These same issues were a contributing factor in my retirement from the 12volt industry. It is getting increasingly more difficult to find products that don't suck!
Same here. Dei stoped making the box you just put a blank key in then came out with programming boxes I said screw it the instructions sucked most the dam time as a viper dealer direct id get the guys in the snake pit laugh and just really stupid shit, the company got sold and im told its not even as good as it once was to top that off the cars kept getting increasingly tougher to work on. Like add diods at each door screw with resistors to turn on parking lights it all became a shit show.
Long time watcher, first time commenter. I came across your channel while watching scanner Danner years ago. I have learned so much from SMA, SD, and PHAD. for me, automotive repair/diagnostics is a hobby. I have worked in the healthcare field for nearly a decade and automotive repair/diagnostics IS my vacation from life. I love how you take on different projects and don't limit yourself to just cars and trucks. you put the information out there for anyone and everyone to learn. I have no intention of making a career out of automotive diagnostics and can't justify a "proper" education for it, but I love to learn about it. Thank you for the time that you put into the content you provide.
Got 3 bad ecms in a row from flagship one. They kept programming the ecm for a vehicle with an automatic even though the vehicle was a manual. I tried to explain this to them multiple times. Will never use them again.
I ordered a 3 ECMs from FS1. 1 for a Jeep and it was junk. 1 for a Ram, it set a different code than the original ECM and after contacting FS1, they would only send me another ECM after I sent back the one I purchased from them and if they determined that it was faulty they would send me a replacement. So to keep my customer from waiting 4 weeks for another ECM, I just ordered another ECM to get them on the road faster. It was also junk, and when they received the first one I sent back they decided a store credit was good enough. I will NEVER order anything from FS1.. NEVER! The absolute worst company I’ve had the displeasure of trying to work with.
Seeing these videos makes me appreciate the simplicity of my 1972 Ford LTD Country Squire more and more, with zero computers on board, and getting inexpensive key cuts at a hardware store.
FS1 has the WORST customer service of any supplier I have dealt with. They have the audacity to charge you to diagnose their own defective ECU's! Been to this rodeo twice with these clowns, never again. Anyone up for a class action??
Good job, Ivan. A good scanning tool is a must have for professionals like you. Now I know, when I talk to a mechanic, maybe the best question to ask is: Sir, may I take a peek to your scanning tool before I leave my car here?
I’ve had some say they cannibalized an older machine with a similar quote part, of course they can get it to power up motor works but mechanically it’s still a piece of junk. The customer told me I wasted two hours of my time trying to research wiring diagrams what was wrong with the part that was in the original one, when I should’ve took the scrap parts off . I said, why didn’t you do it to begin with instead of calling. Time and material customer can be their own worse enemy. BTW the part was $800 and didn’t want to buy it. Now his pos is mechanically locked up and doesn’t understand why no one has time………
while I somewhat agree if the shop uses OEM parts but my local Goodyear gets their parts from Autozone which I have witnessed. Thankfully the mechanic that I use will install my parts but then again I only use OEM parts. Honda vehicles are very finicky. Good job Ivan.
Not that I would ever order an ECM or another controller but if I ever had to I know what company NOT to order from, FS1 seems to have a real problem when it comes to ensuring quality of stuff they send out.
@@davidp7163 Ordered couple of times from them and have a problem with it every time .Charging restocking fees and being rude,dont want to talk with me.They dont have good reputation.
FS1 may be receiving CORES, put them through some minimal test routine, it "passes", FS1 assumes core is OKAY, clean it up and flip it. Then DON gets to discover what ghosts live in it.
Reminds me of trying to load transmission module software on a Nissan pathfinder. There was no way to “get” the actual software with the Thinktools Pro. It kept telling me to scan the trans barcode, but it wouldn’t ever read the barcode. Had to pay the dealer $150 bucks. Next time I will SAVE the trans file to the ThinktoolsPro first ! Whoops!
Good luck on flag shit one. Im waiting on my 3rd ecm 3 months in. Original ecm has a interment #7 injector driver. Their first ecm sent bad prom, second ecm missing pins on a connect. Another rma to fill out and wait anothe month ya! Love your vids.
Having the right scan tool / computer to communicate to many modern manufacturers/brands is becoming an art form in itself. Not only do you have to know diagnostics, you have to know what scanner brand can program said car. This is why what Ivan does is even more impressive.
Really appreciate it ! The quality coaching you provide Ivan is sooo comprehensive that despite only taking in the audio ; (life gets busy sometimes) , it’s abundantly rich learning that occurs … simply from what it is you are SAYING ! Honestly, I can’t tell you how valuable that is !! Ties me over until I can get around to laying eyes on the video to devour the and digest the whole enchilada !! 🙌🏼
For whatever reason Autel scanners don't do well with Nissan/Infiniti immobilizers. My MS908 bricked the BCM while trying to add a key on a G37. Had to replace the BCM and buy a Thinktool ProS to register the keys.
