ECU/Key Reader, Hand in had or stand alone?

[Terry]

I have a Micra which got two of the windows broke last week. Got the windows replaced but I think the rain did damage. It’s a 99 1L GX

Symptoms

• Check engine light is flashing(I drove the car for about 10k before this happened)
• The car will turn over but won’t fire up unless it’s been left for a day or two, then I get about three seconds at best.
• The red light above the radio is slightly on, never like that before.
• I took the case off around the ignition the check for damage and found green like mould in the corner of the key reader stuck to the barrel. Only a small amount. So I took the cover off the key reader and it’s on the corner of the circuit board (think this is the prob).

I have read on this website that if you replace the key reader you need to replace the ECU, key, barrel and the key reader. Is this true? If not I will just get a new key reader from the scrap.

If it is true can I get an old ECU from an older model and just replace mine?

Can I get my ECU reprogrammed to ignore/bypass the reader and immobiliser?

Any other options?

I am a student with little money looking for the best and cheapest option any help would be great,

Thanks for reading.

Terry