a very ill ECU unit
Discussion
I think am experiencing a sick ECU.
Just need some advise.
Basically the car is behaving very oddly.
One day it will start and run all day without a hitch,
other days it won't start (pump will prime, but not stop primimg)
When it finally starts, it runs perfect for 10-30 mins then all of a sudden
(no matter what speed am doing), it will hestitate then die.
Will refuse to start again.
After changing most things (coil, ht-leads,dizzy, relay fuses etc) the problem remains.
However I have notice something.
When it is running fine, if I tap the ECU (when the car is on), it suddenly starts running rough,
then dies.
Anyone had this problem before.
And will an ECU error code reader help with this or is it "New ECU time".
Peace
>> Edited by pena on Saturday 25th February 15:48
Just need some advise.
Basically the car is behaving very oddly.
One day it will start and run all day without a hitch,
other days it won't start (pump will prime, but not stop primimg)
When it finally starts, it runs perfect for 10-30 mins then all of a sudden
(no matter what speed am doing), it will hestitate then die.
Will refuse to start again.
After changing most things (coil, ht-leads,dizzy, relay fuses etc) the problem remains.
However I have notice something.
When it is running fine, if I tap the ECU (when the car is on), it suddenly starts running rough,
then dies.
Anyone had this problem before.
And will an ECU error code reader help with this or is it "New ECU time".
Peace
>> Edited by pena on Saturday 25th February 15:48
Mine has done the "fuel pump running continuously and engine won't start" thing a couple of times but so far it has always cleared after I switched the ignition off and on again. I think it points to a hardware failure within the ECU. If the engine goes from good to bad just by tapping the ECU that also suggests a hardware fault, maybe a poor connection or a dry joint.
Just to offer some lateral thinking; could it be a vacuum in the fuel tank? Read somewhere on here, similar probs from people due to vacuum. Cured either by removing a small section of the rubber seal from the fuel cap, or not fitting the cap too tight. I often hear my fuel filler cap 'wheeze' when restarting after a run, as air is drawn in to the tank. Easy enought to try, costs nothing.
www.pistonheads.com/sales/64328.htm
Error code 29 = checksum error or poorly ECU.
May be helpful to check for errors incase it is a component problem (airflow meter, lambda sensor etc) before having the ECU looked at - may save yourself a few bob.
Error code 29 = checksum error or poorly ECU.
May be helpful to check for errors incase it is a component problem (airflow meter, lambda sensor etc) before having the ECU looked at - may save yourself a few bob.
I've got exactly the same problems with mine. Runs ok for 5 mins then the fuel pump stops and intermittently primes. I can here the relay for the pump chattering away in the footwell. Pulled out my ECU and its all corroded to hell. See the pic on this post:
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=247205&f=8&h=0
I've got a new one on the way for just over £100. If it turns out you need one let me know and i'll put you onto the bloke. Think he said he had a few from wrote off Chimeras.
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=247205&f=8&h=0
I've got a new one on the way for just over £100. If it turns out you need one let me know and i'll put you onto the bloke. Think he said he had a few from wrote off Chimeras.
I have no idea how that amount of acid got out of my battery and over my ecu! I dont think it came from the current battery. I'm pretty sure it must have happened when the previous owner had it. Dont think he really appreciated the old girl, daft bugger part-ex'd her for an Audi TT...Being a mackem called peter read (reid) should be more of a concern!
only joking...are you a member of the TVRCC or intending to join? Why not come along to the next local meeting at the premier lodge / whitcheif hotel next to newcastle airport @ 12 noon? its always on the second sunday of each month so the next ones march 12th.
good luck with the ECU!
only joking...are you a member of the TVRCC or intending to join? Why not come along to the next local meeting at the premier lodge / whitcheif hotel next to newcastle airport @ 12 noon? its always on the second sunday of each month so the next ones march 12th.
good luck with the ECU!
Damn that ECU looks well dead.
My problem still exists.
I have however found a cure (not a good one though) for the problem.
