Nissan 96-97 D21 KA24DE – AMP-PNP-D21-W – Installation

Jump to: Installation | Software | I/O Configuration | Jumper Matrix | Rear Options Connector

ECU Model / Vehicle Specific Installation Guide

Vehicle Fitment:

  • 1996-1997 D21 Nissan Hardbody Pickup: 2.4L Single Cam [KA24E] (Manual Transmission)

Please read all documentation before installing your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU and verify that you’ve followed all steps before starting your engine for the first time.

Physical Installation

All you’ll need for a successful installation are some basic hand tools. No cutting or drilling of the original sheet metal or bracketry is required.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable

  2. Remove the Passenger Seat
    Unbolt the four 12mm seat mounting bolts (two in the front and two in the rear) to completely remove the passenger seat for full access.

  3. Remove the ECU Protective Cover
    Unfasten or pull off the black plastic/metal cover plate located directly over the unit (some covers use double-sided tape or minor clips/screws).

  4. Unbolt the ECU from floor & Disconnect the Main ECU Connector
    The ECU is held to the floor with 10mm bolts.  Then the ECU harness is held in the ECU by the large bolt in the center of the connector.  Using a 10mm Socket & Ratchet loosen the bolt in the center of the harness until the harness comes out of the ECU. The bolt will remain in the ECU connector and will not come out completely. 

  5. Route the Vacuum Line through the firewall
    The vacuum hose can be passed through a grommet in the firewall through which the air conditioning lines pass. From the engine bay side of the fire wall on the passenger side, work a couple inches of hose through the lower right corner of the grommet. Be sure the vacuum line is routed without kinks or pinching.

  6. Wiring the Rear Options Connector

    This is the time to wire in your wideband along with completing any optional wiring you plan to use through the Rear Options Connector. This is the best time to wire additional sensors, inputs, outputs, speed inputs, or ignition upgrades, since the connector is easier to access before the ECU is mounted in the vehicle.

    Internal Wideband ECU Models
    If you selected the Internal Wideband ECU model, connect the provided wideband sensor cable to the rear options connector as instructed in the pinout section. This allows the wideband sensor to plug directly into the ECU without using a separate external wideband controller.

    No Wideband ECU Models / External Wideband Setups
    If you selected the No Wideband ECU model, or if you are using an external wideband controller, wire the external wideband controller signal to the appropriate rear options connector input.  Click Here: Wiring a Wideband Controller

    Additional Inputs and Outputs
    We also recommend wiring any other planned sensors or accessories at this time, including additional analog inputs, digital inputs, speed inputs, or outputs. This helps avoid removing or accessing the ECU later as your setup expands. Once your wiring is complete, plug the rear options connector into the ECU until it clicks into place and neatly secure the wiring. Refer to the Rear Options Connector section for pinout details and available functions.

  7. Connect the supplied Tuning Cable
    Attach the provided tuning cable to the ECU and tighten the collar clockwise until snug with your fingers. Be sure the pins are aligned properly before tightening.

  8. Install the AMP Play-N-Play ECU
    Installation is the reverse of removal. Slide the ECU in the factory location and secure it using the mounting holes on the AMP PNP ECU.

  9. Connect the Vacuum Line to the ECU
    After the ECU is mounted, connect the vacuum line the was done on Steps 5/6 to the vacuum port on the ECU. The vacuum port nipple is located on the right-side of the ECU.

  10. Install the AMP Play-N-Play ECU & Reconnect the Main Harness
    Installation is the reverse of removal. Slide the ECU in the factory location and secure it using the mounting holes on the AMP PNP ECU.  Reconnect the main harness to the ECU using the 10mm socket.  Tighten until the connector is fully seated into the ECU.
  11. Reinstall the Passenger Seat
    Reinstall the passenger seat by the reverse of the removal.  Place the passenger seat back in the cab of the vehicle and reattached back to the floor with the four 12mm bolts that were previously removed.

  12. Mass Air Flow Meter Removal
    The preloaded base tune on your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU is configured for Speed Density, which is how most customers choose to tune these applications. Because of this, the factory mass air flow meter is no longer required and can be removed from the vehicle. If you are not removing the MAF Sensor you must UNPLUG the sensor.

Software

Tuning Software Installation & Setup

Before starting the vehicle, install TunerStudio on your laptop and connect to your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU using the supplied tuning cable. Open TunerStudio, create a new project for the ECU. Once connected, confirm that TunerStudio shows the ECU as Online and that communication is working properly before making any changes.

View Tuning Software Installation & Setup Instructions →

Initial Configuration

Your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU includes a base tune that is configured for a stock application. If your vehicle has any changes from stock, you should review and update the tune BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE.

