If the ECU doesn't see that handshake, however, I literally mean the car won't start. You can crank all you want.
Well, I haven't tested it. It should be possible in theory. I'm still on the fence about if I fried my ECU in my 01 or not.
The car will still run with a damaged ECU, one of the other computers will normally take over and put the car into a mode where it runs, but poorly. If you noticed a sudden drop in mileage, constantly fouled plugs, or other problems, you may have done so.
A good OBD2 scanner should tell you what's going on.
Indeed. Problem is I already started rewiring it, and I am by no means a mechanic or electrician.