If I start the car from cold, it fires up straight away, then it runs (on idle) perfectly for 5-10 mins.
As soon as it start warming up, she splutters and dies.
I then either tap the ECU or give it a good slap (haha), and re-start the car, it will then run fine all day.
Even when I stop and leave her for a few hours.
Also if I tap the ECu when the car is cold, it will die, but when it's warm, nothing happens when I tap it.
This is what is really bugging me now.
Is it the ECU or a bigger problem.
Most of the components on the car (ignition side of things) are new.
I even had a brand new air flow meter installed.
I have almost given up.
Drove her all day Saturday, and she ran perfect, so why this problem every morning when I start her up.
I have opened up the ECu and had a nose around, no corrosion what so ever.
maybe it a loose pin, solenoid etc....
The weather starting to get nice now, and I just want the car back on the road, running proper!!!!
>> Edited by pena on Thursday 2nd March 15:07
My problem still exists.
I have however found a cure (not a good one though) for the problem.
If I start the car from cold, it fires up straight away, then it runs (on idle) perfectly for 5-10 mins.
As soon as it start warming up, she splutters and dies.
I then either tap the ECU or give it a good slap (haha), and re-start the car, it will then run fine all day.
Even when I stop and leave her for a few hours.
Also if I tap the ECu when the car is cold, it will die, but when it's warm, nothing happens when I tap it.
This is what is really bugging me now.
Is it the ECU or a bigger problem.
Most of the components on the car (ignition side of things) are new.
I even had a brand new air flow meter installed.
I have almost given up.
Drove her all day Saturday, and she ran perfect, so why this problem every morning when I start her up.
I have opened up the ECu and had a nose around, no corrosion what so ever.
maybe it a loose pin, solenoid etc....
The weather starting to get nice now, and I just want the car back on the road, running proper!!!!
>> Edited by pena on Thursday 2nd March 15:07
If it helps, I too suffered exactely similar problems - circumstances were different.
Stalling at very inoportune times, otherwise running with no problems.
Turned out to be board failure, track & dry joints - Your comment of tapping the ECU kinda-confirms the potential problem, as mine too would "respond" with a knock!!
Solution would be to exchange/test the ECU for a known good one and or replace with a refurbished. That should eliminate the harder-to-swop ignition/FI items.
Don't think it will go away with a simple fix tho'.
Sorry to be pesimistic !!
Trev McM
Stalling at very inoportune times, otherwise running with no problems.
Turned out to be board failure, track & dry joints - Your comment of tapping the ECU kinda-confirms the potential problem, as mine too would "respond" with a knock!!
Solution would be to exchange/test the ECU for a known good one and or replace with a refurbished. That should eliminate the harder-to-swop ignition/FI items.
Don't think it will go away with a simple fix tho'.
Sorry to be pesimistic !!
Trev McM
pena said:
Damn that ECU looks well dead.
If I start the car from cold, it fires up straight away, then it runs (on idle) perfectly for 5-10 mins.
As soon as it start warming up, she splutters and dies.
I then either tap the ECU or give it a good slap (haha), and re-start the car, it will then run fine all day.
pena that's exactly what mine was doing. Replaced the ecu last night and so far so good. Took it right up to 90oC and it didnt die. Going for a bit of a run tonight for a full test.
Did you get my email? I'm on a course this week so i dont have any access to my work emails. I'll sort you out with that blokes email address when i go in tomorrow.
Yeah, I got your email.
Been so busy last week, hadno tie to send the email.
Am thinking of trying to get a re-con unit (if thery exist), or get mine fixed).
The one currently on the car, I got only 2 years ago, when the previous one flooded,with an openopen over-night.
I hate electrical problems.
Thanksfor all your advise, I keep you updated!!!!
Been so busy last week, hadno tie to send the email.
Am thinking of trying to get a re-con unit (if thery exist), or get mine fixed).
The one currently on the car, I got only 2 years ago, when the previous one flooded,with an openopen over-night.
I hate electrical problems.
Thanksfor all your advise, I keep you updated!!!!
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