ECU Problems - Wont start

[Dinnar]

I turn on the ignition and the dash lights up, shows low fuel when its full, shows service warning and then wont start. I replaced battery and key still no go, then managed to start by removing starter relay, using a paper clip on 3 and 6 with key in ignition and it fires up. I took it to a Holden dealer and it started all day so they couldnt find any problem but charged me $57 anyway after switching a couple of relays around. A few days later it wouldnt start again, so I took it to an auto electrician. He came back advising that there was a communication problem between the bcm, ecu and dash. They then suggested an easier way to start the car, just remove the 10amp ECU fuse for 10 secs and replace it. This seems to reset the ECU and it then starts, doesnt last for long though. Holden dealer wants another $100 to have a look. Seems like the ECU is the problem! Has anyone else had or heard of this problem and can the ECU be wiped and re programmed? I think Holden want to sell me a new computer at $1200. DOH

[-scyth-]

I turn on the ignition and the dash lights up, shows low fuel when its full, shows service warning and then wont start. I replaced battery and key still no go, then managed to start by removing starter relay, using a paper clip on 3 and 6 with key in ignition and it fires up. I took it to a Holden dealer and it started all day so they couldnt find any problem but charged me $57 anyway after switching a couple of relays around. A few days later it wouldnt start again, so I took it to an auto electrician. He came back advising that there was a communication problem between the bcm, ecu and dash. They then suggested an easier way to start the car, just remove the 10amp ECU fuse for 10 secs and replace it. This seems to reset the ECU and it then starts, doesnt last for long though. Holden dealer wants another $100 to have a look. Seems like the ECU is the problem! Has anyone else had or heard of this problem and can the ECU be wiped and re programmed? I think Holden want to sell me a new computer at $1200. DOH

If your in Melbourne speak to a guy on this forum called 'Dr.Bob'. He may be able to help you. Good luck though.

[Dinnar]

Thanks Trident, any clues as to how to contact Doctor Bob. Called a second holden dealer today and they recon its the BCM or the key, da dum da dum and the beat goes on!

[Troy5L]

maybe go to the wreckers and see if you can score a vz ecu, or even look on ebay

[andyman]

maybe go to the wreckers and see if you can score a vz ecu, or even look on ebay

you would still need to go to holden to have it reprogrammed, as the 'vats system' wont like having another ecm added unless its been matched to the bcm, icu, pim etc,


if the auto electrician said the ecm, icu and bcm arnt communicating properly, id be checking the pim 'powertrain interface module' although i havnt heard of many issues with them

[impulsive]

i havre had the same issue once or twice, the deal with this is lack of fuel, the fuel pick up has no fuel in it, well the computer thinks that anyway and wont allow the engine to spark, i believe it may be something to do with air in the fuel lines. But a splash of fuel $15 or bout 10L will normally get the car to respond and spark, or shorting the relay will make it respond..