ECU problems

[Gooch]

Hey folks it seems my ECU has shat itself again this is the second replacement.

Is this a common problem cause of the acid they use in the ECU resisters? the Auto elec said that it is common?

350 for them to repair it?

What are my options?

 

[JiMi]

aftermarket and more power? if i had that happen twice i wouldnt be going back for a third

nfi if its common though.. personally ive never had an ecu fail in numerous cordias and my gvr4 and ive done a collective 200,000 k's +

 

[mannynz]

I've never heard of them being common in failing

 

[brisvr4]

Not 100% certain that it is a common problem on all early VR4's but it is certainly a problem with the Aspecs!
Actually, after reading these threads i'd say it is pretty common!

http://www.galantvr4.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Board=newbie&Number=34701&page=0&fpart=1
http://www.mmc.org.nz/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29579&highlight=leaking+caps
http://www.mmc.org.nz/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3648&highlight=leaking+caps

 

[Gooch]

Unreal

That is unreal cause I had all these symtoms exactly:

"I wanted to stess the importance of replacing the capacitor in the ECU. The capacitors used are electrolytic capacitors which means they are acid based over a period of time and heat cycles they will expand to the point where they will become porous and will leak acid on the board. Know symptoms of this is random stalling, a fish like smell, injector(s) not working. I know there is more, maybe Jeff will be nice and chime in.

REPLACE YOUR CAPACITORS! or else you will be mad."

 

[rob323]

It is extremely common in A spec (single board) vr4's, not so much in prefacelift vr4's as they used different capacitors (but I changed mine anyway).
But if the first ecu failed because of the capacitors, why didn't you replace the ones in the new ecu before you fitted it?

 

[blackvr]

It is extremely common in A spec (single board) vr4's, not so much in prefacelift vr4's as they used different capacitors (but I changed mine anyway).
But if the first ecu failed because of the capacitors, why didn't you replace the ones in the new ecu before you fitted it?

This has been my experience as well... And I have dealt with a lot !!! I also have a LARGE pile of dead Magna ECU's of the same era for exactly the same capacitor leakage issues. As Rob implicated ... it should be a huge priority to replace capacitors in any new VR4 or ECU purchase. Cant stress this enough !!

Mike

 

[Gooch]

Well now O know

Thanks guys I only wish I did my research a bit better.

I didn't change the capacitors as I had a spare Off the shelf ECU to throw in and I had not got the auto elec to send off to get investigated however in hindsight I guess I should.

BE WARNED EVERYONE change those Capacitors!! Cause once your car stops it costs lots to move.

 

[razza]

Have you got a photo of the damage done? There are other things that can cause these ECUs to fail.