I think my ECU has died

[MrFernze]

Hello everyone!

I have been driving my car for a short time after rebuilding it and getting it back on the road, Tuesday my car just decided not to work. I believe that the ECU has died as I can still communicate with my DSG box which has flagged some codes but I believe that's relative to the ECU not being able to communicate with it.

The car itself will not start and I have checked all other areas, air/fuel/combustion etc. My first thought was to connect my OBD2 reader but it will not auto read the vin or show any codes related to the engine.

I was just wondering if I purchased a 2nd hand ECU, are they directly plug and play or would I need it coding?

TIA for any replys!

[pudding]

Check powers, grounds, fuses & relays first.  If you can't hear the throttle body whining/clunking when you turn the ignition on, the ECU either has no power, or it's dead as you suspect.  I've never heard of these ECUs simply dying, so it could be a simple power feed issue.

If you get a second hand ECU, the immobiliser will need removing.  There's an ebay seller who sells de-immobilised ECUs ready to go, but he's expensive.  Another option is to send your ECU off, along with the spare one, to get it copied over and posted back.

[MrFernze]

Check powers, grounds, fuses & relays first.  If you can't hear the throttle body whining/clunking when you turn the ignition on, the ECU either has no power, or it's dead as you suspect.  I've never heard of these ECUs simply dying, so it could be a simple power feed issue.

If you get a second hand ECU, the immobiliser will need removing.  There's an ebay seller who sells de-immobilised ECUs ready to go, but he's expensive.  Another option is to send your ECU off, along with the spare one, to get it copied over and posted back.

Hey Pudding, cheers for the reply as always!

Yeah I've checked the fuse box and the positive connectors with a circuit tester and all fuses work perfectly, I did quickly clean them with a electrical fluid cleaner and then dusted them off with a wire brush and retested them. All worked fine and plugged the ecu back in, tested and the car continued to crank but shortly die afterwards. I checked to see if the ECU could be read with an OBD2 reader but came across the same issue. I'm going to get an multimeter tomorrow and test the ohms and power to the ECU, to find out if there are any discrepancies.

Regards,
MrFernze

[pudding]

No worries.

It might be worth getting a pin out diagram for the ECU and check it has power and ground at the ECU plug(s)....and also check the CAN lo and CAN hi pins for activity with the meter, which would indicate the CAN gateway is at least trying to talk to it.  That at least will verify the wiring is fine end-to-end.

If the ECU does need replacing, you may have already noticed it's held into it's bracket with shear bolts, which will need drilling out before you can hoik the ECU out, which is annoying!

[pudding]

Check relay 100 in the engine bay as well, that's the ECU's.

So does the engine actually fire up?  Cranking isn't controlled by the engine ECU.

[MrFernze]

Check relay 100 in the engine bay as well, that's the ECU's.

So does the engine actually fire up?  Cranking isn't controlled by the engine ECU.

Hey pudding, the car cranks and starts up but shortly dies. I believe it's a issue with either the ignition switch or a relay from testing literally all the standard fuse's with a circuit tester, removing them and testing them all individually with a fuse tester. All being fine and tested all the positive connectors to the fuse box, which all resulted in passes by my book. My only concern was the relay's so I'm going to get a new one tomorrow and change the ignition switch. I forgot to mention that I tested the codes previously and had a bunch. Some are minor and slowly sorting them out as I have only just got the car running but didn't expect the car to die so suddenly 

00944 - heated exterior mirror passenger side
00821 - antenna 2 for radio R93 open circuit
01334 - door control module rear right no signal/communication
01135 - interior monitoring sensors no signal
01134 - Alarm horn no signal
00931 - locking module for central locking rear rigght
00930 - locking module for central locking rear left
01314 - engine control module no signal
01333 - ecu left rear door no signal
00883 - ignition switch D electrical problem in circuit intermittent
01305 - databus for infotainment no signal
01320 - climatronic ecu no sigal
05634 - power supply voltage 30 p1602 lower limit reached
05635 - inter control module failed self

However, thank you for the relay number as I've been trying to search for that information but have been coming up short for some time! 

[ttelracs]

Immbiliser?
I had this issue when I thought I had a bad ECU but only when I plugged in a supposed unlocked one. 
Immobiliser key didn't show on the dashboard but the ECU guy I had confirmed it was the immobiliser which allows it to crank, fire, run for about a couple of seconds then immediately die.

