is insane what actually mechanics think, imagine the average customer.

[@rodx5571]

That box laying in the corner of the shop with a dead rat and a pound of dust on it is the scope. That big shiny thing sitting on top of it is the parts cannon. I like being right, so i use the scope on electrical. I own 3 automotive oscilloscopes, and 2 scientific scopes with attenuators for automotive use. All but 1 is a digital oscilloscope. great tools.

[@PaulSmith-iv5lh]

I really like your follow up videos. It is great to have you connect all the videos rather then having to find them as on some other channels.. Great content also.

[@wdkirkes62]

I owned a 2009 Nissan Titan. Powerful pickup. Same problems. Finally after 3 different dealers couldn’t fix it. Even though website addressed that issue. I contacted the finance company. They made Nissan buy it back. I was fortunate under lemon law.

[@frankcortes3744]

Dude you really are awesome with the diagnostics been watching your videos trying to learn. Thank you keep up great work

[@ChrisWilliams-pu8pj]

Great job Ivan. I really appreciate the details you provide on the videos!

[@jamesbruno5896]

Awesome scan tool Ivan! Nice diagnosis!

[@kastooMcFry]

I really like my thinktool and, while I know they aren't a sponsor, got it watching you use it. That pre and post report feature is really handy, besides a bunch of other features I keep finding out about. Thanks, Ivan.

[@itchegerton8004]

Ivan, I'm out of auto repair 17 years and really enjoy your videos. You are really awesome.

[@robertanderson6850]

Ivan I really enjoy your videos and your thorough methods of finding the 'issues'. Thanks so much for taking the time to do these programs and teaching us how to be better diagnosticians and not just 'fire' off the parts cannon. There are so many 'shops' out there just 'throwing the dice' and charging people for things they don't need. Bob

[@johnlaplante822]

Great Video as always.. I am a dedicated follower of your channel and appreciate your diagnostic process and your reasoning for going the directions you do. It has been helpful in in my own work. I used Flagship One last week on a Ford PCM and was extremely reluctant after seeing all the bad reviews online. The cost was very reasonable and took 10 days to have it in my hand but everything was programed in as it was supposed to be worked well. Again thanks for the channel and all your hard work on bringing it to us...

[@BuggysTowJam]

You are the best Ivan! I learn something new everytime I watch your videos. Very thankful for you! This was very good episode. Hope they start sending ecm with proper vin in future.

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

Great video, but respectfully disagree with the decision to *not* contact Flagship One. They were supposed to provide a programmed computer, and they didn't finish the job. They need to explain why.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I did follow up with them. They will look into why the ECM wasn't properly programmed...

[@DaddyBeanDaddyBean]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics excellent.

[@rwkillia]

I am a little disappointed with Flagship One not shining. I think I know where NOT to go.

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Ivan I'm speechless, your confidence and quick diags blow me away!!!

[@aldrinalmario1513]

Another definitive diagnosis and fix Ivan! Its good that a company tries to put right what they put out for their customers even though they still had a step or 2 that needs to be done in this case. Most company's I've dealt with specifically on electronics components outright tell you that they won't cover warranty specifically on used parts. Seeing the customer's video and hearing the satisfaction of having their vehicles fixed is the cherry on top for us who fix cars apart from getting paid to fix these. Thanks for taking us along. Cheers!

[@ericscheuerman3608]

I had a Nissan sentra that wouldn't start on cold days. It was a manual transmission so I could push start it and it would run and start all day. Nissan couldn't fix the issue. I finally got rid of the car. Wish I would have known this 3 years ago. Thanks for putting out great videos

[@dan260140]

Nice! All this knowledge/experience over the years really does make a difference on who works on your car.

[@TheWilber09]

That's awesome the owner took the time to make that little video.

[@diy_automotive]

I've been burned by flagship 1. Probably the worst experience I've had with a parts supplier/ re manufacturer . Glad it worked out for you though

[@ChristopherLuongo]

Me too.

[@htownblue11]

Yet another amazing diagnostic process. And the ending was great as he is always teaching……

[@Old1Too]

FYI, I ordered an ECM from FS1 back in July 2019 for my Chevy trailblazer. It came programmed with my VIN and works perfectly, no issues.

[@keltecshooter]

I absolutely love my thinktool ! Always pleasently surprised at the things it can do , i always cruise thru the menus to see what is available.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

It's a fantastic scanner!

