have I fried my ECU, battery or switched on Immo?

[Stuart B]

Hi,

I know... all point and laugh

I was trying to read the ECU file on my S3 using a 13.02 cable and MPPS and the file downloaded was too small 308KB when the other ones I have been looking at were 1024KB so I tried again with a few other settings (still only reading) then my ABS light started flashing and now the engine turns over "really slowly" obviously doesn't start.

I have tried a quick charger for an hour with no joy.

so
1. is an ECU with immobliser cut in turning over super slowly or normal speed just without firing?

2. can reading an ECU somehow affect the IMMO setting on and IMMO off ECU?

3. or has the 20 minutes on ignition 2 just taken the edge of the battery?


f**king cars... ehh

Thanks

 

[<tuffty/>]

I'd try charging the battery... to read (and write for that matter) the voltage needs to be stable and over 13 volts... Bill normally uses a ctek charger in supply mode when tuning cars...

<tuffty/>

 

[desertstorm]

Charge the battery up as you have obviously flattened it. If the immobiliser is active the engine would start for a few seconds and then stop.

 

[Stuart B]

okay cool - so more likely a dead battery as it just cannot turn it over rather than start and stop again - had similar on my mazda perfectly bright lights but not enough ummgh to turn it over. and I will consider leaving the battery charger on when trying to read it.

I should have got a fishing boat instead

 

[Stuart B]

so okay - New battery sorted out the "not fried" confirmation, I have started looking at nefmoto and a KKL lead although that doesn't even recognise a device is there and have had some excellent support with some too-ing and fro-ing with some assistance via PMs with Ian and Pasturised,
(I know this is not the appropriate forum but to cut a long story short I only get a 308KB file instead of 1024KB from my ebay ecu (285BHP <-- yeah right) - after some research it appears that when an ECU map is encrypted it is 308KB (I think Revo do this too) and I understand why some expert might want to protect their hardwork. but my question is:

does anyone know whether I can overwrite an encrypted map on an ECU with IMMO OFF without essentially ruining my afternoon? I do have the original ECU with a stage 1 map on as a last resort if it does all go wrong.

Thanks

-------
Below is an internet article and we all know the internet doesn't lie!

*********
Gonzo:
Quote from: cordobe1 on September 28, 2012, 12:21:59 PM

Hi all,
I have a similar problem ... in my case if I can read, but the file weighs only 308 Kb and 1024 Kb as it should. -

Someone can explain me because I can not read all the data? ??? ??? ??? ???

Tnks a lot 4 help!

PS: I'm down the info, because with nefmoto, layout error. - I will put more info on the night nefmoto that mistake. -

But I'm worried because I said MPPS read correctly and the file is too small. - Place in the total reading options. -

No read encrypted file or you are using a clone.

****************

 

[<tuffty/>]

You will need to bench flash the ECU in boot mode... reading the file out in boot mode will give you the full file too

<tuffty/>

 

[Stuart B]

Thanks Tufty,
I'm no expert in this terminology but I have seen these references in a couple of forums is "bench flash" a term meaning outside of the car through the ECU's real ports? as if it is on a work bench? also the thread I read about cloned ECUs (like this ebay one I expect) - where a generic map has simply been pushed onto a bunch of standard AUDI ECUs and boot mode is like a recovery mode for a firmware bios which allows circumventing the protected map.

it might be easier to plug in my old ECU to see if I can read that one and consider adjusting the fueling - it worked okay but I think the upgrades outgrew the map meaning it literally ran out of gas and too hot getting there.

to be honest this car really is near the end of its life - I still love driving it - but after fitting the intercooler and noticing the blow-by pressure and oil leaks and obvious previous front end damage as it has an auction number on the inside of the bumper and the head light washers cut off, the passenger wheel arch inner trim damage the driver side wheel arch rust, a cracked windscreen, the driver door locking mechanism etc etc I think I have finally ran out of steam and energy hence why I am not that concerned about breaking it but simply enjoying learning. I did want to try and flash a new map as my daughter has a VW 1.9 TDI (mark 6 I think) and they were considering any options to give it a boost so I wanted to practice reading and writing a map.

I might go back to an old convertible BMW as my wife has started to drive again (today 1st time for 2 years) after her miraculous recovery after having her pulmonary endarterectomy (blood clots removed) - she was due to die in June, if she was not operated on in February.

