Bump. Suddenly more pressing.
Also any warnings, hazards, etc.?
Thanks all.

 

disregard this >.>

 

Not much in the way of security in the '03 Forester, as there is in the later models. I'm going to say no programing is required... pretty much plug & play for the same year ECM. :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

I thought I had read that somewhere since posting that originally. Just match the part numbers and hold your breath, right?

Thanks Bobby, for that and quite a few other good posts, I think.

 

I'm not sure if it makes a difference, but it might not hurt to make sure the ECM is from a Forester with the same type transmission (AT/MT).

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

I'm not if it makes a difference, but it might not hurt to make sure the ECM is from a Forester with the same type transmission (AT/MT).

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

Funny you should mention it, I just found one that looks identical, but is listed as having been pulled from an m/t. I would have thought that the manual would have a different part number, as there are several part numbers from the my. Ending 591, 592 and 594 I think. Mine and the listed one are both 594. Perhaps it's listed incorrectly, but if it had said nothing about tranny I would have bought it on the spot. Right price, right warranty, eBay buyer protection.

 

Not the same as what you're doing, but look at this thread & #7 where swapping the STi ECM is discussed. MT/AT seemed to make a difference there, so I'm guessing it might make a difference for your swap?

Also note there's no mention of VIN numbers needing to be programed into the swapped ECM. :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

Should I be considering tunable system? I have no surety that an ecu swap will fix my idle misfire, but it's the last thing left. Do you think a tuning system would be the next step? There appears to be no mechanical problems.

Thanks for your input here.

 

The '03 ECM can't be directly programed without a piggyback smart tuner. We used a Perfect Power SMT-6 smart tuner on our '03 X when the AVO Turbo kit was installed. You can view that part of our MOD here. There are additional links at the bottom of that post & many more links can be found on the Table of Contents. :wink:

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

 

Probably not worth it for the n/a. Would this allow me to fine tune my idle? The guy at precision was not in favor of a tuning system for fixing my problem.

Thanks for the info. The only part of any car that scares me is the computer. Your write ups are really helpful. Nice to have some '03 knowledge.

 

Ok, turbos are a little scary. Never had anything to do with one, but they don't look too complex.

Perhaps some day when my 10 yr old is ready to help.