It seems that Autel is not very good on some cars. I had a W447 Mercedes a couple years ago. I did a standard diagnostic scan on it. The scanner opened the lock from the airbag module and couldn't lock it back up! It didn't have the option to open It either, so it was some kinda bug and it opened regardless. Had to go to local Mercedes guru with Star to lock it back up. Thankfully it wasn't customers car so wasn't in a deep shit with it. I didn't have my Thinktool Pros yet back then. Maybe it could've saved me.
Great video Ivan as always. I think that FS1 should cover this cost after all it was there junk computer that was the problem. Who knows the important thing is the customers car is back on the road.
Flagship One is the absolute worst, I bought an injector driver from them and truck ran for two hours and left my customer stranded. Luckily I had sent the original to be repaired by a local shop and it arrived back the same day the Flagship unit failed. Truck has been running perfect for a year now. The worst part is arguing with their warranty department. STAY AWAY FROM FLAGSHIP ONE!
you do amazing work man that sucks that the computer was not good out of the box i hope that money was returned and time was compensated properly we all know it never is
Well, I was wrong. I figured it was a faulty steering lock assembly, which may have been recalled on this vehicle. I had a 2008 3.5SE that had to be towed in for that and was later recalled.
Hey Ivan... Since I started using the factory software in my PC and J-box (Consult for Nissan, TechStream for Toyota, and Tech-2 for GM) I've had FAR fewer issues with my reprograming of ECMs, TCMs, and body modules. I think Consult would have bitched about the new ECU from the get-go and saved you some time. Then, again, I was using my Snap-On Verus/Zues for programming, which was usually a cluster f*** so I guess anything was better than what I was using.
Here in AUS NSW Igo to the auto dismantlers in person & get my parts & I have never had any problem(I have bought an ECM with the key & barrel ) which is most likely why I have never hac a go-back Cheers Ivan I kinda guessed that the used ECM was garbage.
FS-1 may buy used ECM's in bulk , give them a quick " test " and get the spiders out . Then if it fails , " we'll send you another one " . Like a salvage yard for ECM's . Nothing like getting one from a wreck or from a vehicle with a bad engine , etc.
Ahhh, i remember having a similar issue with an ecm rebuild shop called SIA electronics in Illinois. Let's just say i got my money back, the hard way. That was years ago. Condition was also crank no start
So far every one of your videos I've watched where an ECM or PCM was replaced with one from Flagship 1 the replacement unit was faulty. Apparently they have absolutely no quality control what so ever.
What is happening to the vehicle +12 VDC supply as shown on the scan tool? Given the age of the vehicle in the salt belt, it is wise to review a wiring diagram and inspect to see if the main +12 VDC (and grounds) cables are not corroded or damaged. Usually the ECM will have dedicated secondary power feeds the originate with an 8 AWG power and ground. In pairs, generally speaking you have three main power and ground systems; Starting, power distribution, and ECM, there will also be a charging connection from the alternator to the battery. These systems merge into splices at different locations in the vehicle. The +12 VDC module feeds will be fuse protected. The starting circuit may have a MEGA fuse or link fuse, and the alternator a fusible link wire or a link fuse. If there is an issue with the wiring the needs to be repaired this should be done first before continuing with troubleshooting. Then moving on to the ECM the wiring loom near the module, connectors and connector pins should be inspected and cleaning. This will rule out an intermittent signal connection at the ECM. With a new PCM you would re-flash the module, and do any relearning and module setup. Many times you can get as built data from the old ECM if it is original and can still communicate. This way you have the data setup file, rather than entering as built data during re-flashing. You can try and use a scan tool or use a J-Box and the OEM re-flashing application running on a laptop with access to the internet, usually through WIFI. The J-Box approach is the most common in a verified tool chain as compared to a generic scan tool. What does this tell us about flagship 1? Before releasing an ECM it would have to pass being programmed on the bench with the latest strategy. This is not trivial because the test bench has to emulate the vehicle in certain respects which is OEM specific to the make year and model. Then accept any as built data like the VIN, and component setup information, that does not require the entire vehicle. Meaning, you do as much on the bench as you can before releasing the ECM to the customer. It would seem Flagship 1 did not or cannot do a bench re-flashing and setup on the bench.
I was attempting a key registration on a 2012 Nissan Armada using the Think tool Pros and for some reason, the pin code for the 2010 and above did not work, and the other pin number for 2010 and below worked just fine. Might be the reason why the other FS1 ECU did not program the key!
Third , forth or fift or 20 😂 they just paint them , if you get one working from them is because they did not open it if they do there is a chance of 99.9% is bad
Go’s to show you need more then one quality scan tool nowadays. Ive yet to see one tool that does it all but the whole Launch based stuff is a must have in any arsenal whether its companion is a Snap On or an Autel.Great stuff Ivan👍
I still like them as a company because they are often the only choice. Similar to dorman. That being said, if I cannot source an OEM module I will make the customer purchase the aftermarket modules on their own, explicitly with no guarantees.