Examples of settings that may need to be reviewed or updated include:

  • Engine Size
  • Injector Size
  • Wideband Controller

Confirm that all required settings match the components installed on your vehicle before proceeding with startup and timing verification.

View Initial Configuration Instructions →

Verifying Base Timing

Now with your new ECU installed, you must verify that the timing commanded by the ECU matches the timing the engine is actually receiving. Improper ignition advance can cause engine damage if it is not checked.

  1. Connect a timing light to Cylinder #1
    Use caution, as secondary ignition voltage can be extremely high. Make sure the timing light leads are routed safely away from moving parts and hot engine components.
  2. Connect your laptop to the ECU and start the vehicle
    Open the tuning software (TunerStudio) and your vehicle’s project. Start the vehicle and confirm that the ECU shows Online.
  3. Set the ECU to fixed timing
    In TunerStudio, go to Ignition Settings > Ignition Options / Wheel Decoder. Under Fixed Advance, select Fixed Timing. Set Timing for Fixed Advance (degrees) to 10.0 degrees, then click Burn.               
  4. Check timing with the timing light
    Use the timing light to confirm that the engine is seeing 10 degrees of timing. If you have a single mark on your crank pulley, align it with the “10” on the indicator dial.  If you have two marks, align the left most mark will align with “10” on the indicator dial and the right mark will align with “T”.  If you have more timing, decrease the “Tooth #1 Angle” (green box above). If you have less, increase this value.
  1. Set the ECU back to Use Table
    Once the timing is correct, change Fixed Advance back to Use Table, click Burn, and cycle ECU power by turning the vehicle off and back on.

Tuning

Congratulations, you have completed the physical installation, software setup, and initial configuration of your new AMP Plug-N-Play ECU. Your ECU is now ready, and you can begin tuning the vehicle.

Base Tune

Your AMP Plug-N-Play ECU is preloaded with a base tune for the specific ECU model and vehicle application it was built for. This provides a proper starting point for initial startup and tuning. If you ever need to restore the original base tune to the ECU, you can download it from our Firmware & Base Tunes page.

I/O Configuration

Below is a breakdown of the I/O usage for your AMP Plug-and-Play ECU. This identifies the default pin assignments for your specific vehicle, allowing you to see which inputs and outputs are already being used for factory functions and why those pins may not be available for use in the tune.

ECU Internal Jumper Matrix

Below is a diagram and overview of the available internal jumpers and their functions. To access the jumpers, remove the (4) screws from the top cover of the ECU.

JP2:  Cooling Fan Selection

This jumper routes cooling fan relay control in some models. See diagram.  

Default Setting: Jumpered Pin 2 & 3

JP3:  EECS Relay Bypass Jumper

This jumper is used for diagnostic test purposes with suspected ECCS (Main) Relay failure.  When the jumper is applied and Ignition Switch is turned ON, the ECU routes 12V+ around a failed ECCS Relay, allowing the engine to run.  

Note: that this is intended for diagnostics use only and the EECS relay must be replaced if failed before tuning or racing occurs.  

Default Setting: Not Jumpered

JP4:  Fuel Pump Relay Assignment

Configures either ECU Pin 6 or 8 for fuel pump relay signal.

Default Setting: Jumpered Pins 2 & 3

JP5:  IAC Close

Signals ECU Pin 42 via PWM5 for IAC Close, used on some Sentra applications

Default Setting: Not Jumpered

JP6:  IAT Assignment

Configures either ECU Pin 28 (1-2) or ECU Pin 63 (2-3) for IAT input on some S14 and D21 models, respectively.

Default Setting: Jumpered Pins 2 & 3

JP7:  Cam Sensor Select

Routes ECU Pin 41 to either CMP+ (1-2) or DFIN1 (2-3) for cam sensor.  Not used with AMP 24-2 trigger wheel.  May be used with some stock trigger wheels, but is otherwise intended to simply provide flexible use case options.  

Default Setting: Jumpered Pins 1 & 2

LED1: Status Light

Lights up when the ignition switch is on and the EECS relay is active and supplying +12V.  Will not illuminate if EECS relay has a failure.  Will also illuminate if jumper JP3 is applied regardless of EECS relay condition.  

Rear Options Connector

Your ECU includes a bag containing (2) connector housings and (2) banded sets of pre-terminated wires. One set of wires is intended for the larger openings in the connector, and the other set is intended for the smaller openings. Reference the pinout below for available rear options connector functions and wiring locations.

Important: The pinout diagram below is shown from the back of the connector.

Printable Copy of Rear Options Connector