Replacing the ECU- dealer job only?

[davegixer]

 Hi all,

I have an ECU fault on my MK5 GTI '05 (P0601 Internal Contr.Module Memory Check Sum Error) which apparently means I need a new ECU!?   

Does anyone know anything about replacing them, I know there are some second hand ones available but I have been told they can only be replaced by main dealers due to needing reprogramming- they are not just plug and play?

Has anyone had to replace theirs yet?

Any advice very much appreciated.

[bacillus]

Unfortunately it's a dealer job as the clocks and keys need to be re-programmed to match the new ecu...

[ub7rm]

Who told you that?  There was a recall for early ones (05 included obviously) for 'check sum errors'.  The fix was to flash an updated map on the ECU.  Dealer should do this for free.  When I say recall it wasn't a recall as such but anytime your car goes to a dealer they check and apply the updates automatically.

[Rhyso]

Unfortunately it's a dealer job as the clocks and keys need to be re-programmed to match the new ecu...

not unless you have to access to the right software............

[davegixer]

Cheers for the info fellas.

I need to find a dealer that will return my calls I think! Fingers firmly crossed they can flash the memory to rectify it.

If not, at least I know it is almost definately a dealer job to replace it.

Thanks again gents.

[stevieC]

£950 from dealers,had mine replaced on 56plate gti under warranty.

[ub7rm]

£950 from dealers,had mine replaced on 56plate gti under warranty.

 

[davegixer]

£950 from dealers,had mine replaced on 56plate gti under warranty.

Gulp. Ah well, I factored it into the price when I bought it.  Cheers stevieC

[Rhyso]

£950 from dealers,had mine replaced on 56plate gti under warranty.

Gulp. Ah well, I factored it into the price when I bought it.  Cheers stevieC

find your local tuning company like REVO - they have access to stock files and would at least be able to interrogate your ECU to find out if its the cause - would have thought they charge less than the dealer too 

also buy a 2nd hand ECU from a scrappy and get that programmed - if it works then you won't have shelled out £950 for one!!

[danny_p]

it can be done a lot cheeper without the dealer involved.

last time i had a problem like this, mk4 tdi   i went the scrappy pulled an ecu that had the same PN   then presented car to tuneing shop and said soemthign like,

 this box,  that car,  can has working and turned upto 11 while your at it  please