If the ecu is removed for repair, can the starter battery be reconnected to enable cenral locking, alarm, tracker etc to operate?
Airbag ECU (again)
- Thread starter ontheroadagain
- Start date
- Dec 2, 2019
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Don't see why not - worst case is you'll need to do a Proxy Alignment when the airbag ECU is refitted.
i'd agree i dont see why not, but, perhaps avoid turning the ignition on if you can this may avoid the need for a proxi alignment when the ECU is refitted.
- Jul 1, 2010
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Just removed mine today told OK to reconnect battery but not to start engine.
Gellyneck
LIFE MEMBER
When I removed ours to send it to Crashdata I had to return the motorhome to storage.
Apart from the warning light remaining on (obviously!) there was no issues then and when unit was refitted light extinguished.
ontheroadagain However, if you're sending it to Crashdata for repair \ replacement it would be worthwhile giving Jean a call to confirm 0300 808 8674.
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OP
OP
Thanks. I have contacted Jean and she has confirmed that it is ok to reconnect the battery.
As above, others have done it without issue.
OP
OP
I should point out that the airbag ecu failure has happened on a brand new motorhome that we are due to collect tomorrow.
The dealer has brought it to Fiat who have ordered in a new ecu, but due to shortages/demand they are quoting 6 weeks for delivery.
My options are -
a)Take delivery and drive it (with no operational airbags) until the part arrives.
b)Delay collection until it is fixed.
c)Take delivery, remove the ecu and send it to crash data for repair.
Currently option "c" is my preferred option as the 6 weeks could easily become 8 or 10.
It really is time that Fiat sorted this problem as it has been going on for years.
The dealer has brought it to Fiat who have ordered in a new ecu, but due to shortages/demand they are quoting 6 weeks for delivery.
My options are -
a)Take delivery and drive it (with no operational airbags) until the part arrives.
b)Delay collection until it is fixed.
c)Take delivery, remove the ecu and send it to crash data for repair.
Currently option "c" is my preferred option as the 6 weeks could easily become 8 or 10.
It really is time that Fiat sorted this problem as it has been going on for years.
Gellyneck
LIFE MEMBER
As another (possible) option I see Crashdata are advertising "new" (but I think they may be refurbed) so could you buy one of those and fit with the cost passed to the dealer? Save you having to remove and post the fitted device.
Got a feeling that I read somewhere (but could very well be wrong) that these are more robust than the originals.
After two failed "crash Data" repairs which only lasted days, Had my new one fitted last week by main fiat commercial garage (Motus)
they did a great job £288 for the unit and £80 for fitting... comes with a two year guarantee
they did a great job £288 for the unit and £80 for fitting... comes with a two year guarantee
Option A would be my direction and C would be my last. If you do A or B then the unit is covered under Fiat warranty, I would think C would make all future problems down to you.
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OP
OP
Thanks.
But how would anyone know it had been repaired?
Surely it would be impossible to tell.
OP
OP
It is generally assumed that when the airbag warning light is on, the airbags will not operate.
Has anyone had this confirmed by Fiat?
Seeing how common this problem is there must be lots of Ducatos driving around without operational airbags.
Surely this would leave Fiat exposed to legal action in the event of a major accident considering they have know about this for years.
Has anyone had this confirmed by Fiat?
Seeing how common this problem is there must be lots of Ducatos driving around without operational airbags.
Surely this would leave Fiat exposed to legal action in the event of a major accident considering they have know about this for years.
A log is written to the EEPROM with hours used, so anyone looking will know the age of the ECU , miles driven and any faults.
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Is there an option d) to temporarily borrow one from another of their stock motorhomes until Fiat can deliver the new ECU?
- Jul 1, 2010
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Apparently not they have to be coded to the vehicle ecu by Fiat
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SandraL
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This is true but is easy to do with correct fiat kit , or aftermarket like multiecuscan.
Called proxi alignment, introduces the airbag ecu to the vehicle.
Stealaway
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I ran around for most of the summer with the red light on when mine failed and another week until it came back from Crashdata. No need to have it reprogramed just simply refitted it
Gellyneck
LIFE MEMBER
Believe Crashdata use Multiecuscan to reset \ repair the ECU module.
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Posted airbag module noon Wednesday paid for next day delivery, Crashdata received, fixed it and posted it Thursday. Received midday Friday fitted and tested all OK so passed MOT. Good service from both Post Office and Crashdata. Photo of label with fault highlighted
attached by Crashdata.
Lenny HB
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They nearly always fail on too high or too low voltage, obviously, the designer never intended them to be used in a motor vehicle.
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I know that this has probably been said before, but,,
It really would be good to know if " working" Fiat Ducato's have the same frequency of this problem.
I guess that we will never get to know.
It really would be good to know if " working" Fiat Ducato's have the same frequency of this problem.
I guess that we will never get to know.
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A for me. If B was forced on me I would want compensation for every day It was unavailable to me from Fiat.
Yes Don't even go down C route as fiat will wash their hands of you & it might affect any other type of problem you may need fixed.
Stealaway
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Working Fiat's are working everyday and never stand about for months with batteries going flat.I know that this has probably been said before, but,,
It really would be good to know if " working" Fiat Ducato's have the same frequency of this problem.
I guess that we will never get to know.
When ours is parked up it has both the solar and ehu on a timer but we still lost an airbag ecu when around 4 / 5 years.
OP
OP
We have taken delivery of our new motorhome and will wait for the new ecu to arrive from Fiat.
We won’t be going far for the next month anyway so hopefully it won’t be too long to wait.
We won’t be going far for the next month anyway so hopefully it won’t be too long to wait.
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stevewagner
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Would option A affect your insurance?
Stealaway
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I can't remember when mine failed but I do make sure to keep the batteries charged all the time and mine lasted 4-5 years.
Who knows really
I would have the ecu repaired at crash data and then you will be ok for airbag deployment etc.and have the new one fitted when it arrives from fiat
Just take a note if the serial number.deoenfent on your van type they don't take long to remove and repair ,refit. At least you know you will be safe travelling ,
I think they also do a remove and refit for around £120 at Liverpool.
TheBig1
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It really surprises me that an enterprising individual or company have not made and marketed a "black box" that plugs in between loom and airbag ecu. All it needs is a simple buck/boost voltage stabiliser set at the optimal voltage. It would take the incoming voltage and only put out the correct voltage or nothing, so protecting the crapily designed ecu
TheBig1
Deceased RIP
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anyone need an airbag ECU?
www.partsworld-uk.com
Airbag ECU - Ducato
This is a genuine Fiat Ducato airbag ECU to fit the following: Fiat Ducato 2014> This is for versions with the following: Additional front seatAir bagWithout AEBS, LDWS, Signal and high beam recognition kitWithout Front Side-air BagsWithout passenger seat belt alert If you send your chassis...
www.partsworld-uk.com
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