Technical ECU problem

[magscatlady73]

Hi, I'm new to the forum so hope there is someone out there who can help.
We have a 2008 Fiat Ducato Campervan which has now been in our local Fiat garage in France for three months. Apparently the ECU has failed.
The unit is Magneti Marelli, part number 503440280100. This ECU is no longer manufactured. It also seems impossible to find a ECU tester/repairer who can repair this.
I've written to Fiat France with the problem, no reply. I've written to Magneti Marelli in UK, no reply. At a loss to know what to do next.
.

 

[Communicator]

Hi, I'm new to the forum so hope there is someone out there who can help.
We have a 2008 Fiat Ducato Campervan which has now been in our local Fiat garage in France for three months. Apparently the ECU has failed.
The unit is Magneti Marelli, part number 503440280100. This ECU is no longer manufactured. It also seems impossible to find a ECU tester/repairer who can repair this.
I've written to Fiat France with the problem, no reply. I've written to Magneti Marelli in UK, no reply. At a loss to know what to do next.
.

Are you sure that you have the correct description and or part number? I copied the number into Ebay, and it offers a fusebox for that number?
The ECU is typically located on the LH inner wing. It may be necessary to remove the headlight assembly for access.

Also you may help yourself by supplying engine details. Ford Puma (2.2L) Sofim 2.3L and 3.0L engines with several power outputs were possible options.

 

[theoneandonly]

the usual responce is to try coastal motor homes.

ECU & Modules - Electrical - Electrical & Lighting

coastalmotorhomes.co.uk

More details on the engine would be helpful for a search as many outlets do not use part numbers to start with, especially if you have to go down the 2nd hand route and breakers.
ps there are others with intimate knowledge of the older stuff.
slower than i thought

 

[bugsymike]

Maybe the details from the chassis plate plus engine Series no. etc. on bonnet slam panel and possibly a photo of the part the garage says you need.
If it is the ECU there are several UK companies who could test/repair I would have thought.
Also maybe you can give us details of the fault you are experiencing and maybe any error codes the Fiat Garage have noticed that indicate a faulty ECU may help.

 

[magscatlady73]

Are you sure that you have the correct description and or part number? I copied the number into Ebay, and it offers a fusebox for that number?
The ECU is typically located on the LH inner wing. It may be necessary to remove the headlight assembly for access.

Also you may help yourself by supplying engine details. Ford Puma (2.2L) Sofim 2.3L and 3.0L engines with several power outputs were possible options.

The part number is in fact correct. As the Fiat garage here in France were not getting anywhere, they had at this point had our camping car 2 months and done absolutely nothing.I did in fact contact ECUtesting, Heanor, UK, they said to send them the unit for testing. Back to the garage who handed over the ECU. After 2 hours completing export forms (thanks to Brexit) we packed it up and sent to them. They confirmed the make and part number Magneti Marelli 503440280100 but said they didn't have the kit to test it and returned it to us. I've tried another tester in France who after seeing photos and checking the part number said they are unable to test/repair. No other explanation. I did track down a secondhand unit but it's in Latvia and not sure if it's ok to send money there. So we now have the unit on our sideboard in the house and our camping car is in the Fiat garage in Avranches.
The problem started when we were in Portugal earlier this year. Lots of intermittent faults. Indicators not working or when working couldn't switch off, fuel guage not working, when removing key engine still running, various dashboard lights coming on, couldn't lock doors electronically. M

 

[magscatlady73]

the usual responce is to try coastal motor homes.

ECU & Modules - Electrical - Electrical & Lighting

coastalmotorhomes.co.uk

More details on the engine would be helpful for a search as many outlets do not use part numbers to start with, especially if you have to go down the 2nd hand route and breakers.
ps there are others with intimate knowledge of the older stuff.
slower than i thought

I've sent all the info to a couple of breakers with all the details but as yet no replies locally. Only one I found was in Latvia and I would like some more assurances before sending money. Their reviews were particularly encouraging.

 

[Communicator]

The part number is in fact correct. As the Fiat garage here in France were not getting anywhere, they had at this point had our camping car 2 months and done absolutely nothing.I did in fact contact ECUtesting, Heanor, UK, they said to send them the unit for testing. Back to the garage who handed over the ECU. After 2 hours completing export forms (thanks to Brexit) we packed it up and sent to them. They confirmed the make and part number Magneti Marelli 503440280100 but said they didn't have the kit to test it and returned it to us. I've tried another tester in France who after seeing photos and checking the part number said they are unable to test/repair. No other explanation. I did track down a secondhand unit but it's in Latvia and not sure if it's ok to send money there. So we now have the unit on our sideboard in the house and our camping car is in the Fiat garage in Avranches.
The problem started when we were in Portugal earlier this year. Lots of intermittent faults. Indicators not working or when working couldn't switch off, fuel guage not working, when removing key engine still running, various dashboard lights coming on, couldn't lock doors electronically. M

