Ecu exchange

[Koukandowie Brangus]

Hey guys
I'm looking to get an ecu upgrade soon however being in alice means i will be doing an exchange, probably with TRS in SA, now when they send me a new ecu i'm guessing that when i plug it in its gonna go berko. Is this right????? and will i be stranded or will i still be able to drive it down to the dealer to get everything reset?

[feral]

This is how TRS explained it to me.

They will send you the new ECU. You then drive to either their recommended installer or your own. At the installer your old will be swapped for your new ECU. Testbook will then be hooked up and all the relevant changes will be made to accept your new ECU. No warranty is either expressed or implied at the recommended installer or your own service centre.

You then drive home...the long way:burnrubber:

You then send your old ECU back to TRS.

You should be a very happy person :D

[CraigE]

The main issues would be the injector codes and the alarm system.
If you have a Nanocommost of this could be sorted.
Surely if you give TRS the injector codes thay could sort most of this before sending it to you.

[Tombie]

The main issues would be the injector codes and the alarm system.
If you have a Nanocommost of this could be sorted.
Surely if you give TRS the injector codes thay could sort most of this before sending it to you.

Not the injector codes...

The "Learn Security" function is what will stop you in your tracks :cool:

And that cant be done until the ECU and BCU are having a chat in situ

[CraigE]

Not the injector codes...

The "Learn Security" function is what will stop you in your tracks :cool:

And that cant be done until the ECU and BCU are having a chat in situ
Mike,
does that apply to the Defender as well?? I believe the alarm on the Fender is a lot less complex than the BCU on the Discos. From the posters avatar I believed he had a Fender.
Want to get this clear as I am in the same boat when I get mine done. May leave it until I get to SA later in the year and if possible get you or TRS to do it then.
Also Mike, if you send your own ECU away to get flashed or rechipped rather than exchange is all this an issue? Will use of a Nanocom help in this issue? I thought you may be able to input the relevant info via a Nanocom.
Cheers
Craig

[Narangga]

Am doing a dummy run tomorrow on this tomorrow. Am getting help to get a copy of my system inc injector codes and then will send my ECU away and when the replacement/upgrade returns will then use my codes to update etc.

Pity you don't have a Rovacom or Nanocom in Alice to use.:(

By the way do you have your I & E licence?

[dmdigital]

Hmmm, guess that makes me the dummy:eek:

I'd better start running...

[Narangga]

Hmmm, guess that makes me the dummy:eek:

I'd better start running...

No - u run the program after the dummy brings the vehicle across ...:angel:

[Yorkshire_Jon]

The issue here is keeping the car drivable while the ecu work is being done.

We send out an ecu that is immo-off, meaning plug it in and away you go - ideally though we like the injector codes so we can program those properly. You then send us your ecu, we programme it and send you it back. You then pug your modified ecu back in and send us the loan ecu back.

None of this driving around to a local dealer business!!


Surely thats how you guys do it too? It seems a right pain in the preverbial the way you describe it...unless Ive missed something obvious??

[dmdigital]

Stuuu lives near me so its a send away job, plus his Disco is a 2000 and needs to be modified or what ever to allow it to be reflashed.

I did mine the easy way, left car with mechanic with instructions to service and send ecu away for reflashing. I then went on 6 weeks holidays to Alaska. When I got back it was all done.

[Narangga]

The issue here is keeping the car drivable while the ecu work is being done.

We send out an ecu that is immo-off, meaning plug it in and away you go - ideally though we like the injector codes so we can program those properly. You then send us your ecu, we programme it and send you it back. You then pug your modified ecu back in and send us the loan ecu back.

None of this driving around to a local dealer business!!


Surely thats how you guys do it too? It seems a right pain in the preverbial the way you describe it...unless Ive missed something obvious??

That basically fits with what I was told but they suggested that I send mine and they upgrade/swap and then when I put the 'new' ECU back in it needed to see the BCU and also have the injector codes reloaded.

[Yorkshire_Jon]

That basically fits with what I was told but they suggested that I send mine and they upgrade/swap and then when I put the 'new' ECU back in it needed to see the BCU and also have the injector codes reloaded.

This is interesting... If you are sending your ecu away to be remapped, there is no reason at all why you would need to reload the injector codes and re-learn the security... Assuming your getting your old unit back!?!?

In a simplistic fashion the recipie follows along these lines...Take customers ecu, read existing map (to get that otherwise missing information), merge with modified ecu map, re-write to ecu. Test, tweak mapping & return to customer.


