5.2 ECU compatibility. Can I use an ECU from another '96-99 in my '97 | FerrariChat
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5.2 ECU compatibility. Can I use an ECU from another '96-99 in my '97

Discussion in '348/355' started by Rob'Z, May 23, 2015.

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  1. Rob'Z

    Rob'Z Formula 3

    Mar 29, 2008
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    Robert
    #1 Rob'Z, May 23, 2015
    Assuming the same transmission in both cars? I'm trying to track down a no start issue with my car. There is another '97 local to me and I'd like to try my ECU in his car to confirm or rule out the fact that it may be bad.

    Any issues with the immobilizer?
     
  2. Beetle

    Beetle Formula Junior

    Apr 10, 2013
    776
    #2 Beetle, May 23, 2015
    Does the engine crank! Or just dash pilot lights? Need a little more info to assist. With mine it wouldn't crank engine due the immobiliser not sending signal due to battery and corrosion on contacts
     
  3. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    #3 SoCal1, May 23, 2015
    Look at the part number, 97 should be the same ecu
     
  4. Rob'Z

    Rob'Z Formula 3

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    #4 Rob'Z, May 23, 2015
    Cranks just fine.

    I should have an illuminated CEL (bypass valve wired open) but it's not lighting up. Leading me to believe the ECU is not powering on or it's bad.

    It started after the recent engine out. I'd experience a no start condition. I realized the CEL wasn't lit so I checked ECU connection. I reconnected and switched the battery back on. Turned the key and the CEL lit up. I cranked it and it fired right up.

    This happened maybe 5 or 6 more times and disconnecting/reconnecting the ECU fixed it every time except the last. I haven't driven my baby since Feb 2014!!!!!!! I crank it over every month to keep things lubricated and move the timing belts around. My five years of ownership is moving up July 31st and I'd really like to drive the car that day.

    There's another '97 in town now do I'd like to try my ECU in his car to see if it's bad or if I need to yank the motor again and dissect the wiring harness.......
     
  5. Rob'Z

    Rob'Z Formula 3

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    #5 Rob'Z, May 25, 2015
    So to my original question. Will I have issues with the immobilizer if I try to run another '97 off of my '97 ECU?
     
  6. Loser

    Loser Formula Junior

    Apr 11, 2008
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    Gilroy, CA
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    #6 Loser, May 25, 2015
    I have two 5.2 ECUs and they both work fine in my 97. The original was modified by the previous owner for a custom tune. As a result, no shop would work on my car, so I purchased a used ECU from a parts reseller and it works fine.

    - Tom
     
  7. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    May 29, 2001
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    #7 f355spider, May 26, 2015
    Last edited: May 26, 2015
    I would get a 8x loupe and examine the ECU plug connectors/pins closely. Could be a bad pin. Sometimes they can get "unlocked" from the plastic housing...so when you unplug and examine it, they look fine, but when you push it on, the pin backs out of the housing, making an incomplete connection. Worth checking
     
  8. WATSON

    WATSON Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Sep 9, 2010
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    #8 WATSON, May 26, 2015
    I have two ECU's for my 98 spider. The exchange without issue. P/N's match.
     
  9. eyboro

    eyboro Formula Junior
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    May 30, 2004
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    Eitan
    #9 eyboro, May 26, 2015
    Would a 5.2 EURO ECU work on a US 5.2 US car?
     
  10. Rob'Z

    Rob'Z Formula 3

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    #10 Rob'Z, May 27, 2015
    No Eitan, I'm bidding on that one to fix my car. Lol. If it doesn't solve my problem I'll sell it to you.

    Watson, Tom, thank you for clarifying for me. That is a big help.

    Hugh (lol), I do have some loose pins. I tried pushing them in from the wire side after connecting ECU. Still no luck but that could be my overall problem........
     
  11. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    #11 SoCal1, May 27, 2015
    If it started with an engine out
    More then likely you puked a few wires by the firewall or at the ECU plug. Happens a lot
    If all the pin outs look good you may have cut the harness by the firewall

    Good luck
     
  12. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
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    #12 f355spider, May 27, 2015
    +1. Heard the same from my local dealer...they have had a few 355s come in with phantom CE lights and find the car had a major performed by an independent and the cable bundle was pinched or damaged at the firewall. Takes a lot of time to diagnose and repair the broken wires but that corrected the issues.
     
  13. Rob'Z

    Rob'Z Formula 3

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    #13 Rob'Z, May 27, 2015
    Yeah, loose pins in my connector and possible pinched wires. My overhead light won't turn off without shutting off the battery switch. Looking more and more like a broken wire or two.

    I was careful feeding the loom through but it was the 4th or 5th engine out so over time I guess it fatigued.

    I have a lift in the garage now so I can take my time this go around and have a look at the wiring. Ugh.
     
  14. eyboro

    eyboro Formula Junior
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    #14 eyboro, May 29, 2015
    Last edited: May 29, 2015
    I'm the seller, tried to PM you but your message post is full.
     

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