ECM complete removal

[Warriorwsmith]

I know this is probably a dumb question and most likely is impossible however, I’ll be the one to ask it;
Is it possible to completely remove the ECM from my 2006 jeep wrangler unlimited ? It has been the root of every problem I’ve dumped $$$$ into and I would like to have just a nuts and bolts vehicle and get rid of all computers and sensors completely.

 

[mrblaine]

I know this is probably a dumb question

You're correct.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

It would be a ton of work and you'd be losing a lot of things we take for granted on a modern vehicle.

Your fuel gauge would bounce around as long as you were moving and the fuel was sloshing.

Engine performance would suffer due to the diminished tunability with mechanical ignition and carburetors.

Starting it up in the winter would suck.

Awful fuel economy.

Completely aftermarket gauge cluster.

Outwardly it would look like a TJ but with the experience of owning a CJ.

 

[OldBuzzard]

ECM controls fuel injection, spark timing, instrument panel, auto tranny if you have one, and more. Hence Blaine's comment.

What ECM do you have, an OEM one? Have you replaced it? With a good one from WranglerFix?

 

[Warriorwsmith]

You're correct.

Well, I’m not a mechanic dick.
Please tell me exactly why someone couldn’t take all the computer controlled components out and replace them or do without them all together. As stated , I’m not a mechanic and I’m becoming less and less of a jeep enthusiast everyday.

 

[Mac57]

I know this is probably a dumb question and most likely is impossible however, I’ll be the one to ask it;
Is it possible to completely remove the ECM from my 2006 jeep wrangler unlimited ? It has been the root of every problem I’ve dumped $$$$ into and I would like to have just a nuts and bolts vehicle and get rid of all computers and sensors completely.

Anything is possible with a lot of money, research and new parts. BUT, you'll likely find yourself non compliant with numerous government regulations and many of the issues Freedom in 4low has mentioned. Buying an older CJ is an easier option to eliminate computers and sensors. Also, involving Wranglerfix for ECM issues is highly recommended by this forum members.

 

[Warriorwsmith]

ECM controls fuel injection, spark timing, instrument panel, auto tranny if you have one, and more. Hence Blaine's comment.

What ECM do you have, an OEM one? Have you replaced it? With a good one from WranglerFix?

I assume it is the OEM computer as I’ve only had this jeep for a couple of months. I’ve replaced control arms, shocks, tranny mounts and fluids, engine mounts (2x), exhaust, wheels and tires, all steering and suspension components (ball joints, end links ect), but the last thing I would have thought to be the cause of the issues I was having would’ve been the computer. My other jeep doesn’t have a computer like this. It is strictly nuts and bolts and my intent for the original question is, can I make this jeep the same way by removing the ecm? Or would this 06’ be useless without a computer?

 

[Warriorwsmith]

Anything is possible with a lot of money, research and new parts. BUT, you'll likely find yourself non compliant with numerous government regulations and many of the issues Freedom in 4low has mentioned. Buying an older CJ is an easier option to eliminate computers and sensors. Also, involving Wranglerfix for ECM issues is highly recommended by this forum members.

I’ve got an older CJ and an early YJ . I really only got this one because it was clean and they have more room for my dogs and to use primarily as an interstate vehicle.
I’m far less concerned about the regulations than I am about having a computer control the vehicle. If I want to spin a tire I don’t want the computer preventing me from doing so ect.
I appreciate the response and the link! I’ll check it out now.

 

[Warriorwsmith]

It would be a ton of work and you'd be losing a lot of things we take for granted on a modern vehicle.

Your fuel gauge would bounce around as long as you were moving and the fuel was sloshing.

Engine performance would suffer due to the diminished tunability with mechanical ignition and carburetors.

Starting it up in the winter would suck.

Awful fuel economy.

Completely aftermarket gauge cluster.

Outwardly it would look like a TJ but with the experience of owning a CJ.

So basically I would have another 91 YJ or 79 CJ like the ones I have parked on each side of this Tj now? Lol
I guess I’m wondering if I just completely took out the computer, what else I would have to do to it before I could drive it

 

[Warriorwsmith]

You're correct.

And you’re a dick. Thanks for the response

 

[JPHikr]

Yes you can.

This is exactly my plan, as the parts fail or become NLA.

