Technical Can you avoid the dealer to reflash a used computer?

[misanthrope]

Hi all,

I had an issue with my 2012 FIAT 500, not entirely sure what it was... believe the alternator overcharged for some reason and burned (melted) the pigtail connection to the computer. I believe there could be something wrong with the computer.

Anyway, I pulled a pigtail and computer from a 2013 Fiat from the junkyard and have an appointment with Fiat for them to change the pigtail and flash the computer. A local mechanic claims he can do it for less (I have spoken to several so far who refused to even work on a Fiat, they all say to sell it) than the dealer. I know from the key nonsense that none of my connections can program a key due to crypto nonsense unique to the Fiat and you need to get new keys from the dealer.

Is it the same for the computer to reflash it? Is this typically another dealer only expense or should I take a chance with this guy who claims he can do it?

Thanks

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi

A lot of us use MultiECUScan software for adjustments to our FIAT and Alfa cars

So its quite possible that somebody in your locality has the ability

Ask about a 'no fix no fee' deal..

Do let us know how things go

 

[koalar]

Body computer

Or

Engine computer


Engine computer is normally fairly straightforward

body computer not that easy,

MultiECUscan is no good for either

Key can be done. The equipment is about £4K and the few people that have it charge like a heard of elephants

 

[koalar]

You need someone with something like this

Fiat/Lancia/Alfa/FCA - Abrites Worldwide

Abrites is a company specialised in the development of vehicle diagnostics software and hardware, module renewal and adaptation, key programming, and more.

abrites.com

To factory reset the ECU

 

[Ralf S.]

The "crypto nonsense unique to the Fiat" is what stops people being able to steal your car.. although I agree it does make it more difficult when you want to "steal" your own car (or rather, start it when the ECU doesn't want to).

I would have thought that any ECU refurbishment place would be able to re-program your ECU. The guy who thinks he can do it, probably can too.. it's a question of hooking it up to some kit that can program it, and I guess he has it or he wouldn't be offering.

If you're referring to the BCM, then there is a small complication. The BCM is essentially only a PCB with some chips on it... but the car's immobiliser codes lie in one of the chips, so wiping the codes will "disconnect" the key from the ECU, since the BCM takes the key code, validates it and then tells the ECU it can start the car. If your BCM is fried, the easiest course might be to buy a replacement, then remove the chips from your board and re-solder them into the new one.

Make sure that the new ECU (or BCM) is from an identical car/same engine.. ideally with the same part number, although part numbers can change or the differences don't matter to its operation.


Ralf S.

 

[koalar]

The "crypto nonsense unique to the Fiat" is what stops people being able to steal your car.. although I agree it does make it more difficult when you want to "steal" your own car (or rather, start it when the ECU doesn't want to).

I would have thought that any ECU refurbishment place would be able to re-program your ECU. The guy who thinks he can do it, probably can too.. it's a question of hooking it up to some kit that can program it, and I guess he has it or he wouldn't be offering.

If you're referring to the BCM, then there is a small complication. The BCM is essentially only a PCB with some chips on it... but the car's immobiliser codes lie in one of the chips, so wiping the codes will "disconnect" the key from the ECU, since the BCM takes the key code, validates it and then tells the ECU it can start the car. If your BCM is fried, the easiest course might be to buy a replacement, then remove the chips from your board and re-solder them into the new one.

Make sure that the new ECU (or BCM) is from an identical car/same engine.. ideally with the same part number, although part numbers can change or the differences don't matter to its operation.


Ralf S.

The key code is also stored on the ECU

Unless it’s factory reset it will not work

A virginized ECU should be plug and play

The BCM has to be programmed

You don’t have to unsolder any chips. It will require the unit to be opened and wires added to read directly the stored program. If the OBD is still working it can be read without any dismantling


Neither the ECU or BMC can be bought from a breakers which will work straight away

 

[A3jeroen]

When you put a virginised ECU in the car and turn the ignition on (don't start) it reads all nescessary codes from the BCM. I think it will work as well the other way round (virginised BCM). And then use MES to get the keycodes in the BCM.

gr J

 

[koalar]

When you put a virginised ECU in the car and turn the ignition on (don't start) it reads all nescessary codes from the BCM.

Correct plug and play

I think it will work as well the other way round (virginised BCM). And then use MES to get the keycodes in the BCM.

gr J

Nope has to be pre programmed or cloned

Otherwise you can’t even connect to the obdii port

Neither will work straight from a beakers

Wipe/clean/virginize/factory reset or what you want to call it an ECU is relatively easy. There’s usually some ready done on eBay

Program a BCM relative specialised read expensive. Most sold on eBay are nothing more than a paper weight

 

[A3jeroen]

Nope has to be pre programmed or cloned

That's too bad. I had one replaced (under warranty from the seller) at the dealer. Must have been preprogrammed then. Mechanic only read the keys in IIRC.

gr J

 

[koalar]

That's too bad. I had one replaced (under warranty from the seller) at the dealer. Must have been preprogrammed then. Mechanic only read the keys in IIRC.

gr J

Correct

The BCM is the main security device

main dealer ordered via VIN number is preprogrammed and plug and play

 

[Ralf S.]

The key code is also stored on the ECU

Unless it’s factory reset it will not work

A virginized ECU should be plug and play

The BCM has to be programmed

You don’t have to unsolder any chips. It will require the unit to be opened and wires added to read directly the stored program. If the OBD is still working it can be read without any dismantling


Neither the ECU or BMC can be bought from a breakers which will work straight away

I replaced my BCM, when it developed a fault (burnt circuits) on the PCB. All the chips from my old one were transplanted onto a second-hand BCM.. and it all worked first time. The guy who did it didn't have precise knowledge of which chips were the essential ones and which ones were universal, so he transplanted all of them.. it could be you only need to move one or two chips.

Anyhow.. sounds like the OP is talking about the ECU, which is happy as long as the BCM is happy.


Ralf S.

 

[koalar]

I replaced my BCM, when it developed a fault (burnt circuits) on the PCB. All the chips from my old one were transplanted onto a second-hand BCM.. and it all worked first time. The guy who did it didn't have precise knowledge of which chips were the essential ones and which ones were universal, so he transplanted all of them.. it could be you only need to move one or two chips.

Anyhow.. sounds like the OP is talking about the ECU, which is happy as long as the BCM is happy.


Ralf S.

Not a trivial task

Everything is surface mount

Depending on year it’s either the processor or eeprom


Nothing is socketed theses days. EEPROM not too bad to change the CPU is going to pain

Which is why you normally read the info out directly and clone