General Location of ECU, 1999 Ducato 2.8i.d.TD

[Roadstar620]

Hi, I have just picked up a 1999 Fiat Ducato motorhome and the dealer only had one ignition key, it looks like the red master key was lost many years ago. Whilst this is not a major issue at present whilst looking through various threads on lost master keys it could potentially be a right pain in the proverbial under certain circumstances.
It looks like there are 3 possible solutions, 1) ignore the problem and hope the master key is never needed, 2) get Fiat to replace the ECU, locks and keys which looks to be around £1000 to £1200, 3) replace the ECU with a 3rd party ECU thus removing the Fiat CODE system, using a replacement from someone like ECUTesting at around £175.

(tried to put link to ECUTesting in but as a new member unable to do so, search "fiat_common_key_code_problem_-" in Google and it will come up)

Speaking to ECUTesting this is a simple replacement of the existing ECU but they need details of the current ECU to ensure the correct one is supplied, I have hunted high and low and cannot locate where the ECU is mounted, does anyone have any idea where I may be able to find it?
Many thanks,
Steve.

 

[corcai]

Speaking to ECUTesting this is a simple replacement of the existing ECU but they need details of the current ECU to ensure the correct one is supplied, I have hunted high and low and cannot locate where the ECU is mounted, does anyone have any idea where I may be able to find it?
Many thanks,
Steve.

You can get immobiliser chips or complete new keys made by sending off the immobiliser unit from the steering column. Lots of people do that.
http://www.car-keys-online.com/prod...box-key-coding-service-46417024-46734570.html
http://www.ecudecode.net/product.ph...ng_-_immobiliser_bypass_service/?k=:::6666644

 

[Roadstar620]

Hi Corcai,

Many thanks for this, just spoken to Ecudecode and they gave some very useful information.

It turns out that the reason that Fiat state "No repairs can be carried out on the Fiat CODE system or the ECU (or injection pump for diesel engine versions) if the Master key is lost" is that the diesel pump has a coded solenoid fitted to it which is matched to the immobiliser code.

Basically if there is a fault with the ECU, as these are very basic ECUs the simplest course would be to replace the ECU anyway, so no requirement for a Master key. If there is a pump fault then ask the repairer to replace the solenoid with a non-coded one when the pump has been removed (apparently not an easy job to do with the pump fitted) which most of them do anyway, and if there is a fault with the Fiat immobiliser get an auto-electrician to remove/bypass it, which as I have an Autowatch alarm/immobiliser fitted isn't an issue.

Thanks for the advice, very much appreciated.

Steve

 

[corcai]

You're more likely to lose the key than experience a failure which is why I was suggesting sending off the immobiliser unit to get a new coded key.

The immobiliser circuits on the pump can and do fail though (happened a friend on a narrow hill with 15% grade) so you may prefer to put the money towards bypassing it.

If yours doesn't have the late model armoured plate on the pump bypassing the immobiliser on the pump is very easy to do with the pump in situ.

If it has the armoured plate its a pig of a job but still possible by slotting the security bolts or cutting the armour plate off with a dremel or similarly small cutting tool.

Pump out will be time consuming and expensive and timing would have to be reset although if your timing belt is due for a renewal anyway thats less of an issue.