Get a 258 distributor. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,1980,cj7,4.2l+258cid+l6,1181214,ignition,distributor,7108

Replace the 42rle with a 700r4 https://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/adapters/engine-to-transmission/amc/kit-437amc/
https://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/adapters/transmission-to-transfer-case/th700r4-to/
Modify the FI intake manifold to except a Holley 3 bbl https://www.12bolt.com/store/c49/Holley_3BBL_carb_and_kit.html

You will need to modify the fuel tank pick up for remote electric fuel pump

Get analog gauges and dash insert
https://www.extremeterrain.com/auto...&intl=0&dialogtech=ppc&T5_Var2=shopping&gad=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VXQNKV7/?tag=wranglerorg-20
https://www.eastwood.com/painless-classic-customizable-jeep-cj-harness-1976-1986-22-circuits.html
You will need to modify the fuel tank pick up for remote electric fuel pump

 

[JPHikr]

The best part will be the knowing that if it breaks down you can fix it with chewing gum bailing wire and a hammer.

 

[mrblaine]

I’ve got an older CJ and an early YJ . I really only got this one because it was clean and they have more room for my dogs and to use primarily as an interstate vehicle.
I’m far less concerned about the regulations than I am about having a computer control the vehicle. If I want to spin a tire I don’t want the computer preventing me from doing so ect.
I appreciate the response and the link! I’ll check it out now.

The PCM doesn't stop you from spinning the tires. There is no traction control on any TJ from the factory.

 

[mrblaine]

I assume it is the OEM computer as I’ve only had this jeep for a couple of months. I’ve replaced control arms, shocks, tranny mounts and fluids, engine mounts (2x), exhaust, wheels and tires, all steering and suspension components (ball joints, end links ect), but the last thing I would have thought to be the cause of the issues I was having would’ve been the computer. My other jeep doesn’t have a computer like this. It is strictly nuts and bolts and my intent for the original question is, can I make this jeep the same way by removing the ecm? Or would this 06’ be useless without a computer?

None of those things are PCM related and you've been correct twice so far, you are not a mechanic.

 

[Warriorwsmith]

Yes you can.

This is exactly my plan, as the parts fail or become NLA.

Get a 258 distributor. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,1980,cj7,4.2l+258cid+l6,1181214,ignition,distributor,7108

Replace the 42rle with a 700r4 https://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/adapters/engine-to-transmission/amc/kit-437amc/
[URL]https://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/adapters/transmission-to-transfer-case/th700r4-to/[/URL]

Modify the FI intake manifold to except a Holley 3 bbl https://www.12bolt.com/store/c49/Holley_3BBL_carb_and_kit.html

You will need to modify the fuel tank pick up for remote electric fuel pump

Get analog gauges and dash insert
https://www.extremeterrain.com/auto...&intl=0&dialogtech=ppc&T5_Var2=shopping&gad=1

[URL]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06VXQNKV7/?tag=wranglerorg-20[/URL]

[URL]https://www.eastwood.com/painl...le-jeep-cj-harness-1976-1986-22-circuits.html[/URL]

You will need to modify the fuel tank pick up for remote electric fuel pump

Boom! Now this is a reply worth reading! Thanks man!

 

[JPHikr]

Opps forgot the carb mod.
https://www.willyscarbs.com/willys-2-barrel-super-bowl-system/

 

[mrblaine]

The best part will be the knowing that to keep it running, you'll need a big supply of chewing gum and bailing wire.

FIFY

 

[mrblaine]

Boom! Now this is a reply worth reading! Thanks man!

You ever get the stall correct in that 700R4, you'll hate the guy for having you think it was a good idea and how many converters you had to get built.

 

[JPHikr]

UTG tells it like it is:

 

[mrblaine]

It would be a ton of work and you'd be losing a lot of things we take for granted on a modern vehicle.

Your fuel gauge would bounce around as long as you were moving and the fuel was sloshing.

Engine performance would suffer due to the diminished tunability with mechanical ignition and carburetors.

Starting it up in the winter would suck.

Awful fuel economy.

Completely aftermarket gauge cluster.

Outwardly it would look like a TJ but with the experience of owning a CJ.

I'd buy a CJ-6, move the seats back and go have fun before I butchered up a TJ like that.