Changing the ECU

[awattam]

I want to change the ECU on my N-reg 1.6 because I suspect it is causing a missfire.

 

Does the exact code on the ECU matter or can I just get one from another 1.6 escort and expect it to work? I think mine is a 'TUNA'.

 

It has internal PATS so I will need the key chip too. Do i also need to change the coil round the ignition as well? Some things I have read say you do but I can't see why as it's just detecting the chip in the key and it's the ECU that contains the immobiliser.

[Dave 355 scort 1.8 115ps]

I want to change the ECU on my N-reg 1.6 because I suspect it is causing a missfire.

 

Does the exact code on the ECU matter or can I just get one from another 1.6 escort and expect it to work? I think mine is a 'TUNA'.

 

It has internal PATS so I will need the key chip too. Do i also need to change the coil round the ignition as well? Some things I have read say you do but I can't see why as it's just detecting the chip in the key and it's the ECU that contains the immobiliser.

 

 

some will work and some wont, i have a 1.8 with jest ecu but the jump ecu works perfect, i think there is a tuna ecu with key on ebay now. You don't need to change the coil around the ignition just the ecu and chip

[Dave 355 scort 1.8 115ps]

Click link below for all ecu codes

 

 

Link

[awattam]

Thanks, I've looked on eBay but i'm not sure any of those ones come with the key. I've asked the sellers though.

 

I'll have a ring round some scrappys tomorrow and see what I can find, the difficult bit is getting the keyas they tend to chuck them.

 

Did you take the key apart and swop the chips or does it work ok just keeping both keys on the keyring?

[Dave 355 scort 1.8 115ps]

Thanks, I've looked on eBay but i'm not sure any of those ones come with the key. I've asked the sellers though.

 

I'll have a ring round some scrappys tomorrow and see what I can find, the difficult bit is getting the keyas they tend to chuck them.

 

Did you take the key apart and swop the chips or does it work ok just keeping both keys on the keyring?

 

 

i swapped the chips but you can tape the chip inside the cowling near the sensor or try it with both keys on your keyring, unsure if this will work though

[awattam]

Thanks for the link and the advice, useful site there. Looks like I'll have a choice of a few ECU codes from similar cars.

 

I'll do my best to find one locally tomorrow and probably try taking the key to bits if I find one which works.

 

thanks again m8

[awattam]

Went today and got myself an ECU with the same code (TUNA) and the key from the same car. Brought it back and fitted it and it doesn't start.

 

The LED near the clock flashes so I guess this means the imobiliser is still on.

 

Do I need anything other than the key and ECU?

 

Is it a problem just to hold the ECU's key next to the ignition while I try to start the car or will it get confused with the 2 chips?

[Dave 355 scort 1.8 115ps]

Went today and got myself an ECU with the same code (TUNA) and the key from the same car. Brought it back and fitted it and it doesn't start.

 

The LED near the clock flashes so I guess this means the imobiliser is still on.

 

Do I need anything other than the key and ECU?

 

Is it a problem just to hold the ECU's key next to the ignition while I try to start the car or will it get confused with the 2 chips?

 

 

If its the right key then it must be picking up your old key code, take the cowling off around the steering wheel (six torx, 2 top, 4 bottom) and hold the key next to the coil around the barrell, if it starts then take the chips out of keys(hard to get out and most of the time the key gets chewed) and swap them around or get a new key cut , you can buy keys where you can swap chips without damaging the keys,

 

Dave355

[awattam]

I'm sure it's the right key for the ECU cos i tried it in the locks of the car it came from.

 

I'll give that a go then, I didn't have much time tonight before it got dark so I couldn't take it to bits. I don't really want to wreck either key cos I can take the ECU back if it doesn't work.

 

Thanks for your help, I'll let you know how i get on tomorrow

[st4]

I've got exactly the same problem mate, I changed my ECU for one with the same code and its still not starting, so let me know if ya find out how to fix it. If not then I'm just gonna go out and get another ECU, keys and the thing around the ignition barrel out of another car and try that.

[awattam]

st4 - Do you have the key to go with the ECU? It's not enough to have the same code, you need the key as well as this has a chip in it to de-activate the immobiliser. The code on the ECU (eg TUNA, DESK etc.) simply refers to the model of car which the ECU is from and therefore the software which it is programmed with.

 

I don't believe you need the thing from around the ignition as this is merely a sensor which transmits the immobiliser code from the key to the ECU for checking.

 

I'm going to have a go at swopping mine this afternoon so I'll do a little guide if I'm succesful (starting to cross fingers now in anticipation).

[awattam]

Right, I've just been out an fitted my replacement ECU, and it works!!

 

All I did was remove the cowling around the sttering coulmn, this allows access to the transmitter coil around the ECU, looks like a black plastic ring with a small wiring connector.

 

I found that if I held the ECU key next to this and then (using the original key) start the car then it was fine. So now you either need to swop the chips in the keys over or permanently fix the ECU's chip/key next to the sensor.

 

I went for the second option cos I didn't want to cut up the keys. This way you loose the immobiliser (so maybe check with insurance or whatever) but mine has a separate alarm/immobiliser fitted so I'm not too bothered.

 

I found the easiest way is to remove the coil (one screw and it should just pull off) and tape the ECU key to it, then hide the whole lot under the dash.

 

I then put the cowling back and it's fine, you wouldn't know any difference.

 

Thanks for the advice Dave

[Dave 355 scort 1.8 115ps]

Right, I've just been out an fitted my replacement ECU, and it works!!

 

All I did was remove the cowling around the sttering coulmn, this allows access to the transmitter coil around the ECU, looks like a black plastic ring with a small wiring connector.

 

I found that if I held the ECU key next to this and then (using the original key) start the car then it was fine. So now you either need to swop the chips in the keys over or permanently fix the ECU's chip/key next to the sensor.

 

I went for the second option cos I didn't want to cut up the keys. This way you loose the immobiliser (so maybe check with insurance or whatever) but mine has a separate alarm/immobiliser fitted so I'm not too bothered.

 

I found the easiest way is to remove the coil (one screw and it should just pull off) and tape the ECU key to it, then hide the whole lot under the dash.

 

I then put the cowling back and it's fine, you wouldn't know any difference.

 

Thanks for the advice Dave

 

 

No problem mate 8

 

dave355