[MrFernze]

Immbiliser?
I had this issue when I thought I had a bad ECU but only when I plugged in a supposed unlocked one. 
Immobiliser key didn't show on the dashboard but the ECU guy I had confirmed it was the immobiliser which allows it to crank, fire, run for about a couple of seconds then immediately die.

Its either that or the ECU, but my thoughts are still going to ECU because I can't scan my OBD2. My friend gave me a card for a key guy, so ill call him next week.

[pudding]

That is indeed a classic sign of immobilisation, it starts, then cuts out immediately.  The fact it actually starts and runs, we can probably outrule the ECU as being faulty.

With that many fault codes, I'm leaning towards a bad CAN Gateway or a bad earth, broken wires etc.  The gateway lives above the pedals, directly underneath an access hatch under the wiper motor.  If the seal on said hatch leaks water onto the CAN gateway, well, you get a shed load of fault codes and communication failures.  But the same can also happen with bad grounds and broken wires. The wires in the harnesses that pass through the doors and hatch are old favourites for that!

[MrFernze]

That is indeed a classic sign of immobilisation, it starts, then cuts out immediately.  The fact it actually starts and runs, we can probably outrule the ECU as being faulty.

With that many fault codes, I'm leaning towards a bad CAN Gateway or a bad earth, broken wires etc.  The gateway lives above the pedals, directly underneath an access hatch under the wiper motor.  If the seal on said hatch leaks water onto the CAN gateway, well, you get a shed load of fault codes and communication failures.  But the same can also happen with bad grounds and broken wires. The wires in the harnesses that pass through the doors and hatch are old favourites for that!

I'll have a look into it, I've ordered VCDS to get a clearer picture from V Tech UK but they are taking their sweet sweet time.

Regards,
Ryan

[MrFernze]

These are my logs below, I had a gent come and visit the car as my VCDS still hasn't been shipped but I will be getting one soon  We checked the CAN gateway with his own and some clocks but those were not the issue. So from his thoughts, it may be that the CAN high/low wiring must have a been cut or faulty in general. But its still all in the air. He did mention it may be something with the powertrain data bus as the connection will not communicate to everything else.

[MrFernze]

Code: [Select]

Tuesday,11,October,2022,18:33:34:24764
VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 7 x64
VCDS Version: 21.3.0.0 (x64)  HEX-V2 CB: 0.4555.4
Data version: 20210226 DS325.0
www.Ross-Tech.com


VIN: WVWZZZ1KZ6W022316   License Plate: GX55 OXD
Mileage: 224920km-139758mi   Repair Order:



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chassis Type: 1K (1K0)
Scan: 01 02 03 08 09 15 16 17 19 25 42 44 46 52 56 62 72

VIN: WVWZZZ1KZ6W022316   Mileage: 224920km-139758miles

00-Steering Angle Sensor -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
01-Engine -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
02-Auto Trans -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
15-Airbags -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
16-Steering wheel -- Status: Malfunction 0010
17-Instruments -- Status: Malfunction 0010
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: Malfunction 0010
25-Immobilizer -- Status: OK 0000
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: Malfunction 0010
44-Steering Assist -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
46-Central Conv. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
56-Radio -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
62-Door, Rear Left -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
72-Door, Rear Right -- Status: Cannot be reached 1100
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 09: Cent. Elect.        Labels:. 3C0-937-049-23-H.lbl
   Part No SW: 3C0 937 049 E    HW: 3C0 937 049 E
   Component: Bordnetz-SG     H37 1002 
   Revision: 00H37000    Serial number: 00000001950675
   Coding: E58D0F2700041800001400001400000000087F075C
   Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
   VCID: 2B02FC4B0F033B930A1-807E

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: 1K2 955 119 C  Labels: 1KX-955-119.CLB
   Component: Wischer VW350  012  0402 
   Coding: 00065493
   Shop #: WSC 01279 

   Subsystem 2 - Part No: 1K0 955 559 R  Labels: 1K0-955-559-AF.CLB
   Component: RegenLichtSens 010  1010 
   Coding: 00207646
   Shop #: WSC 01279 

10 Faults Found:
01505 - Bulb for Blinkers; Rear Right (M8)
            012 - Electrical Fault in Circuit - Intermittent
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00101100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 70
                    Mileage: 224543 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                        ON
                    Voltage: 13.85 V
                        ON
                        ON
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        OFF

00984 - Left Tail Light (M4)
            012 - Electrical Fault in Circuit - Intermittent
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00101100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 18
                    Reset counter: 75
                    Mileage: 224543 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                        ON
                    Voltage: 12.35 V
                        ON
                        ON
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        ON