[@karlvondrak6080]

Great video, loved all the "bonus footage"' clips. kept looking at the time every time you were ending and I was like, he has a lot more time on the video and then boom "Bonus Footage". Great trouble shooting and can't wait until the cruise control fix.

[@_RiseAgainst]

Ivan, you are a classy guy! Most people didn't notice, but I did.

[@MoraFermi]

With regards to the electronics not working in low temperatures, it suggests cracked solder joins. It's likely on some through-hole connection, possibly on the connector itself.

[@steveharvey1876]

Good job Ivan! Cheers!

[@jorgefernandez-mv8hu]

That was some fine diagnosis of the problem. I am happy it worked out for the customer and Flagship1 stepped up to the plate.

[@mnmarlin6074]

Glad you had the health report! Excellent work as always. You ever had a car you couldn't fix?

[@feeneysmechanical6215]

Great job Ivan I always learn something new. On problems like this I look first at the ect temp. Then go from there. Amazing job

[@feeneysmechanical6215]

One thing to remember is. Look at the outside temperature on your phone and the ect and iat data on the scan tool. My wife had a 2006 Taurus that had a hard time starting when cold. I used a cheap code reader and the ect read 40 degrees Fahrenheit and so did the IAT sensor. But it was -10 outside here in Buffalo. So I plugged in the snapon modis at the time. Both sensors read -40. Default value. I installed a new coolant temp sensor and the car started up and then stalled. Turn the key and started up and ran perfect. Two throttle snaps and we didn't have a problem with it again. This actually happened in February of 2015. When the northeast was in a deep freeze.

[@mikeaho4143]

Great vid Ivan. Since you've been doing lots of case studys with the Thinktool ProS, I'm going to purchase one of them as it seems to be a really good scantool. I currently have a Snap-on Solus Ultra and an Autel 906TS so this looks like a great addition to my scanners. Thanks for sharing !

[@kenrobinson9737]

Bravo for making a complete video showing the successful repair.

[@dougowens2686]

Outstanding looking forward to the next one

[@porky7753]

Good job Ivan, i had the same thing happen with my driveway gate. It would only open about 2ft in the cold but when it warmed up it worked fine. 1 year later i decided to parts cannon it with a control board and lucked out.

[@HeyBirt]

A cold temperature problem with electronics could be related to a bad solder joint, things shrink and you have a bad connection. It could also be an input or output that goes through an optical isolator. Optical electronics are greatly effected by cold, a photo diode becomes much less sensitive. It could also be an issue of a bad bonding of the leadframe (external pins) to the die (actual ship) inside the IC. You can sometimes localize the problem area of the PCB with freeze spray.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

I was thinking along the same idea. One would need a schematic of the unit.

[@jblo6822]

I know when I get cold, certain things shrink.

[@TonyRule]

@@jblo6822 There was shrinkage! Do women know about shrinkage?

[@freeride202]

@@jblo6822 you just won the internet!

[@Garth2011]

Yes agreed and for that reason, alternate and correct "solder" formulas need to be used to prevent this and keep them reliable/durable. I have had cheap O flashlights that work more reliably than some of these automotive electronics.

[@vincenttarling5902]

Love the follow ups, well done again

[@toshayonguard4253]

Great Job IVAN your diagnosis was Spot on Gotta Love AllData 🤟🏻🇺🇸

[@mikewood62]

You my friend are The Man!!! Your videos are flipping awesome!!!

[@tomclark3592]

Ivan is incredible. Far more advanced than anybody I have ever seen. unbelievable!!!!!!!

[@raymieperrin5611]

hey ivan been watching you for a while now i have learned alot ihad a 2001 pt cruzer with a bad ecm got one from flagship1 they advertize threeday shipping plug and play however it took them 2and ahalf months to get it to me so you are not the only one that has had trouble with them only one goodthing came from my experience with them is it actually worked i wont use them ever again thanks for the content and keep on wrenchin

[@pinecone01]

Looking forward to the cruise control diagnostic! Not a system that usually gets shown on diagnostic videos, so it should be a good learning experience for all of us!

[@Edgarh71]

It could be a faulty brake pedal switch.

[@dyizhere]

I’ve seen guys use cold spray in a can to cause things to act up at low temps. Same goes for a heat gun for high temp faults. Great diag!

