ecu removal
 

Hi all. Ive got an 850 tdi and was wondering if i remove my ecu is there a time limit on having it unplugged or does it not matter. i dont intend to have it out for days but i dont want to take it out and put it back to or find it wont start or all the lights are on on the dash.

Never had that problem myself but then Ive only had it removed for a few minutes whilst swapping them over between cars.

So if i was to say i should need to have it out for hlf an hour to an hour, probably wont be that long but just to be safe, will this be ok. im just trying to be safe rather than sorry really, its one of them things that is great if nothing goes wrong but if something does happen then your stuffed which leads me to my next question.... Can ecu's be change for another thats the same without any problems ie unplug mine then plug in another ecu and thats it.

You can leave it out as long as you want and the worst is you will clear any error codes stored in the ecu

There is only one rule for removing ECU`s and that is you have to give 150 seconds after you have switched off the ignition before you remove it.

If you have an immobiliser fitted then it`s 240 seconds.

This is to allow the electric current to dissipate through the relays etc.

I've been trying to find info on ECU removal myself.

Had a go this afternoon without success. Then I found this video :-

ARD Tuning Removal Tool

Seems like there's a special tool (as always) Has anyone improvised? Seems like it should e possible to knock one up quite easily.

Oops ignore above misread your post, the above only affects V70's 1999 onwards.

Before removing the ECU, I strongly suggest disconnecting the negative battery cable and waiting a few minutes. No, it matters not how long the ECU is disconnected so long as the connector terminals do not get wet.