I just put an '05 engine in my '04 automatic car to replace my damaged engine. The car drives ok except that it stutters at idle and seems to vibrate when put in gear
. Do I need to swap the 'brainbox' as well? That is, put the '05 box together with the '05 engine?

Also, there seem to be a few issues;
1. I keep getting the check engine light on and the diagnostics says 'P0302 Cylinder 1 misfire'. What can I do to sort this out?
2. When I accelerate hard in auto mode there seems to be a loud sound as the gears change up. What could be the cause of this?

Help!1

 

Misfires are usually Coil failure, plug failure, plug wire failure, and can mean Cat failure as well.

Although with a replaced engine, it is -possible- that something wasn't done right. And engine replacement doesn't mean that the other items above were replaced, so you might want to check them. If it's been over 30,000 miles since the coils, wires, or plugs were replaced, it's almost certainly your problem. If the cat is bad, pull it off and see if it is clogged or chunked up, or if it glows red while driving.

You shouldn't need to replace the ECU.

Ghana though...geez, first I have heard of an 8 over there. Must stand out like an exotic

 

I have an 06 engine in my 04...they are direct swap...the problem is not "engine swap" related....like above...missfires are usually ignition related...did you reset the ESPS ( 20 brake stomps) when you changed the engine..it won't run properly until you do

 

Thanks for your reply. I will check the plugs, wires and coils. I changed the cat and put the '05 on it as the '04 engine had water in the combustion chamber and was parked for 8 months after that.
My 8 actually is an exotic in these parts. I have seen only two others here in Ghana. BTW, if there is anyone close to Ghana who needs parts from the '05 body and interior I have, just give me a shout. The only thing missing from that one is the engine I took out. Also, the front leftside fender and doors are dented. Everything else is in excellent shape. I can post pics.

 

@ dannobre - yes, I did the reset. Reset the error codes, disconnected the battery, did the brake stomp 30x, turned the wheels from lock to lock with ignition on Acc, reconnected the battery. The light stayed off for 15 minutes of driving after that. Light is on now and flashed occasionally whilst I drive