Northern Auto Tech - ECU and Blue & Me Repairs

Technical Virginising and programming an engine ECU?

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Technical Virginising and programming an engine ECU?

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typecastboy

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There is a possibility that my TPS sensor fault is in fact an ECU problem. I've seen several ECUs on eBay, some say they need reprogramming for your car, some say they are self learning.

If I buy a second hand one, can MultiECUScan do this? Would I need the auto electrician at the garage where my car is to do it?

I certainly don't want to be having to buy a new one from Fiat.

I realise now that they are not swappable, but need to be reprogrammed. Anyone have experience of this?
 
Probably, but it's in the garage so I'm relying on their superior equipment and knowledge but they are struggling however it's eliminated the pedal, throttle body (both of which I already changed) and the neutral sensor. Hopefully they can get to grips with it and sort it out tomorrow without me having to get a new/used ECU. I ain't buying a new one from Fiat.
 
ECUs can be changed as they do with the SS abarth model. Probably needs a PROXI alignment and relearn due to the different engine. The ecu writes stored on the body computer may increment though so I'd be careful if the car has warranty as they may think it's been remapped.
 
I emailed the guys at Club500Italia on eBay and they said that they are interchangeable if they are the same serial number. Didn't hear from the garage today which isn't a good sign. They've had it 3 days now. On a positive note, I have another 1.2 lounge being delivered tomorrow!
 
Another update on this. I bought a replacement ECU from Club500Italia on eBay. They told me that if I get one that has the same part number it would be plug and play, and someone on here suggested the same. It is not the case.

I took the ECU to the garage yesterday, they fitted it and said the car will not even start now. I did think it was too good to be true. They've had the car for 2 weeks now. They are trying other diagnostics today. Hopefully some sort of relearn will work. If not they are getting a dedicated auto electrician in next week.

I can see this costing me an arm and a leg. What a 'mare!!
 
The engine ECU and body ECU talk to each other, and both have to recognise each other and teh immobiliser chip in the key before the engine will start. Changing one ECU will break the chain. Any auto-electrician will need Fiat specific software to make the two talk to each other. Obviously the Fiat Examiner that dealers have will do the job. I don't know if MES will do it. As this is a serious anti-theft issue, MES might not be programmed to do this.
It is likely that the mileage will take the higher of the two possibles, either the original, or whatever is in the replacement ECU.

Edit:
Just checked MES in Simulation mode and it looks like it might be able to align a replacement ECU. However, there are important notes and a risk of failure. Important to ensure the log files are recording properly to enable sending to MES if a problem is encountered. It states you'll need the vehicle 5-digit security code to align a replacement ECU.
 
Last edited:
portland_bill said:
The engine ECU and body ECU talk to each other, and both have to recognise each other and teh immobiliser chip in the key before the engine will start. Changing one ECU will break the chain. Any auto-electrician will need Fiat specific software to make the two talk to each other. Obviously the Fiat Examiner that dealers have will do the job. I don't know if MES will do it. As this is a serious anti-theft issue, MES might not be programmed to do this.
It is likely that the mileage will take the higher of the two possibles, either the original, or whatever is in the replacement ECU.

Edit:
Just checked MES in Simulation mode and it looks like it might be able to align a replacement ECU. However, there are important notes and a risk of failure. Important to ensure the log files are recording properly to enable sending to MES if a problem is encountered. It states you'll need the vehicle 5-digit security code to align a replacement ECU.
Click to expand...


Thanks for that. They should be getting their auto electrician to do it Monday hopefully. Where do you get this 5 digit security code from?
 
typecastboy said:
Where do you get this 5 digit security code from?
Click to expand...

Any Fiat dealer should be able to order this code for you (for a fee of around £20 or so) - IIRC it's the same code you'd need if reprogramming a new key.

You might need to be able to produce proof of ownership of the car.
 
Last edited:
jrkitching said:
Any Fiat dealer should be able to order this code for you (for a fee of around £20 or so) - IIRC it's the same code you'd need if reprogramming a new key.

You might need to be able to produce proof of ownership of the car.
Click to expand...


Oh really? Great, more expense! [emoji20]. Thanks for the help. I'll wait to see what the auto electrician says.
 
typecastboy said:
Thanks for that. They should be getting their auto electrician to do it Monday hopefully.Where do you get this 5 digit security code from?
Click to expand...

There should have been a card like a credit card with the number on it when you bought the car. It may still be in the document wallet.
While I use Multiecuscan, I think AlfaOBD has more security related capability.

Robert G8RPI.
 
Last edited:
g8rpi said:
There should have been a card like a credit card with the number on it when you bought the car. It may still be in the document wallet.
While I use Multiecuscan, I think AlfaOBD has more security related capability.

Robert G8RPI.
Click to expand...


I think I did get the documents with this car. Usually they come without but I'm sure I've got them. Hopefully it's in there. Thanks
 
g8rpi said:
There should have been a card like a credit card with the number on it when you bought the car.
Click to expand...

In the UK, that card is not generally handed over with the car for security reasons (I believe as a result of lobbying by the insurance industry). Apparently owners aren't trusted not to leave it in the car, which kinda defeats the object if the car is stolen.

I'd be surprised if you find it in the document wallet.
 
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Damn it, I don't have it. As the cars I buy are normally Cat D's, they only ever come with one key, and more often than not, no documents so I have to buy second hand books and then track down the service record, this is one of those so no card.

If the auto electrician can't get around that, I guess a visit to Fiat will have to be done
 
Another update after several more days. Garage to,d me today that they have tried their diagnostic kit and they cannot get the replacement ECU to work. Have talked to their auto electrician awhile has also talked to fiat technicians and they have said that the ECU needs to be reset and wiped as if it's new. It will then recode itself from the engine ECU. They are sending it away and it will cost another £150 ish on top of a bill I still have no idea what will be. So hopefully I'll hear something next week.
 
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