If someone is simply flashing a complete map onto an ecu then I can see where the problem lies. If thats the case, I wouldnt be sending mine there!

[Narangga]

This is interesting... If you are sending your ecu away to be remapped, there is no reason at all why you would need to reload the injector codes and re-learn the security... Assuming your getting your old unit back!?!?

In a simplistic fashion the recipie follows along these lines...Take customers ecu, read existing map (to get that otherwise missing information), merge with modified ecu map, re-write to ecu. Test, tweak mapping & return to customer.


If someone is simply flashing a complete map onto an ecu then I can see where the problem lies. If thats the case, I wouldnt be sending mine there!

What I was told was that if it was my ECU that they put the new chip in then they would not guarantee it to work correctly unless they tested it which would mean it would lose the current mappings to my vehicle as they would not be able to test it in the vehicle where it needed to be to see the BCU. Following return to me it would need to put back in the vehicle and then have the injector codes loaded so that I could get up and running again.

From what you are saying I think they may be getting me to do the merging of the mappings.

[Yorkshire_Jon]

What I was told was that if it was my ECU that they put the new chip in then they would not guarantee it to work correctly unless they tested it which would mean it would lose the current mappings to my vehicle as they would not be able to test it in the vehicle where it needed to be to see the BCU. Following return to me it would need to put back in the vehicle and then have the injector codes loaded so that I could get up and running again.

From what you are saying I think they may be getting me to do the merging of the mappings.


There is an element of truth in what you have been told. In order to fully test they would need to put the ecu in another car and program it to that car, thus loosing your injector code and BCU/10AS settings.

However, there is also a fairly strong argument against testing, at least in another vehicle, not least because of the loss of settings, but also because no two TD5s are exactly the same - a map that is perfect on a test car, may smoke under load on another - that bit of smoke may be more than acceptable to you, but not the tester, or visa versa. It is therefore better if you are with the ecu when its been done to test yourself, but I appreciate the whole point of this thread is that this isnt possible.

A compatent ecu person should know what they are doing and have confidence in it, knowing that what theyve done will work. For the remaps that we do by post I always ask what the vehicle is for (competition / overland / everyday use etc etc) and they get a map accordingly.


You are not being asked to do any merging. You simply need to get the ecu to learn the 10AS/BCU settings (is it a Defender or Disco TD5??)
. I still cant figure out why they cant take the injector codes from your ecu before they start and put them back into your ecu before they send it back to you... Otherwise you need to take the rocker cover off to get to the numbers stamped on them...

If you do end up removing the rocker cover. Replace the rocker gasket when you put it back - once disturbed they have a habit of leaking down the back of the block (out of sight)!.

[Tombie]

There is an element of truth in what you have been told. In order to fully test they would need to put the ecu in another car and program it to that car, thus loosing your injector code and BCU/10AS settings.

However, there is also a fairly strong argument against testing, at least in another vehicle, not least because of the loss of settings, but also because no two TD5s are exactly the same - a map that is perfect on a test car, may smoke under load on another - that bit of smoke may be more than acceptable to you, but not the tester, or visa versa. It is therefore better if you are with the ecu when its been done to test yourself, but I appreciate the whole point of this thread is that this isnt possible.

A compatent ecu person should know what they are doing and have confidence in it, knowing that what theyve done will work. For the remaps that we do by post I always ask what the vehicle is for (competition / overland / everyday use etc etc) and they get a map accordingly.


You are not being asked to do any merging. You simply need to get the ecu to learn the 10AS/BCU settings (is it a Defender or Disco TD5??)
. I still cant figure out why they cant take the injector codes from your ecu before they start and put them back into your ecu before they send it back to you... Otherwise you need to take the rocker cover off to get to the numbers stamped on them...

If you do end up removing the rocker cover. Replace the rocker gasket when you put it back - once disturbed they have a habit of leaking down the back of the block (out of sight)!.

Jon,

Your correct, and its one of the reasons I dont do hard chipped TD5s at the moment..

I cant afford the extra for a de-secured ECU to send back and forth!
Plus no workshop at the moment (SteelX tell me its delayed in manufacture) so nowhere to set up my workbench :(

Common in Oz is exchange ECU's with "safe" mapping. Power increases are nice and strong, but not to the full potential of the engine.

I have around 40 maps now, including the reworked ones, but once the workshops up we're getting more intense.

I've also now got a power up for the new Defender and the TDV6 versions.