00985 - Right Tail Light (M2)
            012 - Electrical Fault in Circuit - Intermittent
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00101100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 18
                    Reset counter: 75
                    Mileage: 224543 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                        ON
                    Voltage: 12.35 V
                        ON
                        ON
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        ON

00532 - Supply Voltage B+
            002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00100010
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 75
                    Mileage: 224927 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                        OFF
                    Voltage: 6.80 V
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        OFF

00978 - Lamp for Low Beam; Left (M29)
            010 - Open or Short to Plus - Intermittent
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00101010
                    Fault Priority: 1
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 75
                    Mileage: 224927 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                        OFF
                    Voltage: 12.20 V
                        OFF
                        ON
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        OFF

01333 - Door Control Module; Rear Left (J388)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 254
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224417 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                        ON
                    Voltage: 13.80 V
                        ON
                        ON
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        OFF

01334 - Door Control Module; Rear Right (J389)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 254
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224417 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                        ON
                    Voltage: 13.80 V
                        ON
                        ON
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        OFF

01321 - Control Module for Airbags (J234)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 3
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224522 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                        ON
                    Voltage: 12.15 V
                        ON
                        ON
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        ON

01320 - Control Module for Climatronic (J255)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 254
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224417 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                        OFF
                    Voltage: 13.20 V
                        OFF
                        ON
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        OFF

01314 - Engine Control Module
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 2
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224522 km
                    Time Indication: 0

             Freeze Frame:
                        ON
                    Voltage: 12.15 V
                        ON
                        ON
                        OFF
                        OFF
                        ON


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 16: Steering wheel        Labels: 1K0-953-549-MY8.lbl
   Part No SW: 1K0 953 549 AG    HW: 1K0 953 549 AG
   Component: J0527           634 0070 
   Coding: 0012112
   Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
   VCID: 77AA103B83CB4F73BE9-8022

   Subsystem 1 - Part No: XXXXXXXXXXX
   Component: E0221           007 0050

4 Faults Found:
00002 - Transmission Control Unit
            004 - No Signal/Communication
00446 - Function Limitation due to Under-Voltage
            002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
00532 - Supply Voltage B+
            002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
01299 - Diagnostic Interface for Data Bus (J533)
            004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments        Labels: 1K0-920-xxx-17.lbl
   Part No: 1K6 920 962
   Component: KOMBIINSTRUMENT VDD 1012 
   Coding: 0003403
   Shop #: WSC 00011 067 57207
   VCID: 6E84355FFC910EBB6DF-803A

6 Faults Found:
00381 - Databus Instrument Cluster
            004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
01309 - Power Steering Control Module (J500)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
01314 - Engine Control Module
            004 - No Signal/Communication
01315 - Transmission Control Module
            004 - No Signal/Communication
01316 - ABS Control Module
            004 - No Signal/Communication
01321 - Control Module for Airbags (J234)
            004 - No Signal/Communication

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 19: CAN Gateway        Labels:. 1K0-907-530-V1.clb
   Part No SW: 1K0 907 530 F    HW: 1K0 907 951
   Component: Gateway         H10 0120 
   Revision:   H10       Serial number: 28001056200B15
   Coding: 3F3F0340070003
   Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
   VCID: 2A0CF94F00F9229BF17-807E

13 Faults Found:
01305 - Databus for Infotainment
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 1
                    Fault Frequency: 254
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224417 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 14:25:49

01333 - Door Control Module; Rear Left (J388)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 81
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224417 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 14:25:49

01334 - Door Control Module; Rear Right (J389)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 81
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224417 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 14:25:49

01320 - Control Module for Climatronic (J255)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 178
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224417 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 14:26:35

01304 - Radio
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 254
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224417 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 14:28:44

01314 - Engine Control Module
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 21
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224522 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:02:33

01315 - Transmission Control Module
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 21
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224522 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:02:33

01316 - ABS Control Module
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 21
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224522 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:02:33

00778 - Steering Angle Sensor (G85)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 21
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224522 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:02:33

01321 - Control Module for Airbags (J234)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 16
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224522 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:02:33

01309 - Power Steering Control Module (J500)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 21
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224522 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:02:33

01312 - Powertrain Data Bus
            004 - No Signal/Communication
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 01100100
                    Fault Priority: 1
                    Fault Frequency: 254
                    Reset counter: 35
                    Mileage: 224522 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:02:48