Had a similar situation with a 03 ford Focus computer from CLOWN SHIP 1,would not program the keys , and it erased the Pat's memory module, I hope the go out of business.
The reason you had an issue with the flagship, it seems there was no software part # which means that they somehow turned it into a blank ecu. I bet if you would have saved the ecu data (reprogramming before replacement) on the original, installed the new ecu and programed it (reprogramming after ecu replacement) then performed the key registration. I've seen ecu's get to that blank state at the dealership during interrupted recall reprogramming (very common on nissans) and was able to save a lot of them in that state of limbo
How much they paid you for the comercial? Because people who have bought from them is always complaining, my self I would never buy again from this guy's and I would not recommend to a friend, I it is my enemy I would say please go ahead en buy it from FS1 to make there life hard 😅
@JoelAutomotiveInaction bro i have not an issue with them yet, no commercials here but i get what your saying but we can all say manufacturers are putting out garbage cars that keep us in business but people still buy these shitty cars
I’ve used flagship for GM ECM for my 05 Saturn and they said they program it to the latest software They claimed just plug in and go! So I plug in and NADA! Sent back and got replaced Again nothing. Car started and ran but half my things did NOT WORK! Had to send back and get my $ back which they were cool about. (Unlike some places) I then got a ECM from local junk yard and plug in Then I was all good to go. My Honda needed a ECM But needed to be flashed/reprogrammed after install.
My ‘85 LandCruiser wouldn’t crank the other day. I hit the starter with a hammer and works perfect now with both keys. Just saying, but know I’m preaching to the choir.
Hey Ivan I’ve got a question for you it’s giving an interesting problem it’s a 2018 equinox with the 1.5 turbo it surges only when cold every other time it runs great gets great gas mileage I would try to hire you but I’m in lower South Carolina
let’s think about what changes when cold and hot temperatures fluctuate in various components & system operations ( what the part does and how it functions ) & construction materials … for example if you have a vacuum leak at cold start up ; then , as engine heat rises 5 - 10 minutes later ; possibly , the expanded metal or gasket at the problem spot may seal up the unmetered vacuum leak - hence , the problem temporarily stopped . Take another example : if you have a problem of coolant infiltration into a cylinder that collects especially during engine off period ; well , during your next morning start up it will exhibit symptoms in a more pronounced way until the engine gets hot and can now counteract (overwhelm) the root problem with adequate combustion . How about a thermostat that is stuck open not allowing quick warm up / closed loop computer control to provide optimum performance in the regular time frame you are accustomed to . Same thing with a leaky fuel injector that pooled into the cylinder during engine off period ; which , might affect performance at start ups ; then be insignificant once the engine is hot and the O2 sensors plus fuel trims do their fine jobs of adjusting for optimum performance .
OMG, I had the exact same issue with a F-1 Nissan ECM front an 05' Altima. I got so fed up, I sold the car and never will I buy another Nissan, even if it's free. F-1 was horrible to deal with, and Nissans engineering was sketch. GM or Toyota for life now
Ivan i want to learn about wiring diagrams, coding and programming And common rail diesel injection systems Let me know how you can help me and the cost
Flagship1 has failed us again...Ivan where would you recommend us to go for a ecm if they are way expensive at dealer? Its gotta be another company that does quality work
Like @Gerard said, maybe the flagship one ECM should have been programmed as a "new" not used. I've read and heard that Nissan does things "differently" in their ECM'S/PCM'S. That scares me. I have an 06 4.0L V6 Frontier with 119,00+ miles on it. I hope it's a long time before I see this problem! Good one Ivan.
That didn't make me feel any better. Hopefully, if my Nissan needs it, I'll be able to source one quickly. Oh ya. Mine is a 6 speed manual transmission and 4X4.
Wow.. Watsontown.. is just few miles to the north of Lewisburg where I went to college! I took my car to Bucks auto repair: As a college kid, I could not afford his rates so I and friends called him Buck sucks money! Nothing wrong with him, it was our fault for getting used cars I guess!
Sad to say it’s not just fs1. I went through three ecm company’s and five different ecm from one in order to get my Dakota running. And it now does not cruse control. They are all junk providers.
What if ECM had some limit for keys programming and it was wasted by someone before getting to the junk yard. Might it be? Here we would had try open it up and swap eprom 😅
Cruise control out of adjustment will cause a P0605 tsb April 4 2013 National safety tsb Vibrate the box and it controls the throttle 😈 Great video keep em coming 👨🎓👍
@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Improper adjustment or operation of the ASCD brake switch can cause the Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) to “not set” and/or DTC P0605 (ECM) to store. If a malfunction in the ASCD system is detected, the “CRUISE” indicator may stay ON and the “SET” indicator may flash.
Flagship must have cooked the Flash memory! Did you notice that not only was the VIN blank, but all the calibration data was gone on the module information screen? Also don't they usually program the VIN when ordered?? I wonder if TESTING is part of the 'Recondition' process... Module programming has to be one of the most difficult and stressful jobs for a mobile technician and then to waste hours troubleshooting your programming rig just to find out its just junk parts. SMH...
