So I took my car to a local mechanic to get a second opinion on the check engine light, and there is now a new development: It got a 1-1-2, meaning that the engine control unit is about to give up the ghost. I'm hunting for a new (to me) one that is in good condition and won't break the bank; the part number is 8601407.

Anyone know where I can find one? Thanks!

 

you can go used searching via Car-parts.com but before you buy a new ECU, you should check wiring and the connectors.and then read up on the knock control circuit and sensors which may be your issue (may vary based on which management system version you have.

 

Where on the car should I look for those, and how much longer do you think my car will last before whatever it is gives up the ghost?

 

all the knock sensor does is listens for pinging then the ECU retards the engine spark, so its not likely that you'd get a total engine fail unless you were driving the car hard listening to the pinging. Start with easy stuff - 1) clear the code, see if it comes back (usually after 50 miles codes will reappear) 2) pull out the ECU, use some electronics cleaner on the contacts and reinstall (clearing the code again). While the ECU is out, snap a pic of the part number/serial number etc. 3) read up on where the knock sensor connects and disconnect to see if that changes the 112 or consider replacing the knock sensor(s) - they go for about $20 each. I recall reading the codes for knock sensors are also tied to temp sensor readings. Anything odd going on with your temp gauge? If that all checks out, then its off to eBay for a new ECU. Should run 75-100 for a used one but make sure you know your part number.

 

Does it have to be the exact part number?

 

for the most part you want the same model as that will match the rest of your system. Check out eBay, there's quite a few used ECUs for 960s listed.

 

So I shouldn't just get one listed as "'95 Volvo 960 ECU?"

 

without access to a dealer system that shows any part number changes, the best thing would be to find the part number on your car then ask the seller for the part number on the one they've posted. There's enough of them for sale so you should be able to match up to the exact part number. Take a look at your ECU - you should see a sticker on the box that says something like "0261203450 BOSCH" - whatever that number is, that's what you want to buy