Nissan ECU & Engine Control Modules – 23710, MEC and Hitachi

Nissan engine control units – ECU identification by OEM and manufacturer number

A Nissan engine control unit (ECU), also known as an ECM or engine computer, manages engine operation and communicates with other electronic systems in the vehicle. Depending on the engine and ECU generation, the module may control fuel injection, ignition, electronic throttle operation, fuel pressure, turbocharger management and selected emissions-related functions.

When replacing a Nissan ECU, however, the most important step is identifying the exact electronic module installed in the vehicle. Nissan has used engine-management systems from different manufacturers, including Hitachi, Bosch and Continental. Two control units with similar housings and connectors may still contain different hardware, software, calibration or vehicle-specific security data.

Nissan 23710 ECU numbers

A particularly useful Nissan engine-control reference is the 23710... number family. Current Auto24Parts products include examples such as:

• 237104ED00,
• 237101F700 / 23710-1F700,
• 237101F720 / 23710-1F720.

The complete number must always be compared. The shared 23710 section does not mean that different Nissan engine control units are interchangeable.

Different formatting should also be considered. For example, a reference can appear as 237101F720 or 23710-1F720. Both versions can be useful when searching online or comparing workshop documentation.

Hitachi MEC engine control units for Nissan

Hitachi ECU references are strongly represented in the current Nissan category. These modules can use designations beginning with MEC, followed by numbers and sometimes an additional calibration or version code.

Current examples include:

• MEC37-320 / MEC37320,
• MEC32-020 XR,
• MEC32110 D2,
• MEC930-320 / MEC930320.

The MEC family designation is a useful search term, but the complete reference should always be retained because different MEC control units can have different vehicle and engine applications.

Nissan Micra MEC37-320 / MEC37320

One current Hitachi module is the Nissan Micra ECU MEC37-320 / MEC37320.

The same core reference can therefore be searched with or without the separator. The product is identified as a Hitachi engine control unit and is available with locked or ready-for-programming preparation options.

The exact control-unit number should still be compared with the original ECU before ordering.

Nissan Micra 1.0 – MEC32-020 XR

Another Hitachi control unit is the Nissan Micra 1.0 ECU MEC32-020 XR / MEC32020.

This unit also carries additional identification including G33929 and MEC32020G33911. Such additional references can help distinguish the exact electronic version from other MEC32 modules.

Nissan Micra – MEC32110 D2

The category also includes the Nissan Micra Hitachi ECU MEC32110 D2.

This is another example showing why searching only for “Nissan Micra ECU” is not sufficiently precise. MEC32110 D2, MEC32-020 XR and MEC37-320 are separate Hitachi references and should be identified individually.

Nissan Micra K13 – A56-E33 / A56E33

For Nissan Micra K13, Auto24Parts currently lists the Nissan Micra K13 ECU A56-E33 / A56E33.

The module is identified as a Hitachi control unit. The reference may be searched as A56-E33 or in compact form A56E33.

This is a different numbering style from both the MEC family and Nissan 23710 references, which demonstrates the variety of engine-management systems used across Nissan generations.

Nissan Pulsar – MEC930-320 / MEC930320

The current catalogue also includes the Nissan Pulsar Hitachi ECU MEC930-320 / MEC930320.

The product additionally carries the R7 designation. When comparing the original module, it is advisable to retain all available identification rather than using only the basic MEC930 reference.

Nissan Micra 1.0 – Bosch 0261206499 / 237101F700

Not every Nissan Micra uses a Hitachi ECU. One Bosch example is the Nissan Micra 1.0 ECU Bosch 0261206499 / 237101F700.

The module carries several useful references:

• 0261206499,
• 237101F700,
• 1F70049900,
• 1F700-49900.

The Bosch number may also be written as 0 261 206 499. Comparing several references together provides more accurate identification than selecting the control unit solely from the Micra model and 1.0 engine capacity.

Nissan Micra 1.4 – Bosch 0261206502 / 237101F720

Another Bosch application is the Nissan Micra 1.4 ECU Bosch 0261206502 / 237101F720.

The full identification includes:

• 0261206502,
• 237101F720 / 23710-1F720,
• 1F72050200 / 1F720-50200.

This unit and the Micra 1.0 Bosch ECU above have similar Bosch numbering but are different control units. The complete Nissan and Bosch references must therefore be compared.

Nissan S180206104A / 237104ED00 – Continental ECU

The Nissan range is not limited to Bosch and Hitachi. Auto24Parts also offers the Nissan Continental ECU S180206104A / 237104ED00.

This module combines Continental reference S180206104A with Nissan number 237104ED00. Both references appear together on the product and provide useful search routes to the exact control unit.

The product is currently available with locked and ready-for-programming variants.

Nissan Bosch 0281018834

Another Bosch module currently available is the Nissan ECU Bosch 0281018834.

In this case, the current product listing primarily identifies the module using the Bosch manufacturer reference 0281018834. It is therefore especially important to compare the complete original ECU label and vehicle data when confirming the application.

