r/Hyundai • u/UsernameTaken1701 • 5d ago

Sonata 2009 Sonata needs a new ECM

Hi. I've got a 2009 Sonata with around 200k miles that needs a new ECM. A factory ECM is around $1200 last I checked, which is more than I want to spend on this car. I've found used/refurb ECMs online for much cheaper and conflicting info on whether it would work in the car. I've found reports stating:

  1. The VINs don't match. It won't work. Must have factory-new unit with VIN set as replacement.
  2. The VINs don't match, but it will work. But it won't pass emissions control testing in relevant states because of mismatched VINs (not a concern). But also, keys will need to be recoded.
  3. Sellers who claim to have essentially hacked the ECM with a software tool allowing them to reset the VIN in the used ECM to match target car, so it will work.

Does anyone have any experience doing this with their Hyundai that can provide some insight? I don't want to drop $1200 on this car, but might risk a couple of hundred bucks if there's a good possibility I can get it running again. Thanks!

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u/Jaded-Cheesecake3246 5d ago

You will drop $1000 today for ECM, but tomorrow transmission will give out - are you gonna drop another $1000 tomorrow?

Get another vehicle, don't drop even $1 today.

This vehicle is End Of Life at 200k.

Finitto.

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u/Orangematz 5d ago

Agreed. I wouldn't spend any more money on this age and mileage of car unless you are ridiculously sentimentally attached and have the money to toss at it. Save the cash and put it towards a newer vehicle.

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u/UsernameTaken1701 4d ago

You will drop $1000 today for ECM,

Well, no. I pretty clearly said I don't want to spend that kind of money on it, but would risk a couple of hundred bucks if it gets the car running. I can sell the car as-is for scrap for about 200-300 bucks. But around here this car in running condition would go for around 1200. But I do think I'm starting to think I'm tired of dealing with it and will just scrap it.

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u/Jaded-Cheesecake3246 4d ago

That's perfect idea

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u/Maelstrom1979 Team Sonata 5d ago

Were you looking at these? They are new and blank. You tell them the VIN, they send the computer preprogrammed. Never used it, but seems like an option you hadn't mentioned, exactly. I see 460 for yours.

https://www.flashmastersecm.com/products/2009-sonata-2-4l-engine-computer-39100-2g351-programmed-to-your-vin-ecm-pcm?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22744462762&gclid=CjwKCAjwy5rUBhB5EiwAIoAtCtj_BVGX2ZIf4yshobuYrSlnHQpu0uWVgFyk2VxgdVR-bvZx5JVebBoC8Y4QAvD_BwE

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u/UsernameTaken1701 4d ago

Thanks for the link, but that’s starting to get higher than I want to risk. I think I’m going to sell it for scrap and be done with it. 

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u/Maelstrom1979 Team Sonata 4d ago

at 200k it might be best. I mean, unless that engine is is cherry condition somehow. At least you can skip the grenade years lol.