Vento ECU issues.

[ozzypole]

Hi,
I've been trying to get on top of an intermittent electrical gremlin in my son's Vento. Latest advice from VW mechanic in Nambour is a dead ECU.
New price from VW is $2500! Have been unable to get one that matches ALL the numbers and letter.
My question is, firstly, does anyone have a spare one they would be willing to part with, part #037906025P? And secondly, I have found ones with the same part NUMBER, but with a different letter. Is the letter an indication of year models, variations in ECU mapping, or not important at all?
Any help appreciated.
Phil.

[h100vw]

I googled that number and found one on ebay for 400 plus shipping.

Still pricey for an old car.

What's the problem with the car?

Gavin

[ozzypole]

Random stall. Random fail to fire. No power to ignition circuit, fuel pump, tacho. Lights, radio, dash warning lights and starter motor all have power. Replaced coil, crank sensor. No go. Apparently ECU is located somewhere in plenum chamber near wiper arms and was covered in leaves and debris. Shows signs of water damage. Haven't had a chance to check for myself yet.
Apart from that, its a great little car. We got it from a work colleague that got it new. He was the original owner, actually he has never owned anything other than VWs. A real veedub nut!!
\

[h100vw]

Random stall. Random fail to fire. No power to ignition circuit, fuel pump, tacho. Lights, radio, dash warning lights and starter motor all have power. Replaced coil, crank sensor. No go. Apparently ECU is located somewhere in plenum chamber near wiper arms and was covered in leaves and debris. Shows signs of water damage. Haven't had a chance to check for myself yet.
Apart from that, its a great little car. We got it from a work colleague that got it new. He was the original owner, actually he has never owned anything other than VWs. A real veedub nut!!
\

ECU relay been changed? What's the engine code?

Gavin

[ozzypole]

No I haven't changed the ECU relay. I believe the engine code is ADY 2.0. 85kW/115PS.

[h100vw]

No I haven't changed the ECU relay. I believe the engine code is ADY 2.0. 85kW/115PS.

Not saying this is it but it'll be a load cheaper than an ECU. I have seen a good handful over the years with dry joints in them. Just pull the lid off and have a look at the soldering. Even if it looks ok you should resolder them anyway.

Crank sensor, was that at the dissy? I have seen the hall senders fail intermittently. Next time it quits, if you can give it a good blast with some freezer spray and see if it starts again?

Gavin

[ozzypole]

Time to eat some humble pie and pay homage to those whose words and advice can no longer be ignored.

Many people on this forum have suggested a closer look at the ECU relay. VW mechanics, (for which I have paid arms, legs and promised my first-born to for their advice) have suggested a multitude of other expensive repairs. Knock sensors, crank sensors and even a new ECU!

On occasions when this problem presented itself, my son would often get it started by banging on the bottom ring of the steering wheel. The vibrations sometimes helped spark new life into the old Vento. Seeing as though the ECU relay and fuse panel is just off to the side of the steering column, it slowly stood to reason that the ECU relay might really be faulty. I have removed it before, even re-soldered the connections, but today lashed out $36 and ITS ALIVE!!!

Gee I sure hope this is the end of our problems.

Once again, to all those who have offered words of wisdom, especially those that persisted with the ECU relay....thankyou, thankyou, thankyou and Merry Christmas to all!!

[h100vw]

Hey, all of us get caught up in the heat of the moment and start thinking too deep.

My mate's old boss always used to tell him. Check the fuses and wiggle the wires. It's so easy to miss the obvious and it's only when you get into a rut and start back at the beginning it stands out.

At the end of the day it's good to have it fixed and luckily something cheap.

Have some ice cream with the pie, it'll taste great.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Time to eat some humble pie and pay homage to those whose words and advice can no be ignored.

Many people on this forum have suggested a closer look at the ECU relay. VW mechanics, (for which I have paid arms, legs and promised my first-born to for their advice) have suggested a multitude of other expensive repairs. Knock sensors, crank sensors and even a new ECU!

On occasions when this problem presented itself, my son would often get it started by banging on the bottom ring of the steering wheel. The vibrations sometimes helped spark new life into the old Vento. Seeing as though the ECU relay and fuse panel is just off to the side of the steering column, it slowly stood to reason that the ECU relay might really be faulty. I have removed it before, even re-soldered the connections, but today lashed out $36 and ITS ALIVE!!!

Gee I sure hope this is the end of our problems.

Once again, to all those who have offered words of wisdom, especially those that persisted with the ECU relay....thankyou, thankyou, thankyou and Merry Christmas to all!!