[@PhillipBailey]

I've had 3 generations of Snap-on Verus and have saved every scan over the last 12 years. (Migrated records from previous scanners). I agree 100% that you need to keep this information for future reference in cases like this. Good video...

[@PatrickRigney]

Ivan, on the cruise control, I had the switch assembly go bad on my Armada. Looks just like the ones on the Frontier in this video. It's a cluster of switches with resistors that send different voltages for different buttons. Easy fix/replacement. In my case I don't know if there was a DTC (no scanner). There was no check engine light, but the fault would make the CRUISE lamp in the cluster blink rapidly any time the cruise control was switched on.

[@TwilightZoneX]

Just found your channel. You guys are TOP NOTCH. Greetings from Pittsburgh.

[@robbflynn4325]

Well done Flagship on redeeming themselves from an earlier issue.

[@jaguarblack4332]

Wow..every years since the last 4 years of every very cold winter my 2006 nissan sentra does the same thing. Only in the cold. Thank you for this. After watching this I need to check my ecu

[@pz6316]

great video Ivan I had a friend in Montana who had to get rid of a 2011 nissan the dealer couldn't fix which is sad when they can try a ecu for free

[@proanswers]

Bravo for your negotiation with flag ship one. This helps everyone.

[@fieldsofomagh]

Nice fix on the cold start. Unusual behaviour for an ecm. Bought the ticket for the next cruise liner to Hawaii, hope the control is in order.

[@KBrown517]

I've only been watching your channel for a few months, and am so impressed with your "clinical" diagnosis ability. You demonstrate exactly why soon, "average" folks may not be able to afford parts and labor. BTW, and I assume you've answered this question 100's of times, "Why do you not use a relatively warm shop for your work?"

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

1) I cannot transport a warm shop for mobile calls. 2) This truck only acted up in the cold, so a warm shop would be the exact wrong place to test it ;)

[@joevaagen6170]

I bought a flagship one ecm for my 1995 Ford F250 and have yet to install it but this video give me confidence that it'll work.

[@faustogonzalez8397]

Awesome Ivan, great video !!!

[@geek49203]

I had the same exp w/ a 98 Jetta -- car would start stumbling when I was driving in the cold. Had damn near everything replaced (or replaced it myself). Finally scored a "test" ecu from a dealership (almost new), plugged it in, and I was good to go until the thing rusted apart.

[@AP9311]

Wow, three bonus footages!! Im glad flagship stepped up a bit. Great video!! Maybe the solder on the board was not making contact internally? As of the cold? Great Sasha to find the issue and fix in the end!! Many thumbs up!!

[@johnstancato8785]

Cool case study Ivan looks like you ran into that problem before good job

[@davidhowald4120]

i had good luck with flagship one on my 2008 jeep liberty. i have and will continue to recommend them to others. keep up the great work ivan....i enjoy watching your work.

[@Ianf1x]

If you. can get old computer I am pretty sure you will see dry joints . Next level computer repair. Ivan the top tec.👍

[@iceman95590]

Hi Ivan, very interesting fault well executed. I used to work in refrigeration( now retired). We used to get weird faults with low temperature equipment where electronics were involved. Usually caused by a cracked solder joint. We would repair if time critical ( ie: loss of food in large warehouse ) or on emergency call after hours. Love your video's easily understood with out the BS. I used to be in the motor trade for 15 years(1968.....) all you needed was a spanner, hammer and crowbar, would fix most things :). Cheers Mike

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Hammer fixes all?! LoL 😂😆 Yes, I've reflowed a few solder joints and got things working again! Replaced bulging capacitors. Burnt diodes. .....

[@normyanke2515]

As an engineering electronics technologist dealing with communications I love watching your troubleshooting skills. The armchair quarterbacks all suggesting cold spray, heat gun techniques to isolate to component/pin level are correct in some ways but seem to forget your customer has to pay the bill or you do this for free. So business sense, you don't have the time nor does the customer want to spend the money going down to this component level sleuthing. I am entertained by your videos, thanks.

[@TonyRule]

Yeah, fine to do for the sake of curiosity or for yourself, but not when running a business. But I would like to see a tear down of this one - it's quite possible the fault is obvious. And this is the home of NPR repairs! You really have to admire the quality control when the same parts fail on all the the same vehicles. Many people don't realise that quality control isn't about making the parts work longer or better, but that they're all the same, design faults, poor solder joints and all.

