Technical ECU Disconnect Procedure

[dawpooldad]

Hi,


I wonder if any knowledgeable member can describe the correct procedure for disconnecting the ECU.


I have a problem with the engine momentarily stopping and the engine light coming on, then the engine restarting on over run and the engine going out and everything back to normal!


I'm sure that it has something to do with the ECU connection, so I'd like to check the contacts.


I've noticed that the battery earth connector has a quick release clamp, so does this mean that the battery should be disconnected beforehand?


Also, exactly how are the connectors removed.


If anyone can help I'd be grateful.


Best Rgds


Dawpooldad

 

[dawpooldad]

Whoops!
Sorry, forgot to say, that it is an '09 Panda 1.1 Eco model!
Rgds
dawpooldad

 

[A3jeroen]

For safety you could disconnect the battery first. ECUconnectors (if they are the same as on other FIAT-ECU's) have a red lever. Release the tab that holds the lever in place (IIRC push in the tab) and lift the lever.
If you want to use Electrical Contact Cleaner (please don't use WD40) make sure everything is dry again before reconnecting.
Have you considered the cranksensor to be the cause of cutting out?

gr J

 

[dawpooldad]

Hi J
thanks for that, but this particular model doesn't have red clips or levers.


Also, I've seen a pic on the forum showing the type of connectors you're talking about and the ECU is mounted at the back of the engine.


On mine they're mounted on the side of the battery box and have some sort of sliding clip that I've tried to move but no dice and I'm frightened of doing any damage.


Thanks for your reply though.


Best Regds


dawpooldad

 

[blod65]

Hya I've got a Panda multijet with the ecu mounted alongside the battery,

There are 2 plugs each with a yellow tab and a black lever, slide the yellow tabs back and this will allow you to lift the levers, you can then pull the plugs out vertically.

The pins in the plug sockets are quite fine so don't be heavy handed when you put the plugs back in.

hope this helps

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

dawpooldad from memory you need to pull the one you're afraid to pull. It's just a single plug on the ECU I take it?

They're fairly well built so you shouldn't easily break anything.

 

[dawpooldad]

Thanks blod / M.E.P
there appears to be two plugs going to my ECU!
There are like sliding clips on the plugs, but they aren't coloured and I can't see any levers.
Rgds
Dawpooldad

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

If you post a pic of it (to refresh my memory, been over a year since we sold our 1.1) I should be able to assist with a better description if you want

 

[dawpooldad]

Thanks M.E.P.
Here's a photo.
Sorry it's not in the post as I can't get it there!!!



Rgds

Dawpooldad

 

[A3jeroen]

Do I see triangular clips securing the connectors (under the cables)?
Try pulling the clips out. Front to the front and the one in the back to the firewall.

gr J

 

[s and b]

i very much doubt removing the multiplugs will sort out this issue
i would spend my time checking battery leads and earths then moving on to stored codes for indicators of possible engine management failure reasons then go from there

 

[Most Easterly Pandas]

Do I see triangular clips securing the connectors (under the cables)?

Try pulling the clips out. Front to the front and the one in the back to the firewall.



gr J

:yeahthat:

 

[dawpooldad]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the advice. Sorry I've not got back sooner, but the weather has been too bad to try anything.

However, I've since managed to do what you said about the clips and re-seated the plugs.

I have to say that even with the clips pulled out, the plugs were very hard to move. I did notice though, some movement in the rear plug before I got them out completely.

Since re-seating, both plugs are rock solid and since then there hasn't been a re-occurring of the engine stopping problem, so I'm hoping that it has been put to bed(fingers crossed!).

Thanks again for the help.

Rgds

dawpooldad