Ducato Fiat Ducato airbag ecu

[Dandanny]

Hi my first post so excuse my lack of knowledge, has anyone successfully installed a used airbag ecu module in a Ducato mine is a motorhome 2015,I have read the part numbers have to be the same but I can't find one we with same number. thanks in advance

 

[RS3100]

Effectively, the part numbers must be absolutely identical. You would need to consult Fiat to find out if there are superceded part numbers which are compatible, but they will only advise fitting a new ECU.

Be very careful, you are playing with the SRS system operation. Fitting an incorrect ECU could cause the system to malfunction or fail to operate when required. How would you determine that a used ECU is functional and safe?

If yours has malfunctioned, have a look at Crashdata.co.uk - depending on the problem, they may be able to repair it or supply a suitable fully tested replacement unit, reprogrammed to be a drop-in replacement for yours.

Any other replacement, new or used, will need programming to your van.

 

[Dandanny]

Tried crashdata them they can't communicate with module unfortunately, have you ever coded a new one, thank you for replying

 

[RS3100]

Tried crashdata them they can't communicate with module unfortunately, have you ever coded a new one, thank you for replying

I believe it's just a matter of running a Proxi Alignment to register the new unit on the network. MultiEcuScan or AlfaOBD can do that. Check how much a new unit costs and ask Crashdata how much to supply a repaired unit cloned to your existing one - that would be a simple drop-in replacement if you don't have access to MES or AlfaOBD.

 

[Dandanny]

They quoted me just under main dealer price for a new one, if I can source a second hand one but has to be matching number, which I can't find, I was going to chance a used one and do the proxy, have you heard of any success with this, I got the superseded number from fiat so I can go off that for a used one, can't find anyone that has fitted a used one

 

[RS3100]

Don't forget that you have to add labour and programming onto dealer price, so roughly another £180 or more. If Crashdata clone a new one to your original it will drop straight in.

The problem with an untested secondhand unit is that you are risking the correct operation of your SRS system unless you can be absolutely certain that it is 100% compatible and fully operational.

 

[Dandanny]

Main dealer was cheaper with labour for new one, thanks for your help, If there is anyone else with more info please reply thanks

 

[varesecrazy]

The majority of the forums activity with airbag issues resides in the 500 section

'The kids keep crashing 'em'

Have a read in there.. see how similar..or not ..the kit is

Anything you learn going forward

Please post it on here

 

[camionpilot]

Naughtie kiddies ...!!!Lol

 

[rayc]

It is obvious that there is a generic failure with the Air Bag ECU if it can not cope with fluctuations in battery voltage without corrupting the software or creating hardware faults. I have read the instructions for isolating the battery but when my Ducato went in for the DPF pipe recall the Fiat mechanics just disconnected the negative terminal without any apparent pre conditions.

 

[RS3100]

Unfortunately it's a lottery as to whether you get a good technician or a grease monkey working on your vehicle, and in my experience main dealer workshops are no better than other garages in that regard. I still have the service invoice telling me that my 12 month old Mondeo had been serviced by the highly skilled technician who managed to cross thread the sump plug. First service for my new Volvo the "technician" failed to connect the support charger correctly, disabling the stop/start system. It also energised my dash cam which captured a nice video of him pouring oil all over the engine because he couldn't watch what he was doing whilst trying to pour oil and tip a bag of crisps down his throat at the same time. Then he poured half a new bottle of washer fluid into the used oil container and put the half empty bottle in my car, which they tried to charge me for despite the reservoir being full when I took the car in.

But the SRS ECU failures are mainly a motorhome thing and don't tend to happen so much on commercial vans. I suspect the interaction between vehicle and habitation electrical systems, which aren't always installed with regard to Fiat's instructions, additional electrical equipment similarly installed by owners, and batteries going flat during periods of being laid up all play a part.

I have found on my van that if I disconnect the vehicle battery without first isolating the leisure batteries and the solar regulator, there is clear evidence of voltage spikes in the cab electrical circuits. You can't really blame a Fiat technician for not being conversant with that.