A communication problem. I usually take ECU as an abbreviation of Engine Control Module, however if Electronic Control Module is meant, there are several in post 2006 Ducatos.
The number quoted refers to the cab fusebox on the x250 model. The Body Control Module (BCM) is mounted on the rear (vehicle front) of this fusbox. Among other functions the BCM controls headlights, and indicators. I am thinking that it is the BCM that may be your problem. Please be aware that any replacement for this computer module has to programmed (cloned) to your vehicle. Among other items, it holds the codes matching the chipped keys.
Given that you mention multiple problems, I am wondering whether the problem could be due to bad earthing, but faults in the fusebox itself would make for an easier explanation of the engine failing to stop.
An often mentioned cause of multiple problems in post 2006 models is the infamous engine block earth strap, which corrodes internally. A quick test is to connect a jump start cable between an engine lifting lug, and a clean chassis earth point. Your vehicle would have to be complete for this test.

If you want to learn more about the BCM, download the x250 Training Manual from the downloads section. Seek out the electrical section, find the BCM and just see what connects into it via the various connectors' tabulated listings. No need to read diagrams, main beam is main beam headlights etc.

If you are worried about buying a used BCM via Ebay, your money should be safegarded, also use Paypal as an extra layer.
Do take note of the need to clone any replacement BCM.

 

[magscatlady73]

A communication problem. I usually take ECU as an abbreviation of Engine Control Module, however if Electronic Control Module is meant, there are several in post 2006 Ducatos.
The number quoted refers to the cab fusebox on the x250 model. The Body Control Module (BCM) is mounted on the rear (vehicle front) of this fusbox. Among other functions the BCM controls headlights, and indicators. I am thinking that it is the BCM that may be your problem. Please be aware that any replacement for this computer module has to programmed (cloned) to your vehicle. Among other items, it holds the codes matching the chipped keys.
Given that you mention multiple problems, I am wondering whether the problem could be due to bad earthing, but faults in the fusebox itself would make for an easier explanation of the engine failing to stop.
An often mentioned cause of multiple problems in post 2006 models is the infamous engine block earth strap, which corrodes internally. A quick test is to connect a jump start cable between an engine lifting lug, and a clean chassis earth point. Your vehicle would have to be complete for this test.

If you want to learn more about the BCM, download the x250 Training Manual from the downloads section. Seek out the electrical section, find the BCM and just see what connects into it via the various connectors' tabulated listings. No need to read diagrams, main beam is main beam headlights etc.

If you are worried about buying a used BCM via Ebay, your money should be safegarded, also use Paypal as an extra layer.
Do take note of the need to clone any replacement BCM.

Thanks for that. We hope to be able to reunite the ECU (currently at our house) with the camping car, still in the Fiat garage, and attempt to get it back here. Nothing to lose now after they have had it for 3 months! We know of a couple a good English mechanics/auto electricians who we are in the process of contacting so your comments will be really useful. Thanks.

 

[Communicator]

Thanks for that. We hope to be able to reunite the ECU (currently at our house) with the camping car, still in the Fiat garage, and attempt to get it back here. Nothing to lose now after they have had it for 3 months! We know of a couple a good English mechanics/auto electricians who we are in the process of contacting so your comments will be really useful. Thanks.

BCM???

 

[magscatlady73]

BCM???

Yes could be the BCM. We just now need to try and get the camping car back somehow and get the mechanic/auto electrician we know to come here and have a look at it. So thanks for your comments and I'll show them to him.
M

 

[Desmohead78]

Hi,
the ECU failed on my Fiat Ducato 2.3 130bhp 2008 year
it took me over a year to pin point the fault.

symptoms were,
engine cuts out while driving
no engine start
immobiliser lock out
half the dash lights missing at first cold ignition on

i traced it to the ecu faulty, i removed the ecu & removed the ecu cover with a heat gun.
spray the main cpu with freezer spray - no engine start & dash lights missing.
warm the main cpu with a hair dryer - dash lights back on & engine start normally.

i sent the ecu to cartech in cornwall who sent me a return clone ecu, been perfect since,
my ecu number was 518242237
the fiat part no. was 0281014210

good luck

 

[magscatlady73]

Hi,
the ECU failed on my Fiat Ducato 2.3 130bhp 2008 year
it took me over a year to pin point the fault.

symptoms were,
engine cuts out while driving
no engine start
immobiliser lock out
half the dash lights missing at first cold ignition on

i traced it to the ecu faulty, i removed the ecu & removed the ecu cover with a heat gun.
spray the main cpu with freezer spray - no engine start & dash lights missing.
warm the main cpu with a hair dryer - dash lights back on & engine start normally.

i sent the ecu to cartech in cornwall who sent me a return clone ecu, been perfect since,
my ecu number was 518242237
the fiat part no. was 0281014210

good luck

Thanks for your post. Yes I can imagine it is going to take us a year to get our camping car sorted. The camping car and, ECU bought from eBay, are now with motor mechanic in France near our home. He knows of a guy who specialises in ECUs and who can clone this from our existing ECU so fingers crossed.