One time purchase, comes with programmer/deprogrammer that the owner keeps.

This allows them to return to stock for dealer visits should a warranty be required and then re-program it again once leaving...

They arent cheap, but they are Excellent performance gains...

They can then be moved on to the next vehicle with minimal cost when they upgrade.

[dmdigital]

Mike, how reliable is the security code learning option for the ECU in Rovacom? This was what I was going to do when Dale gets the ECU back.

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Mike, how reliable is the security code learning option for the ECU in Rovacom? This was what I was going to do when Dale gets the ECU back.

You shouldnt have any problems.

[Narangga]

You are not being asked to do any merging. You simply need to get the ecu to learn the 10AS/BCU settings (is it a Defender or Disco TD5??)
. I still cant figure out why they cant take the injector codes from your ecu before they start and put them back into your ecu before they send it back to you... Otherwise you need to take the rocker cover off to get to the numbers stamped on them...



Jon,

Your correct, and its one of the reasons I dont do hard chipped TD5s at the moment..

I cant afford the extra for a de-secured ECU to send back and forth!
Plus no workshop at the moment (SteelX tell me its delayed in manufacture) so nowhere to set up my workbench :(

Common in Oz is exchange ECU's with "safe" mapping. Power increases are nice and strong, but not to the full potential of the engine.

I have around 40 maps now, including the reworked ones, but once the workshops up we're getting more intense.

I've also now got a power up for the new Defender and the TDV6 versions.

One time purchase, comes with programmer/deprogrammer that the owner keeps.

This allows them to return to stock for dealer visits should a warranty be required and then re-program it again once leaving...

They arent cheap, but they are Excellent performance gains...

They can then be moved on to the next vehicle with minimal cost when they upgrade.


I agree with you and think it is just the 'extra mile' that they have decided they won't go in this instance. Thanks for all you comments on this. :ehand:

And thanks for your input too Tombie. :BigThumb:

[Narangga]

Not the injector codes...

The "Learn Security" function is what will stop you in your tracks :cool:

And that cant be done until the ECU and BCU are having a chat in situ

As the man said. :D


You shouldn't have any problems.

Ditto. :D

Yes that's how it worked and she's up and running again.

Thanks, Derek.

[Koukandowie Brangus]

Am doing a dummy run tomorrow on this tomorrow. Am getting help to get a copy of my system inc injector codes and then will send my ECU away and when the replacement/upgrade returns will then use my codes to update etc.

Pity you don't have a Rovacom or Nanocom in Alice to use.:(

By the way do you have your I & E licence?

Is this directed to me?? got a bit lost in the thread, but if so then yes i have E,I and R.

[Koukandowie Brangus]

Mike,
does that apply to the Defender as well?? I believe the alarm on the Fender is a lot less complex than the BCU on the Discos. From the posters avatar I believed he had a Fender.
Want to get this clear as I am in the same boat when I get mine done. May leave it until I get to SA later in the year and if possible get you or TRS to do it then.
Also Mike, if you send your own ECU away to get flashed or rechipped rather than exchange is all this an issue? Will use of a Nanocom help in this issue? I thought you may be able to input the relevant info via a Nanocom.
Cheers
Craig

like not existing???, or have i missed something

[Narangga]

"By the way do you have your I & E licence? "

Is this directed to me?? got a bit lost in the thread, but if so then yes i have E,I and R.

Yes it was - I was just curious.

Spent 7 1/2 years flying up here. Thanks.

[CraigE]

like not existing???, or have i missed something
Rex,
Mine has an immobilliser behind the dash that is supposed to be part of an alarm system. Apparently depending on spec or country the full alarm was available (Rave manual shows this).
I have diagnosed mine and the Nanocom reads it and tests it. So it does infact exist on a TD5 but I am not sure wether it would cause any issues like the full BCU unit in a Disco. Once you have the full firmware upgrade from Nanocom you can see the 2 different listings with Defender Alarm and Discovery BCU sections. Obviously TD5 only.

[Koukandowie Brangus]

Rex,
Mine has an immobilliser behind the dash that is supposed to be part of an alarm system. Apparently depending on spec or country the full alarm was available (Rave manual shows this).
I have diagnosed mine and the Nanocom reads it and tests it. So it does infact exist on a TD5 but I am not sure wether it would cause any issues like the full BCU unit in a Disco. Once you have the full firmware upgrade from Nanocom you can see the 2 different listings with Defender Alarm and Discovery BCU sections. Obviously TD5 only.

