ECU
Author
Discussion

Trevor450

Original Poster:

1,936 posts

178 months

Sunday 21st April 2013
quotequote all
Just a quick question, does the Lucas ECU learn parameters such as the ECU in more modern vehicles?

The reason being is that I have had my Chimaera for just over a year with no real issues. I had a misfire a couple of weeks ago which turned out to be a cracked plug extender. The plugs were done in January when it was serviced and I decided to change all the extenders, HT leads, coil, distributor cap and rotor arm while I was at it as the ignition components looked fairly original to my 12 year old 60k mile car.

The idle was also hanging a bit high so I cleaned the stepper which sorted it out. What I did notice was that a slight shunting appeared when the throttle is only open a small amount (at low speed and while cruising at a constant speed) and while not the end of the world and can be driven around, is a minor irritation. What is strange is that the last couple of times I have used the car over this weekend, it has got a lot better.

I have done some digging and ordered the ACT smooth bore induction pipes but should I have reset the ECU in some way after changing all the old ignition components?

Car is a 2000 450.

finestjammy

741 posts

203 months

Sunday 21st April 2013
quotequote all
Someone with more expertise will be along shorty...but I do believe it 'learns' certain parameters. It does this only when at idle. The advice I was given when you've swapped a few things over is to reset the ecu (disconnect the main cord) and let it idle for a good twenty minutes to 're-learn'. Note that the ecu doesn't adjust the timing in any way.

Happy to be flamed if I've got this wrong smile

blitzracing

6,422 posts

250 months

Sunday 21st April 2013
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You need 2.5 mins at a steady idle on a hot engine (90'c plus) for the ECU to "learn" the long term fuel trim. Otherwise it will do it bit by bit when you drive and idle over time.

Trevor450

Original Poster:

1,936 posts

178 months

Sunday 21st April 2013
quotequote all
Thanks guys.