I think for my own mind I will reconnect the boost gauge just the confirm the boost pressure - as I have a feeling the map feels slower because the previous stage 1 map just went full boost at 3200 - so a bigger surge and the new map is slightly smoother - to protect the internals.

also in VCDS I get DASHFIX.CO.UK under the Engine 1 bit, is that new too?

 

[Tj 0785]

Glad she's on the mend mate.
I do like the old e30 bmws always have they have aged well unlike my wife

 

[Stuart B]

yeah we have had a few bmw's over the years an old Red 530 which obviously turned pink, when we decided to sell it I spent 300 getting it MOTed and 6 months tax and sold it for £320 say what.

when Angie passed her driving test in 2009 aged like 36 we gave her cincqento she learnt in to our son and I got her a gunmetal grey 318is e36 (1.9 16v chain timing belt) coupe - this was a lovely car and stupidly I bought budget tyres for the rear - I learnt this expensive lesson on the first roundabout after it had been raining. so after I got accused of losing control drifting and with a smashed front end - I got her the car I had always dreamed about owning when I was younger an e36 325 convertible with electric hood.

I sort of class BMWs and AUDIs in a similar area they feel like solid, stable cars - if you compare the older 318is with my 2.0 JTS Alfa - the Alfa was nippier and even had a form of VVT and direct injection but the body was made out of carrier bags, although I do think the Audis seem to rust a little to easily.

and thanks yeah the recover is amazing she is probably better now than she has been in 3-5 years - obviously still in danger regarding clots and we have our own Warfarin INR machine to do our own blood testing as it is a 2 hour round trip weekly for a 30 second test and review and it must never go under 2 but should be 3.5- to 4 - so some training and a meeting with the GP to see if they will pay for the test strips. and her sternem has healed quite well bone wise although the scar has gone keyloid the fact she is worrying about that is maybe a good sign. very little need for oxygen now which is freaking people out as they are used to her being on it 24/7 before.

 

[Tj 0785]

I learnt the same lesson when I 1st passed my test had a p reg 318ti compact lost it on a roundabout done a 180 hit curb done another 180 thru a hedge and gate post into someone's garden had to drive out over the hedge that's why I won't buy part worn tyres anymore

 

[hydro s3]

Good to hear ur wife is on the mend all the best to use.

 

[Stuart B]

Thanks Hydro - she's going to be like a new woman in about 6-8 months.

yeah, part worn's have a place but there is always a risk. - the tyres I got were brand new Chinese crap - I will never do that again they were like driving on hard plastic - I had similar crap on my S3 when I got that - they were simply terrifying when it rained.

I remember buying a re-treaded tyre for my escort mark 2 because they were only about £8.50 when a new tyre was £13 <-- sounds ridiculous doesn't it, but my salary was only £274 a month for 38.5 hour weeks at BAe - I stupidly left before finishing my training even though after the first year it was going to go up to £286 a month. its mental as I have tried to get back there now as they pay 75K a year

 

[<tuffty/>]

Thanks Tufty,
I'm no expert in this terminology but I have seen these references in a couple of forums is "bench flash" a term meaning outside of the car through the ECU's real ports? as if it is on a work bench? also the thread I read about cloned ECUs (like this ebay one I expect) - where a generic map has simply been pushed onto a bunch of standard AUDI ECUs and boot mode is like a recovery mode for a firmware bios which allows circumventing the protected map.

it might be easier to plug in my old ECU to see if I can read that one and consider adjusting the fueling - it worked okay but I think the upgrades outgrew the map meaning it literally ran out of gas and too hot getting there.

to be honest this car really is near the end of its life - I still love driving it - but after fitting the intercooler and noticing the blow-by pressure and oil leaks and obvious previous front end damage as it has an auction number on the inside of the bumper and the head light washers cut off, the passenger wheel arch inner trim damage the driver side wheel arch rust, a cracked windscreen, the driver door locking mechanism etc etc I think I have finally ran out of steam and energy hence why I am not that concerned about breaking it but simply enjoying learning. I did want to try and flash a new map as my daughter has a VW 1.9 TDI (mark 6 I think) and they were considering any options to give it a boost so I wanted to practice reading and writing a map.