Now that I have a ThinkToolpros I literally don’t even use my Autel anymore. Something off topic Ivan. I see the camera icon on the screen of your ThinkToolpros. I cannot get mine to show up. How do you get the camera icon on. I’d like to take a snapshot of data I get. Thanks.
@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics every computer at every shop I have worked has come faulty for FS1 , this guy's are criminals they waste time and money of others . I am talking about 6 computers over the year. In one shop they sent 3 replacements computers each of them with different issue dtc . The moral here is if you want make your life hard other a computer from this place 😊😊
Does flagship one want customers business? Should get something out of them I would suggest, but as with most businesses, air would not hold my breath!
This industry always leaves the mechanic on the hook for everyone's mistakes . Flagship 1 screws up , and there off the hook , customer installs some bullshit part and the mechanic starts second guessing himself and wasting his own time , you get a defective part and you eat the labor. its crazy , no accountability . Anybody who fixes cars for a living has got to rethink there careers , go fix some government equipment and let them absorb all the mistakes
The problem is you have a "diversity" workforce who is not hired for brains but color. Many millenials and GenZ have no work ethic or sense of pride. Its a dicease for the economy
You're right about the downsides, but if everyone bails out who'll fix the cars? On second thought, maybe that'll force a restructuring of the industry 🤷.
These same issues were a contributing factor in my retirement from the 12volt industry. It is getting increasingly more difficult to find products that don't suck!
Same here. Dei stoped making the box you just put a blank key in then came out with programming boxes
I said screw it the instructions sucked most the dam time as a viper dealer direct id get the guys in the snake pit laugh and just really stupid shit, the company got sold and im told its not even as good as it once was to top that off the cars kept getting increasingly tougher to work on. Like add diods at each door screw with resistors to turn on parking lights it all became a shit show.
Long time watcher, first time commenter. I came across your channel while watching scanner Danner years ago. I have learned so much from SMA, SD, and PHAD. for me, automotive repair/diagnostics is a hobby. I have worked in the healthcare field for nearly a decade and automotive repair/diagnostics IS my vacation from life. I love how you take on different projects and don't limit yourself to just cars and trucks. you put the information out there for anyone and everyone to learn. I have no intention of making a career out of automotive diagnostics and can't justify a "proper" education for it, but I love to learn about it. Thank you for the time that you put into the content you provide.
Thank you for the kind words Travis! 🙂
Got 3 bad ecms in a row from flagship one. They kept programming the ecm for a vehicle with an automatic even though the vehicle was a manual. I tried to explain this to them multiple times. Will never use them again.
Typical 😢😅
I ordered a 3 ECMs from FS1. 1 for a Jeep and it was junk. 1 for a Ram, it set a different code than the original ECM and after contacting FS1, they would only send me another ECM after I sent back the one I purchased from them and if they determined that it was faulty they would send me a replacement. So to keep my customer from waiting 4 weeks for another ECM, I just ordered another ECM to get them on the road faster. It was also junk, and when they received the first one I sent back they decided a store credit was good enough. I will NEVER order anything from FS1.. NEVER! The absolute worst company I’ve had the displeasure of trying to work with.
Seeing these videos makes me appreciate the simplicity of my 1972 Ford LTD Country Squire more and more, with zero computers on board, and getting inexpensive key cuts at a hardware store.
I have a 98 T100. Extra Cab, no smart keys there either!
FS1 has the WORST customer service of any supplier I have dealt with. They have the audacity to charge you to diagnose their own defective ECU's! Been to this rodeo twice with these clowns, never again. Anyone up for a class action??
Class actions only benefit the lawyers. They have enough money already!
I almost got a flagship for the old Camry, but decided to spend a little more for the OEM . Think I made a good decision. Nice work Ivan. 👍👍🇺🇸
Go OEM whenever you can. I've learned the hard way.
Good call brother
Maybe the flagship One ECM should have been programmed as "new" instead of used?
That's an interesting catch !!
You might be right I was wondering the same thing when there was no vin number on the fs1 ecu
He needs a Wilbert's U-Pull-It of Bath, not a sponsor.
That you Eric?
He's close to Harry's U-pull-it over in Hazelton, not a sponser, lol
Good job, Ivan. A good scanning tool is a must have for professionals like you. Now I know, when I talk to a mechanic, maybe the best question to ask is: Sir, may I take a peek to your scanning tool before I leave my car here?
Mechanic: "Sure, it's right here in my shirt pocket with my cigarettes. It connects to my phone."
@dongninprc: (runs away)
It's situations like this that caused my mechanic to put up a sign saying we will not install customer supplied parts.
