6 replies to this topic

[Avl_Paul]

Hey folks,

Yet another question. My investigations are coming to the conclusion that the ECU is definitely faulty. (Example: voltmeter shows TPS working perfectly but the diagnostic shows that the ECU is not measuring. ECU does not move the stepper correctly.)

I have a late 1995 Mini Cooper that has the 24-way fuse block and factory immbolizer that is turned off with the key fob. I found an ECU for sale from the same time period but the seller has informed me that the ECU will need to be synchronized to the immobolizer unit using a TestBook system. This will not be an option in the States. Is there any other option? I have a borrowed Sykes ACR and it will not do this. Does the Crypton ACT have that capability?

How difficult is it to bypass the immobolizer or will the ECU not allow this? I can not find any electrical diagrams showing the immobolizer in the circuit but can tell that it switches the starter coil ground. Does it affect other circuits?

Thanks,
Paul

[BoyracerAU]

Hi Paul,

I don't know if this will help, and it's best if someone can verify this, but I don't believe my Japanese spec car had a factory immobiliser/alarm in it to start with. It certainly didn't when I got it... which is why I had one installed.

So perhaps none of them did? In which case, you might find it easiest to get your hands on an ex-Japan spec ECU.

Anyway, I have just today received a second hand ECU which is not coded, I'm yet to try it out. Perhaps an uncoded ECU will work for you too?

[Sprocket]

Late Uncoded Cooper ECU part number MNE101070

[SMP]

Somebody's swiped the alarm / immobilser off mine - it had one once but it ain't now - still got the fob so I know it had one. So you should be able to take it out of the loop - to at least troubleshoot any problem.

[Avl_Paul]

What happens if I plug an uncoded ECU into a car with the harness with the immobolizer? Do I have to rewire?

[Sprocket]

no it should just ignore the code signal

alarm will still work in the normal way, if it still imobilises the starter, link the alarm box out, PM me and i will discuss that as and when/if you need to do that

[Avl_Paul]

Thanks - will do.

I have heard on the MPI's that you have to re-synch the handheld and the immobolizer if the battery dies and programming is lost. Do the SPI's work in the same way? The ECU is behaving like it isn't receiving the code even when the light goes out on the column.

-P