I might go back to an old convertible BMW as my wife has started to drive again (today 1st time for 2 years) after her miraculous recovery after having her pulmonary endarterectomy (blood clots removed) - she was due to die in June, if she was not operated on in February.

I think for my own mind I will reconnect the boost gauge just the confirm the boost pressure - as I have a feeling the map feels slower because the previous stage 1 map just went full boost at 3200 - so a bigger surge and the new map is slightly smoother - to protect the internals.

also in VCDS I get DASHFIX.CO.UK under the Engine 1 bit, is that new too?

'Bench flash' is just a way to allow you to read/write the ECU in boot mode which circumvents most protection on maps... there are a few exceptions... Revo maps tend to need to be reset to a standard map using Revo software before flashing other maps works... you can't reflash Revo maps without Revo software either..

If your ECU has a soldered on encryption board you are screwed as well..

Bench flash rig is fairly straight forward but requires you to open your ECU... not difficult as its 4 torx screws and a little heat to soften the sealant...

This is the lead I made up...

Search 'Bosch ME7 bench flash' on Google and you should find all the info you need...

Couple of links on Nef to get you started...
http://www.nefariousmotorsports.com/wiki/index.php/ECU_Bench_Flashing

http://nefariousmotorsports.com/forum/index.php?topic=3925.15

I use an old 700w PC PSU as a power supply (12v outputs) although I also have a 13.7v bench PSU kicking about from my old electronics days....

<tuffty/>

 

[tcg]

Great news about your missus mate,maybe worth getting those guys at Papworth to have a look at your ecu!

Hope your S3 is not too near dead as I've still got 'your' turbo paperweight stored away.

 

[Stuart B]

Thanks Tufty I think I will swap the ECUs back first to see if the original MAP can be read with the MPPS tool and also to see if I can reset this ECU using a desktop PSU etc - again as long as I keep the S3 with 1 running ECU its not the end of the world if I set this one on fire, might need my son to help with the wiring due to coloured blindness meaning nearly all the wires look the same colour

Thanks TCG - what shall we do about this turbo? how far are you from Stratford? although I am not there before October and I don't want to put you out or keep you hanging on so maybe an earlier meet up to suit your availability
- yeah the recovery is amazing she is really looking forward to the 6 month review which includes a 6 minute walking test - I think she managed 200 meters with oxygen before - yes 200 meters in 6 minutes and not 22 seconds. we are struggling with the INR levels it must never go below 2 and it was 2.3 today - so a home test tomorrow - if less than 2 then clexane / tinsaparin tummy jabs and daily tests until Friday (good job we have a machine now otherwise that is a 2 hour roundtrip every day for a 30 second test)
she went to see a psychologist about post operation PTSD today and is going to be having EMDR - which is excellent treatment for flashbacks / recurring nightmares - I had it after getting knocked off my bike - you usually wear headphones or glasses with pulsing lights or tones which make you look left right left right whilst reliving the flashback etc to force your brain to file the memory properly by simulating REM - I think some of her flashbacks are imagined as she is describing the heart and lung bypass machine - but she would not have been half awake during that bit (I think she recalls the HOUSE episode of the bus crash) but some of her flashbacks are during the first few days in critical care when they only woke her up to check her brain was working to see how she was getting on for a few hours then sedated again.

 

[tcg]

Thanks TCG - what shall we do about this turbo? how far are you from Stratford? although I am not there before October and I don't want to put you out or keep you hanging on so maybe an earlier meet up to suit your availability

There's no rush from my side mate,the turbo is packed away in a spare bedroom.Also my old dog is struggling a bit at the moment,so there's no pressure either way.Stratford is about an hour and a bit from me.

she went to see a psychologist about post operation PTSD today and is going to be having EMDR - which is excellent treatment for flashbacks / recurring nightmares

I bet there's a few S3 8L owners who would benefit from some of that treatment

 

[Stuart B]

you're cured after getting the turbo replaced

 

[tcg]

you're cured after getting the turbo replaced

I will only be cured when I sell my S3.

I wouldn't normally name my cars but my S3 is known as 'THE LEECH',it has sucked several thousands of pounds out of me and if I don't get shot of it in a few years time,it will bleed me dry!