I’ve had some say they cannibalized an older machine with a similar quote part, of course they can get it to power up motor works but mechanically it’s still a piece of junk. The customer told me I wasted two hours of my time trying to research wiring diagrams what was wrong with the part that was in the original one, when I should’ve took the scrap parts off . I said, why didn’t you do it to begin with instead of calling. Time and material customer can be their own worse enemy. BTW the part was $800 and didn’t want to buy it. Now his pos is mechanically locked up and doesn’t understand why no one has time………
while I somewhat agree if the shop uses OEM parts but my local Goodyear gets their parts from Autozone which I have witnessed. Thankfully the mechanic that I use will install my parts but then again I only use OEM parts. Honda vehicles are very finicky. Good job Ivan.
Not that I would ever order an ECM or another controller but if I ever had to I know what company NOT to order from, FS1 seems to have a real problem when it comes to ensuring quality of stuff they send out.
Was thinking the same thing. They have a bad rep.
@@davidp7163 Ordered couple of times from them and have a problem with it every time .Charging restocking fees and being rude,dont want to talk with me.They dont have good reputation.
Why not a new factory ECM?
@@southhillfarm2795people don't want to spend money on something that works
Sounds like the original mechanic knew what he was doing after all.
Because Don was able to fix it with an eBay unit makes you wonder what bargain bin fs1 is getting there’s from!
FS1 may be receiving CORES, put them through some minimal test routine, it "passes", FS1 assumes core is OKAY, clean it up and flip it. Then DON gets to discover what ghosts live in it.
Uhg, not a good deal. Don't know what to say except "Thanks for Sharing!'
Reminds me of trying to load transmission module software on a Nissan pathfinder. There was no way to “get” the actual software with the Thinktools Pro. It kept telling me to scan the trans barcode, but it wouldn’t ever read the barcode. Had to pay the dealer $150 bucks. Next time I will SAVE the trans file to the ThinktoolsPro first ! Whoops!
Good luck on flag shit one. Im waiting on my 3rd ecm 3 months in. Original ecm has a interment #7 injector driver. Their first ecm sent bad prom, second ecm missing pins on a connect. Another rma to fill out and wait anothe month ya! Love your vids.
Having the right scan tool / computer to communicate to many modern manufacturers/brands is becoming an art form in itself. Not only do you have to know diagnostics, you have to know what scanner brand can program said car. This is why what Ivan does is even more impressive.
Really appreciate it ! The quality coaching you provide Ivan is sooo comprehensive that despite only taking in the audio ; (life gets busy sometimes) , it’s abundantly rich learning that occurs … simply from what it is you are SAYING ! Honestly, I can’t tell you how valuable that is !! Ties me over until I can get around to laying eyes on the video to devour the and digest the whole enchilada !! 🙌🏼
For whatever reason Autel scanners don't do well with Nissan/Infiniti immobilizers. My MS908 bricked the BCM while trying to add a key on a G37. Had to replace the BCM and buy a Thinktool ProS to register the keys.
Hmmm.
OOPS lol! Yes I trust the ThinkTool more :)
It seems that Autel is not very good on some cars. I had a W447 Mercedes a couple years ago. I did a standard diagnostic scan on it. The scanner opened the lock from the airbag module and couldn't lock it back up! It didn't have the option to open It either, so it was some kinda bug and it opened regardless. Had to go to local Mercedes guru with Star to lock it back up. Thankfully it wasn't customers car so wasn't in a deep shit with it. I didn't have my Thinktool Pros yet back then. Maybe it could've saved me.
Great video Ivan as always. I think that FS1 should cover this cost after all it was there junk computer that was the problem. Who knows the important thing is the customers car is back on the road.
Thanks for a new informative video Ivan, best wishes from the U.K 🇬🇧
Nissan the Chrysler of Japan
As a Nissan master tech, you ain't wrong. Keeps me employed. 😆
@@shawnbauman5463 👊🏻😁
Flagship One is the absolute worst, I bought an injector driver from them and truck ran for two hours and left my customer stranded. Luckily I had sent the original to be repaired by a local shop and it arrived back the same day the Flagship unit failed. Truck has been running perfect for a year now. The worst part is arguing with their warranty department. STAY AWAY FROM FLAGSHIP ONE!
I've watched enough videos to know that Flagship 1 has like a 50% chance of the ECU working 🤣🤣
Great to see you so close by my place !! Donald Dwadziescia Cztery !
RUclips knew todays video location,today i just got recomanded the last time you where at his place 😂
you do amazing work man that sucks that the computer was not good out of the box i hope that money was returned and time was compensated properly we all know it never is
Well, I was wrong. I figured it was a faulty steering lock assembly, which may have been recalled on this vehicle. I had a 2008 3.5SE that had to be towed in for that and was later recalled.
Amazing that you can work thru any of the scanners. The instructions and explanations are so cryptic.....
I used flagship one on a ECM sent it back 4 times ended up with a ECU from the bone yard on a Jag no start problem solved !!!
3rd!
Love a good Pine Hollow Video!
