Exactly what can be done regarding used ECUs and other units...?

Post Number:#1 by **Scoubix** » September 1st, 2014, 5:29

Thought it might be useful for the T4 gurus (Phil mainly around here) to list what can be achieved beyond standard MGR procedures regarding IPK and ECUs swaps.
I understand that it is now possible to virginize ECUs and IPKs so that they appear as brand new and can be recoded to any car with T4, but what are the limitations, if any, and the use cases?
Let's say I have a car based here in France with a dead ECU that's seen too much water. Can I get any replacement unit from any previous car and send it out to you, Phil? Or do you provide a replacement unit yourself at additional cost? Would you need the full set of EWS and transponder keys as well in order to reprogram the new ECU?

Just curious really...not trying to break any trade secret here :lol:

Post Number:#2 by **Phil-T4** » September 2nd, 2014, 8:28

As you know MGR stated that certain ecu's once configured could not be reused on another vehicle, these were:- engine management ecu's, immobiliser (EWS), IPK's and LSM. Other ecus can be easily swapped and reconfigured with the correct configuration using a T4.
However now those "once only use" ecu's can be reworked to produce an un-configured unit which the T4 is able to program to the car.

So in your example, all i would need is the original EWS, one key with transponder and the second hand ECU to produce a working fully configured plug and play replacement.

Post Number:#3 by **Scoubix** » September 2nd, 2014, 9:41

ok thanks Phil. I'm guessing this can be achieved with both petrol and diesel ECUs?
I don't have this situation right now btw, but it's good to know as I get some queries on this sometimes, as a member of the French Rover club, from other 75 owners. So far my answer has always been "you need to get a new ECU and set it up via T4"...

Post Number:#4 by **Phil-T4** » September 2nd, 2014, 11:16

Yes both petrol and diesel EMS systems can be done, the problem is finding GOOD second hand diesel ecu's!

Post Number:#5 by **Greeners** » September 3rd, 2014, 4:18

Phil

One for when you get bored....The traffic master ECU that displays on the message center is now redundant since the system was turned off, could it be reprogrammed for another use ?