01312 - Powertrain Data Bus
            014 - Defective - Intermittent
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00101110
                    Fault Priority: 1
                    Fault Frequency: 8
                    Reset counter: 75
                    Mileage: 224522 km
                    Time Indication: 0
                    Date: 2000.00.00
                    Time: 20:04:06


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 25: Immobilizer        Labels: 1K0-920-xxx-25.clb
   Part No: 1K6 920 962
   Component: IMMO            VDD 1012 
   Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
   VCID: 6E84355FFC910EBB6DF-803A

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 42: Door Elect, Driver        Labels:. 1K0-959-701-MIN3.clb
   Part No SW: 1K0 959 701 M    HW: 1K0 959 701 M
   Component: Tuer-SG         005 0972 
   Coding: 0000692
   Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
   VCID: 3828D307CE55800B773-806C

3 Faults Found:
01811 - Supply Voltage for Door Controller; Drivers Side (J386)
            002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
00913 - Window Regulator Switch; Front Right Driver (E81)
            008 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
00943 - Heated Exterior Mirror; Driver Side (Z4)
            012 - Electrical Fault in Circuit - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 44: Steering Assist
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 46: Central Conv.        Labels:. 1K0-959-433-MIN.clb
   Part No: 1K0 959 433 AK
   Component:    KSG              0401 
   Coding: 01C802087F2D8405485FC69010CC
   Shop #: WSC 00000 785 00200
   VCID: 79AE1603B5DF5903C8D-802C

   Subsystem 1 - Component:   Sounder No Answer     

   Subsystem 2 - Component:       NGS No Answer     

   Subsystem 3 - Component:      IRUE No Answer     

13 Faults Found:
01333 - Door Control Module; Rear Left (J388)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
01334 - Door Control Module; Rear Right (J389)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
01299 - Diagnostic Interface for Data Bus (J533)
            004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
00830 - Convertible Top Control Module (J256)
            004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
01517 - Control Module for Trailer/Towing Sensor (J345)
            004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
01135 - Interior Monitoring Sensors
            004 - No Signal/Communication
00323 - Vehicle Inclination Sensor (G384)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
01134 - Alarm Horn (H12)
            004 - No Signal/Communication
00668 - Supply Voltage Terminal 30
            002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
00931 - Locking Module for Central Locking; Rear Right (F223)
            012 - Electrical Fault in Circuit - Intermittent
00930 - Locking Module for Central Locking; Rear Left (F222)
            012 - Electrical Fault in Circuit - Intermittent
01038 - Central Locking Thermal Protection
            000 - - - Intermittent
01312 - Powertrain Data Bus
            013 - Check DTC Memory

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 52: Door Elect, Pass.        Labels:. 1K0-959-702-MIN3.clb
   Part No SW: 1K0 959 702 M    HW: 1K0 959 702 M
   Component: Tuer-SG         005 0972 
   Coding: 0000692
   Shop #: WSC 01279 785 00200
   VCID: 392ED603F55F990388D-806C

3 Faults Found:
01812 - Supply Voltage for Door Controller; Pass. Side (J387)
            002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
00944 - Heated Exterior Mirror; Passenger Side (Z5)
            012 - Electrical Fault in Circuit
00110 - Right Mirror Turn Signal Lamp (L132)
            012 - Electrical Fault in Circuit - Intermittent

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 56: Radio
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 62: Door, Rear Left
Cannot be reached

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 72: Door, Rear Right
Cannot be reached

End----------(Elapsed Time: 00:44, VBatt start/end: 12.1V/12.1V)-----------


[pudding]

"19 - CAN Gateway - Malfunction 0010"

That is the standout one for me.  Without Colonel Gateway in charge, none of the troops will be able to communicate with each other.

At least the immobiliser is happy, not that you could drive the car away anyway 

Given the vast amount of communication related faults, it's got to be Colonel gateway. I believe the comms from OBD2 port start with him and spread out from there.  A severed CAN Line would normally show up as a no comms on the module the wire break is nearest. 

[MrFernze]

I finally had the time to look at my car and check a couple things, firstly I didnt want to go through the mess of trying to find the issue through CAN wiring, I put a post up on TFSI owners Club FB and someone PM'D me. Showing all the details he reccomended me to purchase a BCM. Purchased it from Danny and fit it, cleared the codes and the car fired up   

Hopefully if anyone has the same issue, try purchasing a 2nd hand BCM and installing it!

[GVK]

Thanks for posting a fix .