Bosch, Hitachi and Continental Nissan ECUs

The current Nissan category includes engine control modules from Bosch, Hitachi and Continental. Each manufacturer uses different reference formats:

• Hitachi: MEC32..., MEC37..., MEC930..., A56...,
• Bosch: 026120..., 028101...,
• Continental: references such as S180206104A.

The electronics manufacturer can help narrow the search, but it does not replace the complete Nissan or manufacturer part-number comparison.

You can also browse other Bosch automotive control units available at Auto24Parts.

Why Nissan Micra should not be matched only by model and engine capacity

Micra is currently the largest Nissan application group represented in this category. The catalogue includes several very different engine-control references:

• MEC37-320 / MEC37320,
• MEC32-020 XR,
• MEC32110 D2,
• A56-E33 / A56E33,
• 0261206499 / 237101F700 – Micra 1.0,
• 0261206502 / 237101F720 – Micra 1.4.

These examples show why “Nissan Micra ECU” is useful only as an initial search phrase. The final replacement module should be selected by the exact numbers from the original ECU.

Nissan ECU part-number formatting

Nissan and electronics manufacturer references can appear in several forms. When searching, it can be useful to try both formatted and compact versions:

• 237101F720 / 23710-1F720,
• MEC37-320 / MEC37320,
• MEC930-320 / MEC930320,
• A56-E33 / A56E33,
• 1F70049900 / 1F700-49900.

Search engines, parts catalogues and workshop documents may use different formatting for the same identifier.

Used / locked Nissan engine control unit

A standard used / locked Nissan ECU normally retains data associated with the vehicle in which it was previously installed. Depending on the module and vehicle security system, further electronic preparation may therefore be required before it can operate in another vehicle.

A locked ECU is mainly intended for workshops and automotive electronics specialists equipped to prepare and programme replacement control units.

Nissan ECU ready for programming

Several current Nissan products are available in locked and ready-for-programming variants. This includes selected Bosch, Hitachi and Continental modules.

The exact programming or adaptation procedure depends on the ECU type and vehicle. Security synchronisation, coding or another diagnostic procedure may be required after installation.

See the ECU preparation options page for more information about possible preparation methods.

Nissan immobiliser and replacement ECU

Depending on the Nissan model and ECU generation, the engine control unit can contain or use vehicle-specific security information associated with engine-start authorisation.

A used control unit should therefore not automatically be expected to start another vehicle immediately after installation. The required procedure can depend on the ECU family, immobiliser system and how the replacement module has been prepared.

Nissan ECU cloning

For selected compatible control units, Nissan ECU cloning may be another preparation method. If the necessary information can be correctly read from the original ECU, relevant data may be transferred to a compatible replacement module.

Depending on the control-unit design, this may include memory content, software, configuration and security-related information.

The possibility of cloning depends on the ECU type and the condition of the original module. If the required data cannot be recovered, another preparation method may be necessary.

Common symptoms that may indicate a Nissan ECU problem

A faulty engine control unit can produce different symptoms, but similar problems may also be caused by sensors, wiring, actuators, power-supply faults or communication problems.

• engine does not start,
• no diagnostic communication with the ECU,
• engine stalls or is difficult to restart,
• limp mode or reduced engine power,
• injector or ignition-control faults,
• incorrect throttle response,
• fuel-pressure or boost-control problems,
• communication errors between vehicle modules,
• fault codes that repeatedly return,
• internal ECU memory or electronic faults.

Before replacing the engine control unit, check battery voltage, ECU power supply, ground connections, fuses, relays, electrical connectors and wiring. A diagnostic trouble code alone does not prove that the ECU itself is defective.

Nissan engine control units by exact part number

The current Nissan range can be searched directly using these exact references:

• S180206104A / 237104ED00 – Nissan Continental ECU
• 0281018834 – Nissan Bosch ECU
• MEC37-320 / MEC37320 – Nissan Micra Hitachi ECU
• MEC32-020 XR / MEC32020 – Nissan Micra 1.0 Hitachi ECU
• 0261206499 / 237101F700 – Nissan Micra 1.0 Bosch ECU
• 0261206502 / 237101F720 – Nissan Micra 1.4 Bosch ECU
• A56-E33 / A56E33 – Nissan Micra K13 Hitachi ECU
• MEC32110 D2 – Nissan Micra Hitachi ECU
• MEC930-320 / MEC930320 – Nissan Pulsar Hitachi ECU

How to check Nissan ECU compatibility before ordering

Take a clear photo of the complete original ECU label. The Nissan OEM number, Hitachi MEC reference, Bosch, Continental or other electronics manufacturer number and all additional hardware or software identifiers should be readable.

If you need help identifying the correct replacement module, contact Auto24Parts and send the photo together with the Nissan model, model year, engine capacity, power output and engine version.

For other vehicle makes, browse the complete engine control unit catalogue. Other Nissan electronic components can also be found in the Nissan ABS pump category.

Before ordering, you can also review our How to Buy guide, Shipping & Delivery information and Returns, Warranty & Complaints conditions.

FAQ – Nissan ECU and Engine Control Modules