[@johnnicol8598]

Plus there is almost certainly a heavy conformal coating, and it may even be potted.

[@Terramoto73]

i have seen similar issues with 2way radios. The oscillator would shift or drift when freezing. It required a repair of the circuit to fix it issue.

[@normyanke2515]

@@johnnicol8598 not to mention one would have difficulty coming up with the connectors etc to do this work on the bench, and under the hood forget it.

[@johnnicol8598]

@@normyanke2515 Got that right. Anything surface mount I need a magnifier and strong light. Tweezers and probably a hot air iron. Absolutely not happening outside under a hood. Plus get it not exactly right and then 2 days later tow truck and bill.

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Ivan, great diagnosis. Lots of things could go wrong with the computer. Hope that company Flagship One continues to grow and mature as we need more companies in the automotive business who are responsive to their customer's needs. I think the owner of this truck was pretty tickled with your work and the end result. Thanks for Sharing!

[@Walczyk]

I hope they go out of business lol

[@dongningprc]

@@Walczyk Why?

[@Walczyk]

@@dongningprc flagship is horrible. They take bad computers and ship them back out

[@baxrok2.]

Well done Ivan. Thanks!

[@itchegerton8004]

If I were starting out a half century ago, I'd be your helpful assistant for gratis to attain some of your incredible knowledge. Bravo.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Thank you for the kind words, Itch :)

[@davidgrisco1939]

Another great diagnosis. I'm sure Ukraine could use such skills with "no parts required". We're glad you're here. 👍

[@trekfortruth2841]

Nice work Ivan...sure wish I had a professional like you in my area!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Ivan, this might be a great idea. Having a list of technicians that have proven their testing skills of not being a parts changer. This could be a money making opportunity. Dues paid to be included in the list. I know I would refer to the list to point people to it to get their vehicle repaired.

[@biglevstergarage]

Good job as always Ivan. ScannerDanner brother has used Flagship One as well and hasn't had too many problems thru them, I could be wrong. I used them on 2007 Dodge Charger and wasn't anything to wild for me. Still good job buddy.

[@patriel1]

You are a great mechanic! I am now subscribed! Awesome videos.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Welcome to the channel!

[@sneaks01]

Great job once again!!!!

[@bruinlane]

Nice video. My son has a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder with the 4.0 and his ECM went out (crank/no start at all temps) last year. I bought a non programmed ECM from a junk yard and had the local Nissan dealership install and program it. No problems since.

[@johnmeyer6537]

great video as always. I was sure it was going to be a bad ECM glow plug. Or at least one would be added.

[@ScottDLR]

Good for you for staying on top of these companies. You shouldn't have to change the vin.

[@mrogersmike]

I have had great service from flagship one. Recommend them regularly. Sorry to see you had issues.

[@BillyBob-uc9zp]

Well done Mr 😎

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Oh man, your experience is showing! Great work! Been following you from before you changed your channel name. Oh, thank you for not using the term: VINN! Vehicle Identification Number Number! Some will get it, some will stay stuck in their paradigm! 😉 I know we all have them.

[@sambitar8448]

DEAR SIR, IVAN I AM 75 OLD LICENSED IN CALIFORNIA SINCE 1977WITH TEST AND REPAIR. I AM GIVING YOU A++++++++! YOU MADE US PROUD IN ALL YOU STUDY CASES; THANKS A MILLION

[@tonymonastiere8510]

Nice read and diag. Sounds like an engineering problem in design of ECM. Initially by the creator, should have tested for extreme temperatures in both directions. Might be a common problem for many units like this one. Ivan, you need to put out your own TSB'S. The world will thank you!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

What should he call them? Ivan approved TSB? Ivan's sure fix? ......?! LoL 😂😆

[@Auto209]

@@dans_Learning_Curve ITSB. Ivan's TSB. MTSB. More TSB. DNMATSB. Definitely not manufacture approved TSB.

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

@@Auto209 LoL 🤣😆

[@hikerJohn]

They may have but this took 6 years to manifest

[@woog74]

I am glad this went good for you. Flagship1 is local to me. I have used them 4 times for ECM replacements. There was a problem with them EVERY SINGLE TIME. I will never ever use them again.