Hey Ivan... Since I started using the factory software in my PC and J-box (Consult for Nissan, TechStream for Toyota, and Tech-2 for GM) I've had FAR fewer issues with my reprograming of ECMs, TCMs, and body modules. I think Consult would have bitched about the new ECU from the get-go and saved you some time. Then, again, I was using my Snap-On Verus/Zues for programming, which was usually a cluster f*** so I guess anything was better than what I was using.
Consult reduced the price by $2000 about 2 years ago. It is a fantastic tool now that it is reasonably priced.
Nice work guys, amazing "FS1" is still in business..
Just returned a new 2 stroke ignition module - NG I'm afraid to order another one.
Thanks.
Here in AUS NSW Igo to the auto dismantlers in person & get my parts & I have never had any problem(I have bought an ECM with the key & barrel ) which is most likely why I have never hac a go-back Cheers Ivan I kinda guessed that the used ECM was garbage.
FS-1 may buy used ECM's in bulk , give them a quick " test " and get the spiders out . Then if it fails , " we'll send you another one " . Like a salvage yard for ECM's . Nothing like getting one from a wreck or from a vehicle with a bad engine , etc.
Nah, they are just shady
Always a hit or miss with FS1. Experienced that twice with them.
Flagship should pay for your time and Don too since you needed
Messed with the ecm but had no luck! At least ebay came through lol. Nice video Ivan!!
Ahhh, i remember having a similar issue with an ecm rebuild shop called SIA electronics in Illinois. Let's just say i got my money back, the hard way. That was years ago. Condition was also crank no start
So far every one of your videos I've watched where an ECM or PCM was replaced with one from Flagship 1 the replacement unit was faulty. Apparently they have absolutely no quality control what so ever.
Wow. Just wow. Thanks for sharing your misadventure!
Really great videos as always Ivan. Question for you Ivan. Will the Think Pro 2 tool scanner program GM remotes and TPM sensors?
Boneyard parts (even electronics) are better than Flagship 1.
I had to send one back 2 times but they made it right and it ended working fine, customer service wasn’t that bad but they don’t always answer
What is happening to the vehicle +12 VDC supply as shown on the scan tool? Given the age of the vehicle in the salt belt, it is wise to review a wiring diagram and inspect to see if the main +12 VDC (and grounds) cables are not corroded or damaged. Usually the ECM will have dedicated secondary power feeds the originate with an 8 AWG power and ground. In pairs, generally speaking you have three main power and ground systems; Starting, power distribution, and ECM, there will also be a charging connection from the alternator to the battery. These systems merge into splices at different locations in the vehicle. The +12 VDC module feeds will be fuse protected. The starting circuit may have a MEGA fuse or link fuse, and the alternator a fusible link wire or a link fuse.
If there is an issue with the wiring the needs to be repaired this should be done first before continuing with troubleshooting. Then moving on to the ECM the wiring loom near the module, connectors and connector pins should be inspected and cleaning. This will rule out an intermittent signal connection at the ECM.
With a new PCM you would re-flash the module, and do any relearning and module setup. Many times you can get as built data from the old ECM if it is original and can still communicate. This way you have the data setup file, rather than entering as built data during re-flashing. You can try and use a scan tool or use a J-Box and the OEM re-flashing application running on a laptop with access to the internet, usually through WIFI. The J-Box approach is the most common in a verified tool chain as compared to a generic scan tool.
What does this tell us about flagship 1? Before releasing an ECM it would have to pass being programmed on the bench with the latest strategy. This is not trivial because the test bench has to emulate the vehicle in certain respects which is OEM specific to the make year and model. Then accept any as built data like the VIN, and component setup information, that does not require the entire vehicle. Meaning, you do as much on the bench as you can before releasing the ECM to the customer. It would seem Flagship 1 did not or cannot do a bench re-flashing and setup on the bench.
I was attempting a key registration on a 2012 Nissan Armada using the Think tool Pros and for some reason, the pin code for the 2010 and above did not work, and the other pin number for 2010 and below worked just fine. Might be the reason why the other FS1 ECU did not program the key!
Possible that the replacement Ecu was manufactured ore 2010
@@MattyEngland that’s possible!
Could program the VIN on the FS1 either which didn't require the code.
Change CVT fluid every 30-40k, even through dipstick suck out works well.
3:26 - Where can you buy these special diagnostic fault activating screw drivers? 🙂
Flagship 1 I bet would supply you with one !
@@ThunderbirdRocket hahaha, and would def work, they use them all the time for the junk they sell
Flagship One sure seems to have some quality control issues with their PCMS... It's not like this was the first time, or second...
Third , forth or fift or 20 😂 they just paint them , if you get one working from them is because they did not open it if they do there is a chance of 99.9% is bad
Did Don buy his own Thinktool Pros scanner? 🤔
Yup sure did 😁👍
Sad to see flagship one has dropped in quality they use to be excellent.
Go’s to show you need more then one quality scan tool nowadays. Ive yet to see one tool that does it all but the whole Launch based stuff is a must have in any arsenal whether its companion is a Snap On or an Autel.Great stuff Ivan👍
Most definitely. I use all three regularly. If I could only have one I’d probably hold onto the Launch but the Autel is a close second.
