Can I replace my stock 2002 Neon (base model) ECU with an...

[SinfulNeon]

Can I replace my stock 2002 Neon (base model) automatic trans ECU with a similar year automatic trans SXT ECU? and would their be a benefits to this? I think my ECU might be failing and Im wondering do I just go with an another base neon ECU or if I would see anything better with an SXT ECU?

Thanks

[Donkeypuncher]

I believe the 02 ecu is a one off year that can only be replaced by an 02 replacement. I may be wrong though.

[Canada]

Since you're automatic, you wouldn't see any increase changing to say, and RT PCM.

PCM's don't generally "start" to die, they usually work, or they don't.

What makes you think its having issues?

[SinfulNeon]

Well Im not sure to be honest, some have said this could be my ECU some say its still my automatic transmission, I am thowing the following check light codes, P1776, P1794, P0845
and I havent been able to find specifics on these codes other then that they relate to the transmission, the reason why some think it may be the computer is if Im driving around at low speeds all of a sudden my transmission will stop shifting but while Im still coasting, I can drop it into neutral turn the electrical off on my car flip it quickly back on and put it back into over drive and its back to shifting again. If say Im at higher speeds like the freeway/highway I dont have these issues only when I would say Im driving around under 30ish mph.

[Hudson_Neon]

P1776 solenoid switch valve latched in L/R position

P1794 Speed Sensor Ground Error

P0845-transmission fluid pressure sensor/switch b circuit

this COULD be an electrical issue... or it COULD be an issue in your valve body

also, in the future please don't clutter up the board by posting the same post in different topics. this needs to be in the "drivetrain" section. if you don't know where it goes just post once in "general 2gn discussion" and it will be moved for you

[SinfulNeon]

actually they are two separate question, I really did want to know about if there would be a performance gain if I went with a SXT ECU, the only reason why I mentioned the other stuff was simply because they wanted to know why and that is partially why but not completely just something I wondered about in the past.

Im wondering would any of those relate to the solenoid cluster pack? I did replace that a couple years ago with a junkyard one, could replacing that with a new one solve some or all of these issues?

[Hudson_Neon]

i suppose, yes. there could be a leak in the L/R circuit causing all 3, mainly P1776 and P0845.

there can be fluid in the connection at the solenoid pack causing the grounding issue... now that i think of it, i had this exact same thing happen on a stratus last year at school.

[SinfulNeon]

ya I will take a look at that and see, maybe the gasket is broke or its not tightened down or somethin.

[occasional demons]

Your 2002 has a separate control module for the transmission. (TCM)

Swapping the PCM would have done nothing for the problems. The TCM is prolly fine.

But to be correct, the '02 and '01 PCM's are interchangeable.

[SinfulNeon]

thanks for that bit of information, so Im in California, any changes made to the ECU in terms of squeezing out performance wouldnt be allowed/legal or may fail smog? or is there a simple tune that can done?

[SinfulNeon]

actually I would rather have this thread locked and the other one unlocked since its more relevant to my issue. This was more of a curiosity questions that got diverted.

[occasional demons]

How are transmission problems more relevant to emissions?

This will more than likely get moved to Drivetrain anyways.

[SinfulNeon]

How are transmission problems more relevant to emissions?

This will more than likely get moved to Drivetrain anyways.

Emissions
Is your car throwing codes or are you having a hard time passing your state or county emission test? Ask how to fix it here.

but anyhow thats about the other thread to which you closed that I would like open. This thread that we are in now was about if there is a difference in ECU between a base and SXT model and what you can get away with in terms of programing in California but got a bit derailed to my other issue that I was having.

[occasional demons]

Can I replace my stock 2002 Neon (base model) automatic trans ECU with a similar year automatic trans SXT ECU? and would their be a benefits to this?

No

I think my ECU might be failing and Im wondering do I just go with an another base neon ECU or if I would see anything better with an SXT ECU?

No

Thanks

But your codes are not related to exhaust emissions. That is what that section is for.

You originally asked if the PCM's could be swapped because you thought the PCM was failing. And if it needed replaced are there any options for upgrade. As far as passing in California, no. That part should be in the Emissions section, not the ATX codes.

But the problems you are having are ATX related, not PCM/emissions related.

[SinfulNeon]

well no it doesn't state that so you should reword that sice at the time all I had was codes ad nothing more and it was the reason I faile smog so as that's states posted there, so I did that correctly, so maybe you should change the wording then.

[occasional demons]

And we are pointing you in the right direction to get it to pass, so maybe take a chill pill. /