2004 RX-8 power steering ECU $300 – purchased by me from PartsGroup.

Unfortunately the wiring was not my problem it actually was the power steering rack. The symptoms were a “stuttering” when turning to the left but not to the right. This was not accompanied by the CEL for steering. This went on for a week and when I had my tires rotated (not at dealer) they said I needed a new PS rack. So I took it to the dealer and they gave me the same verdict with a total price of $3,800 (rack, tire rods, ECU). That got me to look here for some answers. I took it back to the dealer and asked to check the wiring harness connections, which they did as described here but this did not help. Found used parts at PartsGroup.com but instead of starting with the rack suggested I start with replacing the wiring harness and ECU (labor cost much lower that for the rack). Took the parts to the dealer who would install the ECU but warned that if the rack was bad it could ruin the new ECU. Since the same doubts were expressed about the used rack I gave up (wanted my car back) and agreed to replace with a new rack ($2,200). Well it was the rack and they did not need to replace the ECU. Before this could be done the car started misfiring and lost power, towed to dealer for coil, wires and plugs ($680). So I’m looking to recoup some of my loss by selling the ECU.

I live in Birmingham, AL – contact via PM.

In retrospect I think I know what caused the problem. About 5,000 mile earlier when replacing tires the front left wheel was almost worn out and the alignment was grossly out. Don’t remember when but I must have hit a major pothole to cause this, which may have damaged the rack.