I have only one - XTool D9 - that works for everything I've tried it on and with... except a 1999 Chrysler Town and Country which it won't read.
@@Jpilgrim30 Agreed
no reason a cheap laptop can't run the software to scan all cars ,except $$$$😂😅
What is your good vs junk flagship one ECM tally? Doesn't seem to be in favor of the good column.
I still like them as a company because they are often the only choice. Similar to dorman. That being said, if I cannot source an OEM module I will make the customer purchase the aftermarket modules on their own, explicitly with no guarantees.
Had a similar situation with a 03 ford Focus computer from CLOWN SHIP 1,would not program the keys , and it erased the Pat's memory module, I hope the go out of business.
The reason you had an issue with the flagship, it seems there was no software part # which means that they somehow turned it into a blank ecu. I bet if you would have saved the ecu data (reprogramming before replacement) on the original, installed the new ecu and programed it (reprogramming after ecu replacement) then performed the key registration. I've seen ecu's get to that blank state at the dealership during interrupted recall reprogramming (very common on nissans) and was able to save a lot of them in that state of limbo
Flagship is pretty good i used them before good price too
How much they paid you for the comercial? Because people who have bought from them is always complaining, my self I would never buy again from this guy's and I would not recommend to a friend, I it is my enemy I would say please go ahead en buy it from FS1 to make there life hard 😅
@JoelAutomotiveInaction bro i have not an issue with them yet, no commercials here but i get what your saying but we can all say manufacturers are putting out garbage cars that keep us in business but people still buy these shitty cars
Is it possible that the FS1 ECU was old enough to want the older model password??
I’m surprise flagship one is still in business
dorman is helping them out
I’ve used flagship for GM ECM for my 05 Saturn and they said they program it to the latest software
They claimed just plug in and go!
So I plug in and NADA!
Sent back and got replaced
Again nothing. Car started and ran but half my things did NOT WORK!
Had to send back and get my $ back which they were cool about. (Unlike some places)
I then got a ECM from local junk yard and plug in
Then I was all good to go.
My Honda needed a ECM
But needed to be flashed/reprogrammed after install.
My ‘85 LandCruiser wouldn’t crank the other day. I hit the starter with a hammer and works perfect now with both keys. Just saying, but know I’m preaching to the choir.
Hey Ivan I’ve got a question for you it’s giving an interesting problem it’s a 2018 equinox with the 1.5 turbo it surges only when cold every other time it runs great gets great gas mileage I would try to hire you but I’m in lower South Carolina
What ; if any , are the OBD fault codes / freeze frame data / live stream data (crucial inputs to the ECM) ?
Nothing no codes and it’s so intermittent it’s hard to catch
Keep driving it until it gets worse and sets some codes ;)
let’s think about what changes when cold and hot temperatures fluctuate in various components & system operations ( what the part does and how it functions ) & construction materials … for example if you have a vacuum leak at cold start up ; then , as engine heat rises 5 - 10 minutes later ; possibly , the expanded metal or gasket at the problem spot may seal up the unmetered vacuum leak - hence , the problem temporarily stopped . Take another example : if you have a problem of coolant infiltration into a cylinder that collects especially during engine off period ; well , during your next morning start up it will exhibit symptoms in a more pronounced way until the engine gets hot and can now counteract (overwhelm) the root problem with adequate combustion . How about a thermostat that is stuck open not allowing quick warm up / closed loop computer control to provide optimum performance in the regular time frame you are accustomed to . Same thing with a leaky fuel injector that pooled into the cylinder during engine off period ; which , might affect performance at start ups ; then be insignificant once the engine is hot and the O2 sensors plus fuel trims do their fine jobs of adjusting for optimum performance .
I think you would have to get an image from old to install in new.. I’m pretty sure that pcm is blank
OMG, I had the exact same issue with a F-1 Nissan ECM front an 05' Altima. I got so fed up, I sold the car and never will I buy another Nissan, even if it's free. F-1 was horrible to deal with, and Nissans engineering was sketch. GM or Toyota for life now
Awesome video Ivan!!!!
Ivan i want to learn about wiring diagrams, coding and programming
And common rail diesel injection systems
Let me know how you can help me and the cost
Learn electrical like Ivan. I’m trying too.
Flagship1 has failed us again...Ivan where would you recommend us to go for a ecm if they are way expensive at dealer? Its gotta be another company that does quality work
Like @Gerard said, maybe the flagship one ECM should have been programmed as a "new" not used.
I've read and heard that Nissan does things "differently" in their ECM'S/PCM'S. That scares me. I have an 06 4.0L V6 Frontier with 119,00+ miles on it. I hope it's a long time before I see this problem!
Good one Ivan.
Nissan trucks have very flaky ECMs based on my experience... and replacements are getting VERY hard to find!
That didn't make me feel any better. Hopefully, if my Nissan needs it, I'll be able to source one quickly. Oh ya. Mine is a 6 speed manual transmission and 4X4.
