Replacing the ECU, reprogram or just a swap?

[domdino]

Hey guys! I have to replace the ECU according to my mechanic. Stupid check engine light won't go off giving me the P0411 code for Sec Air Injection incorrect flow detected, but he said he checked the flow and everything is running fine so wanted to replace the ECU...

He said it would cost nearly $1000 to do this, so my question is... i've found an ECU with the exact same part numbers/serials etc. as my current one for $100, if i pull out mine and replace it with this one will i need some kind of gadget to reprogram it or anything like that, or will i be able to simply plugin the new (used) ecu?

I have a 1999-2000 model bug 2.0, and i've read that the immobilizer stuff didn't come about till 2001?

Thanks a lot!!

[Smileybug]

I doubt that the ECU needs replacing. Has the code been cleared? SAI problems seem to be common in these cars, so I'd get a second opinion.

[jason m]

BS get a second opinion. That is not a technician that is a parts changer.

[domdino]

Apparently yes, he said it was cleared but came back up immediately, maybe i should take it somewhere else first... it just hurts because here in LA everyone will charge me $100 just to check the engine code out, let alone anything else, so it seems like i could just replace the thing myself for that hundred bucks and at least see if that was the problem - if it persists i'll know that i need to continue and get something else done.

So i'm just wondering mainly, if i replace the ECU myself, is it just a matter of swapping it out or will i need to have expensive gadgets to recode it as well?

[jason m]

Originally Posted by domdino

Apparently yes, he said it was cleared but came back up immediately, maybe i should take it somewhere else first... it just hurts because here in LA everyone will charge me $100 just to check the engine code out, let alone anything else, so it seems like i could just replace the thing myself for that hundred bucks and at least see if that was the problem - if it persists i'll know that i need to continue and get something else done.

So i'm just wondering mainly, if i replace the ECU myself, is it just a matter of swapping it out or will i need to have expensive gadgets to recode it as well?

The ECU is a computer, the incorrect flow can be because of a bad connection at the sensor that monitors the SAI pump. The tech should be able to give you a detailed reason to replace the ECU if faulty. I would find the sensor and clean or at least plug the connector in a couple times and retest.

[simonsi]

I dont recall EVER seeing or even hearing 2nd hand etc that this code was caused by the ECU.

I would take some convincing that there isn't a leak of some kind or the pump is leaking or not running - has a new (if necessary) pump been tried??? Swap one know to be good if you don't want the new cost....

[Stlbug]

Take your car to a authorized VW dealership ,Pay the $100and face the truth. Your problem very well not be the ECU. A leak or a bad sensor maybe? Seems to me that the ECU will tell you if it is having problems. Now that I think about it, this sounds like a MAF, Throtle body, or the the secondary air flow switch valve, maybe bad CAT or exhaust flow , the problem could be at the other end. Some componets and sensors will not trip a code until they fail totaly. To me it would be worth the 100 dollars to find out for sure.

[Smileybug]

Here is some info on the code. Its not just "checking the flow". You have to check for leaks, pump functionality, etc.

16795/P0411/001041 - Ross-Tech Wiki
16795/P0411/001041 - Secondary Air Injection System: Incorrect Flow Detected
Possible Symptoms

* Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) ON

Possible Causes

* Fuel Pump Relay (J17) faulty
* Hoses/Pipes to/between Components faulty/clogged
* Secondary Air Injection Pump (V101) faulty
* Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay (J299) faulty
* Secondary Air Injection Solenoid Valve (N112) faulty

Possible Solutions

* Check Fuel Pump Relay (J17)
* Check Hoses/Pipes to/between Components
o Check Secondary Air Injection Hoses/Pipes for Carbonization
* Check Secondary Air Injection Pump (V101)
* Check Secondary Air Injection Pump Relay (J299)
* Check Secondary Air Injection Solenoid Valve (N112)

[pencilneck]

Originally Posted by domdino

So i'm just wondering mainly, if i replace the ECU myself, is it just a matter of swapping it out or will i need to have expensive gadgets to recode it as well?

If you replace the ECM (which I doubt will fix the issue), you will need to do a Throttle Body Alignment and you may also have to do an adaptation for the Immobilizer (2000 year model). You will need a dealer level diagnostic scan tool like VCDS to do this.

Throttle Body Alignment (TBA) - Ross-Tech Wiki

Immobilizer II ECU Swapping - Ross-Tech Wiki

Take a look at your air pump, is it the kind that is held together with 6 rivets? Could your kombi valve be clogged? Has this been an issue for an extended time and now the cylinder head is clogged?

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

Check for any vacuum leaks from the SAIP pump, Kombi valve, closely inspect the SAIP plastic hoses for cracks/leaks or a bad connection, check for any exhaust leaks between the catalytic converter and engine.

[AndyBees]

Here is my suggestion, I'd go over to the TDIClub.com and look at the Guru list. Find your state/province and then look for the nearest Guru. Contact that guy and he may know someone that works on the Gassers. Or, you might be lucky and learn that he also knows his $hit when it comes to the 2.0 gasser.

If you were close to me, I'd let you use my VAG COM for free. Also, add a few bucks to the $100.00 you were talking about and buy yourself a ScanGauge!

If your car is starting, running, etc., but has a CEL for what you mentioned, I seriously doubt that the problem has anything to do with the ECU's condition!

I got some real good Swamp land in Florida, are you interested?