[@simonparkinson1053]

The problem is most likely a failed capacitor in the ECM. When you have inductive loads switched by the ECM, the back EMF will be returned to the supply. Normally the energy will get dumped into the capacitor and all will be good. That will try to increase the voltage across the capacitor but the current will flow back to the battery. See the Scanner Danner 29V video for what happens when it can't! However if the capacitor has dried out, it will not perform at low temperatures and you will have large spikes on the supply. This will cause the capacitor to heat up and it will regain some of its capacitance. This explains why it started when sat KOEO for a few minutes. The satellite TV boxes that we used to have in the 90s ran really hot and if there was a power cut or it had been unplugged for any reason, they would fail to start up. A quick and dirty test was to unplug it, heat the capacitor next to the SMPS controller and plug back in. 99% of the time they would start, so you knew that replacing that capacitor would be a fix. Generally also replaced a couple of resistors that ran hot too.

[@bobsoft]

I'm going with cracked solder joints. Very common issue with the heating/cooling cycle of lead free solder joints in ECM's

[@arnaldofettuccine5227]

I had a 2011 Suzuki Equator it was my favorite truck but I knew gremlins would set in so I traded it in for a Tacoma. Well done Ivan 👍👍😄

[@PistonShack]

I didn't even know that Suzuki Equator even exist. Most likely that ECM came from Nissan Xterra with transmission failure due to coolant and ATF mixed up. Interesting case as usual! Thanks Ivan!

[@itchegerton8004]

Another great ending thanks to your wonderful knowledge!!!

[@HarrisFS]

Triple bonus footage!

[@rickchowsr2532]

Another great repair !👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼

[@tomlewis3658]

Since it's running now, and we should be past the coldest days of winter, here's hoping you can keep warm and work inside when you resolve the cruise control problem.

[@fightnight47364]

Great Vid👍 . Always protect 👏yourself .

[@brandonmunoz6931]

Dude - I love the honesty and calling out the flagship 1. We all know stuff happens and there is nothing we hate worse than "comebacks" but we have to stand by our work. I think its easier when face to face while internet orders have distance in their favor. Just like you said, in the case of the DIY'er might have been hosed. Some vehicles will not start if all the modules don't match and they all hold the VIN.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I just call it like it is...they are really trying to improve their quality control and are fast to respond to any concerns...at least to me haha

[@FruitTreeForest]

Nice job!

[@jhtownsend1]

Enjoying your videos, thanks

[@annierenard5954]

excellent video as usual, thank you

[@markwilson3033]

Nice work buddy

[@mariosaccoccio1688]

Customer just needs to warm up the glow plugs in the ECM to start vehicle in cold weather... Or, wrap ECM with a heated throw to insulate it from the cold. Of course, moving to a warmer climate is also a good fix, with NPR! (No parts required!)

[@lesterlesabre4326]

I got a rebuilt, reprogrammed with my VIN, ECM From Flagship1 for a Dodge Stratus. It worked fine the first time. They kept me updated several times on the status of my order without me asking. I am completely satisfied.

[@MalcDavison]

Ivan the magician......Always a pleasure to go through these issues with you......Have you ever been totally stumped and given up ??

[@windward2818]

My guess on the problem with the failed module is a faulty uC resonator/crystal. The uC is static (no clock) until the module dissipates a little power warming up the crystal. This would be easy to test if you have access to the circuitry and use some freeze spray to cool down the crystal.

[@rolandonoguera3888]

How ironic I have the same issue with my Nissan Pathfinder 2012 every winter or when it starts to get cold, she wouldn’t start. She would crank crank crank, but no start but I followed the little method about a year or two ago, and she would start if she doesn’t. I put another battery to it to give it more of a boost, and she would start, but the Nissan dealer said to bring in the Nissan Pathfinder 2012 there’s a recall on the ECM or ECU. Hopefully they will replace it and hopefully my problem will be solved. This Mechanic is a great mechanic. We need a lot more like him out there. I’m pretty sure there is, he’s very on point with everything he says and explains to you so you can understand how your vehicle should be working. God bless him in all the other mechanics maybe all have a happy, happy new year and a merry Christmas. God bless.

[@stevebaker8966]

Had same problem with my pathfinder thanks to you for helping me figure it out. FS 1 ecm was installed no security or key problems starts right up