Those early Frontier ECMs are known to fail. Recommend you stick with OEM if you can if it fails. Otherwise with the manual you got a solid truck.
@@mikechiodetti4482 manual ECMs are 10x harder to find than the autos haha
If you gonna stay with the truck i will start searching now
Wow.. Watsontown.. is just few miles to the north of Lewisburg where I went to college! I took my car to Bucks auto repair: As a college kid, I could not afford his rates so I and friends called him Buck sucks money! Nothing wrong with him, it was our fault for getting used cars I guess!
Sad to say it’s not just fs1.
I went through three ecm company’s and five different ecm from one in order to get my Dakota running. And it now does not cruse control. They are all junk providers.
Does the final video mean Don bought his own thinktool?
What if ECM had some limit for keys programming and it was wasted by someone before getting to the junk yard. Might it be? Here we would had try open it up and swap eprom 😅
Cruise control out of adjustment will cause a
P0605 tsb April 4 2013
National safety tsb
Vibrate the box and it controls the throttle 😈
Great video keep em coming 👨🎓👍
How can the cruise control be "out of adjustment"? 🤔
@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Improper adjustment or operation of the ASCD brake switch can cause the Automatic Speed Control Device (ASCD) to “not set” and/or DTC P0605 (ECM) to store. If a malfunction in the ASCD system is detected, the “CRUISE” indicator may stay ON and the “SET” indicator may flash.
Great work as usual BRO👍🏻
Nissan's are always tricky to diag, they're designed that way like Europeans😅
Thanks for sharing, Stay Safe😍
Ya have had multiple faulty ecm from flagship.
Flagship must have cooked the Flash memory! Did you notice that not only was the VIN blank, but all the calibration data was gone on the module information screen? Also don't they usually program the VIN when ordered?? I wonder if TESTING is part of the 'Recondition' process...
Module programming has to be one of the most difficult and stressful jobs for a mobile technician and then to waste hours troubleshooting your programming rig just to find out its just junk parts. SMH...
Which brand or brands have the most computers?
Luxury Euros
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics That's what I thought. Note to self. Stay with the basics
Now that I have a ThinkToolpros I literally don’t even use my Autel anymore. Something off topic Ivan. I see the camera icon on the screen of your ThinkToolpros. I cannot get mine to show up. How do you get the camera icon on. I’d like to take a snapshot of data I get. Thanks.
pull down from top, select scissors :)
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics
Thank you I’ll give it a try.
@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics
Thanks Ivan, found it. I’m going to go over the manual with a magnifying glass to see where I missed that part.
Was a new dealer ECM available?
And Flaghship1 strikes again. Just awful.
dry joint in the ECU
Ivan do you know what model Autel you where using in this video I really appreciate it Thanks
my 2012 niss altima SL is the worst i have owned and i owned many niss in past years,cvt issues and gremblems .HELP
I really need help with P1574...
FS1 didn't test that ECM, it's having communication problems. They probably pulled it from a junker and shipped it right out.
Wow, seems like flagship one is hit or miss..
It's about 50/50 in my experience lol
@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics every computer at every shop I have worked has come faulty for FS1 , this guy's are criminals they waste time and money of others . I am talking about 6 computers over the year. In one shop they sent 3 replacements computers each of them with different issue dtc . The moral here is if you want make your life hard other a computer from this place 😊😊
Have we seen Don before? Looks familiar.
Does flagship one want customers business? Should get something out of them I would suggest, but as with most businesses, air would not hold my breath!
This industry always leaves the mechanic on the hook for everyone's mistakes . Flagship 1 screws up , and there off the hook , customer installs some bullshit part and the mechanic starts second guessing himself and wasting his own time , you get a defective part and you eat the labor. its crazy , no accountability . Anybody who fixes cars for a living has got to rethink there careers , go fix some government equipment and let them absorb all the mistakes
The problem is you have a "diversity" workforce who is not hired for brains but color. Many millenials and GenZ have no work ethic or sense of pride. Its a dicease for the economy
You're right about the downsides, but if everyone bails out who'll fix the cars? On second thought, maybe that'll force a restructuring of the industry 🤷.
@@abdul-kabiralegbe5660 ...robots who do modular parts cannon will takeover
Looks like Don was using a Thinktool at the end of the video? Did he abandon the Autel?
I convinced him lol
Great video Ivan. I wonder if the snap-on would've worked on the Nissan.
Snap On has no chance lol
Are their other rebuilders/remanufacturers beside Flagship One?
Wo ! Much electronics...
ivan whats the name of the AUTEL im soing a lot of research but im not sure what one to get thanksn
"The Ferryman waits for this car. I say we make him wait a little longer!" --not Troy
Good afternoon
ECMs in engine bay, horrible idea… My cars ECM under center dash,awesome idea😃👍🏼
I just dropped in to see what my condition was in.
Ivan what Autel are you using in this video cheers
Didn't you or Eric O. have issues with Flagship one ECUs in the past??