Car ecu advise needed, not working

[tomtaylor1]

The ecu on my audi tt, is not working, advised a repair is not available.

A new unit from germany for this cars vin number, same model ecu, is available, but am now told need to go to audi dealer to program the ecu  this needs to be done online . 

Can this be done on a laptop computer, my local garage repairs audis, can this be done with his laptop, which he plugs into the cars edb.

Ecu from audi 170000 baht from germany including tax 75000 baht. Would the ecu need to be installed in the car to do this.

any help or suggestions, greatly received thank you.     

[Jeff the Chef]

What year is it?

[Fruit Trader]

Without dealer intervention, the easiest way to clone a dead ECU to donor ECU with identical part number is to move the memory chip which contains all unique data along with the all important immobiliser code.

 

Do some research because ECU inspection and repair is available in Thailand even for rare modules. ECU's often fail around inexpensive driver components that interface the processor with the outside world so its worth paying for an inspection before seeking a replacement.

 

One should also consider the repair shop has diagnosed the fault correctly and not fallen into some faulty ECU trap created by another module or external fault.

[DaRoadrunner]

It is a long time since I worked in the motor trade but ecu only needs to be plugged in to your car.

 

Programming ecu with a laptop is only done by those wanting to modify their car.

 

Repairing ecu seldom goes well, buy a new one or a used one from a breakers yard. Several models may use the same ecu. So long as the part number on the ecu matches, you can use it.

 

170000 baht .... Jesus!

[Fruit Trader]

10 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

Repairing ecu seldom goes well

 

ECU repairs are often successful even more so when there is little or no PCB damage. The same applies to many modules sitting on automotive bus.  

 

A simple $1 driver component could easily restore a faulty ECU to a level where it outlives the rest of the vehicle.

[PJPom]

I have a 2006 Ford Focus that has been unusable since the middle of last year due to ECU and motherboard problems with nobody in my area able to fix it.

The dashboard displays lights including right indicator , engine fault, headlight main beam, door open all without the key in the ignition.....and it won't even engage the starter.

The local Ford dealer has no idea, my comment regarding the known problem worldwide just elicited a vacant look, the readout says ..engine system problem ..manufacturer.

Does anyone know of an Electrician in the Krabi province who has the ability to repair .

[DaRoadrunner]

41 minutes ago, Fruit Trader said:

 

ECU repairs are often successful even more so when there is little or no PCB damage. The same applies to many modules sitting on automotive bus.  

 

A simple $1 driver component could easily restore a faulty ECU to a level where it outlives the rest of the vehicle.

We tried repairing em years ago in the UK but the repair did not last long. Maybe things have improved? Is there anywhere in Thailand that repairs ecu?

[Fruit Trader]

1 hour ago, DaRoadrunner said:

We tried repairing em years ago in the UK but the repair did not last long. Maybe things have improved? Is there anywhere in Thailand that repairs ecu?

 

Modern SMD electronic repair requires having the correct tools along with the skill and experience to use them. 

 

My BIL has taken a few ECU repairs in the past but would not wish to make a full time business out of it. Industrial power electronics takes up most of his bench time.

 

A Google search reveals several ECU repair specialists around Thailand. 

 

There is no black magic or anything particularly special about automotive ECU's other than some components might be difficult or even impossible to source.
 

[Billpro785]

On 3/28/2025 at 6:42 AM, tomtaylor1 said:

The ecu on my audi tt, is not working, advised a repair is not available.

A new unit from germany for this cars vin number, same model ecu, is available, but am now told need to go to audi dealer to program the ecu  this needs to be done online . 

Can this be done on a laptop computer, my local garage repairs audis, can this be done with his laptop, which he plugs into the cars edb.

Ecu from audi 170000 baht from germany including tax 75000 baht. Would the ecu need to be installed in the car to do this.

any help or suggestions, greatly received thank you.     

The ECU, will need to be programed with your cars vin, and other information. Think of it this way. You buy a brand new laptop, and then add your email. music, photos, etc. Same with with replacement  ECU. 

 Anyone can program it provided they have a  higher end OBDII diagnostic scan tool, such a Autel brand. 

I recently did one for friend's car in Kanchanaburi, where I live.using my Autel scanner maxi elite tool. 

 They sell Autel scanners here in Thailand, so I'm sure a higher end repair shop would have one. 

What makes them think the ECU is bad ?  Was it tested ? 

 

 

[Homburg]

On 3/28/2025 at 5:55 AM, DaRoadrunner said:

170000 baht .... Jesus!

Because they can.

[Homburg]

If the ECU cannot be repaired then perhaps buy used?  Even if imported it should be far less than the new part.

[Adiudon]

On 3/28/2025 at 1:50 PM, PJPom said:

I have a 2006 Ford Focus that has been unusable since the middle of last year due to ECU and motherboard problems with nobody in my area able to fix it.

The dashboard displays lights including right indicator , engine fault, headlight main beam, door open all without the key in the ignition.....and it won't even engage the starter.

The local Ford dealer has no idea, my comment regarding the known problem worldwide just elicited a vacant look, the readout says ..engine system problem ..manufacturer.

Does anyone know of an Electrician in the Krabi province who has the ability to repair .

 Your problem will be a faulty dash board (Instrument Cluster), very common on this model Ford Focus.

The IC has its own chip that is linked by canbus with the PCM and BCM.

Unfortunately just fitting a replacement IC will not cure the problem as they need to be reprogrammed together using Forscan, not a hard task if you have both original keys.

Google ford dash repair in your area or join a dedicated Ford Focus Facebook group as they will point you in the right direction.

Thai mechanics are very afraid of anything different !

[tomtaylor1]

The Audi is 2012 mk2 tts