OBD2 reset of thermocoupler ECU on 550? | FerrariChat
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OBD2 reset of thermocoupler ECU on 550?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by bobafett, Apr 13, 2005.

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  1. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    #1 bobafett, Apr 13, 2005
    Ok, so the 2001 is a Controlled Area Network car, but the thermocouplers seem to be the same as on the '97.

    I had the silly things die on my 97, and given the emissions warranty, they were replaced after establishing a history of error. I know what to look for and what not to look for with respect ot the slowdown light, and found that the new car ('01) just had the same issue. After much diagnosis, we determined it was the same thermocoupler ECUs.

    So now I've established a history, but the problem has to happen again before warranty will replace them (to make sure it's not just a one-time occurence).

    My problem is that with the big Rampage event, I don't want to be caught half-way to vegas cursing the day. So, I was wondering which, if any, ODB2 scan tools can reset the ECUs so as to turn off any slow-down warning lights (on the 550s they are just "slow down" flashing or solid depending on condition code checked) - I know it's the ECUs and I'm not worried about that as I've been through this myriad times, had this car checked out top to bottom multiple times, etc.

    Ideally, the scan tool will just clear the light and trick the thermocouplers into not retarding the engine, not remove the code from the computer (so i can have it downloaded to SD2 whenever i have a chance), but if it clears the code completely that's ok too - I'll just make a note of it.

    Anyone (Brian) have thoughts on which tool if any is applicable? Also, if you know which specific codes will show up that I need to clear, that would be even more kick-ass.

    --Dan
     
  2. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,089
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    #2 Rifledriver, Apr 13, 2005
    Dan I do not own nor have I ever used a scan tool so I cannot help you there. The SD1+2 which I have, has such greater capabilities, and since all I work on is Ferrari I have never had need for scan tools. I would say however that as far as I am concerned (and practiced for many years in the dealer) that a single incident of slow down lights or check engine lights for cat overheat in the abscence of any supporting evidence to support that warning, justified replacement of the cat temp ecu under warranty. If they are of the early type it justified replacement of both.

    My job as I saw it in that circumstance was not to further inconvienence you, and drive up labor costs for my company by taking more of my time to gather greater evidence that the sun would come up tomorrow, or in this instance that the cat temp ecu's are bad.

    In short, the parts are trash and everyone knows it. Tell them to replace them and get on with life.
     
  3. bobafett

    bobafett F1 Veteran

    Sep 28, 2002
    9,193
    #3 bobafett, Apr 13, 2005
    Brian - fair enough. They were pretty chill about doing it last time, but the go-fast rule was happens once, probably chance, happens twice, replace them both. I just don't wanna get stuck on the way to vegas with the silly red lights.

    --Dan
     
  4. 4i2fly

    4i2fly Formula 3

    Apr 16, 2004
    1,333
    SF, Bay Area
    #4 4i2fly, Apr 15, 2005
    Dan,

    I hope this helps...I was reading an article on EDN and ran into this device AutoXray EZ-Link OBD II which claims to be compatible with 1996 or later US, Euro, and Asian OBD II compatible vehicles. Here’s their contact info:
    AutoXray
    1-800-595-9729
    www.autoxray.com

    Cheers,
    Matt
     

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