Mine has a little green box in behind the dash, is that the immobiliser that you mentioned?? , don't think mine has any sort of alarm, ex qld rail so i think they went skimp on a few options.

[Koukandowie Brangus]

Yes it was - I was just curious.

Spent 7 1/2 years flying up here. Thanks.

Who do you fly for Stuuu?

[Narangga]

Who do you fly for Stuuu?

Flew. Last flight was Sept 97 when I was with MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship).

Spent 7 1/2 years at Milingimbi, Elcho Island, Numbulwar and then back to Elcho again. Racked up 5000 hours in C206 & C207 :eek:

Who are you with?

[Yorkshire_Jon]

Mine has a little green box in behind the dash, is that the immobiliser that you mentioned?? , don't think mine has any sort of alarm, ex qld rail so i think they went skimp on a few options.


The little green box is the 10AS alarm unit. Depending on the model of your vehicle it will either be enabled or not. County spec vehicles and above it will be enabled. Generally speaking if you have a keyfob it will be enabled, if not it wont.

The good news is even if its not enabled you can enable it but you will need a keyfob (about £35 GBP each) and access to Nanocom / Rovacom etc to get it talking to the ecu and keyfob.


Regards,
Jon

[Koukandowie Brangus]

The little green box is the 10AS alarm unit. Depending on the model of your vehicle it will either be enabled or not. County spec vehicles and above it will be enabled. Generally speaking if you have a keyfob it will be enabled, if not it wont.

The good news is even if its not enabled you can enable it but you will need a keyfob (about £35 GBP each) and access to Nanocom / Rovacom etc to get it talking to the ecu and keyfob.


Regards,
Jon

Its a 2000 td5 fender , but i have no keyfob so i guess its not enabled, so much dust out here that the least electrics the better, could be worse though could be moisture.:D:D

[Koukandowie Brangus]

Flew. Last flight was Sept 97 when I was with MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship).

Spent 7 1/2 years at Milingimbi, Elcho Island, Numbulwar and then back to Elcho again. Racked up 5000 hours in C206 & C207 :eek:

Who are you with?

Used to work for Aams (ex MAF) in alice but now working for National Jet, 717 line maintenance. Not a bad gig, 5 planes a day. 5 on 5 off so can't complain.

[Tombie]

Its a 2000 td5 fender , but i have no keyfob so i guess its not enabled, so much dust out here that the least electrics the better, could be worse though could be moisture.:D:D

The electronics are there!

And the ECU still talks to them!

[CraigE]

Yep, I have had my Nanocom have aconversation with it. Was much easier to fit a full alarm than bugger around with this. But it is there.

[B-A-S]

The 10AS unit is enabled for security on all defenders weather you have a key fob or not.

When immobilisation occurs on Td5, engine crank is disabled by the 10AS unit breaking the earth path for the starter relay coil and at the same time the engine ecu disables the fuel pump relay and the glow plug relay.

Regards Pete

[B-A-S]

The 10AS unit is enabled for security on all defenders weather you have a key fob or not.

When immobilisation occurs on Td5, engine crank is disabled by the 10AS unit breaking the earth path for the starter relay coil and at the same time the engine ecu disables the fuel pump relay and the glow plug relay.

Regards Pete


Should have read

The 10AS unit is enabled for security on all defenders weather you have a key fob or not, the key fob can be disabled for the alarm but the security side of the 10AS will always remain there.

[Tombie]

Should have read

The 10AS unit is enabled for security on all defenders weather you have a key fob or not, the key fob can be disabled for the alarm but the security side of the 10AS will always remain there.

Hi pete

Welcome to aulro

For those who don't know pete, he is the writer and creator of mapping and programming for the ecu maps I offer.

He is an absolute treasure trove of information and I believe will be a huge asset to our forum.

Welcome again mate.

[B-A-S]

Thanks for the welcome Mike, see im burning that midnight oil again in the UK.

I think i must have a thing for PC's and forums, i just cant stay away from them so never sleep lol


PS My user name has to change, i did not read the rules proplery in May when i joined :( So you will have to keep a eye on it soyou know who i am again lol.


Regards Pete

Anyway bed time now :-( We will speek later m8

[fraser130]

Hello guys, can I just set this straight?
I have a 2003 TD5 D130 'Fender, if I buy a keyfob, and have access to a nanocom, I can set the car up to use the keyfob to lock/unlock the car without buying any other electronics???

Cheers,
Fraser