Hello
After introducing myself on the new member's section last night I have been advised to copy and paste my problem here:
Hello and firstly thank you for welcoming me into your club
I am a relatively new MR2 Roadster owner (12 months) and only came across the marque by chance.
I own a classic Triumph which needed some serious restoration and I was casually looking for a suitable open top to replace it whilst this happened. I saw an MR2 for sale locally, bought it and fell in love with it.
Now I have a serious problem with it (I think) If I should be posting this elsewhere please tell me.
The battery had gone flat and I jump started it off my Mondeo diesel. Something went "pop" in the rear and it';s never run since
An auto electrician inspected it yesterday and confirmed all fuses and relays are ok. However he could not get his analyser to connect with the ECU. He finally concluded that the car was immobilised but couldn't get any fault codes. Apparently the immobiliser isolates the injectors.
His advice was to remove the ECU and send it away to be tested.
That's as far as I've got.
Does any off this ring any bells with anyone.
All advice is much appreciated as I am looking forward to fun driving again (the Triumph is still not on the road!!)
Regards
David
In answer to the responses I got last night from members.
Yes there are lights on the dash
Battery is fully charged
Earths seem good
It turns over easily but does not fire
Yes the red immobiliser light is on
I've tried both keys
I have a spark and the fuel pump is working
The car seems to be immobilised via the injectors...it will fire roughly and for a few seconds if some easy start is squirted down the air intake
I always thought the ecu immobiliser cut power to the fuel pump and ignition system rather than the injectors so if the fuel pump is working I don't think it's an immobiliser issue.
Assuming the electrician checked all the fuses but there's a big (100 amp?) fuse for the ECU itself which is prone to blowing if you happen to get your wires crossed when jump starting, or connect the battery the wrong way, which has been known to happen.
Quote from: Call the midlife! on July 22, 2020, 09:30I always thought the ecu immobiliser cut power to the fuel pump and ignition system rather than the injectors so if the fuel pump is working I don't think it's an immobiliser issue.
Assuming the electrician checked all the fuses but there's a big (100 amp?) fuse for the ECU itself which is prone to blowing if you happen to get your wires crossed when jump starting, or connect the battery the wrong way, which has been known to happen.
The fact that you heard a 'pop' sounds like a biggish fuse blowing...
Parallel to checking the fuses (again), order an OBD2 reader. Cheap enough and very handy. Even if only to reset fault codes yourself.
If the immobiliser light is still flashing when your key is turned to ignition or start, that means the key hasn't been accepted by the immobiliser. Might be the reason behind the problem.
There is a key programming guide in the how to section with a set of things to do to programme a key to the immobiliser. Have a go at that and, if the steps don't work, it might point to an immobiliser or Ecu problem.
Thanks for those replies
I've sent the ECU off for testing now
Petrus...I have an OBD2 reader but as with the electricians gear it wont connect to the ECU
Call the Midlife...I assume you mean the big one that has to be accessed by removing the fusebox...it's ok
If you need a replacement ECU, you will find details for Dick Sloan on the site. A MR2 specialist who will help you.
The big pop is indeed concerning.
Quote from: paulj on July 22, 2020, 10:26If you need a replacement ECU, you will find details for Dick Sloan on the site. A MR2 specialist who will help you.
Alternatively there's
@Rhysthemr2breaker who might have an ECU.
I've got an ecu you can put on to test and also a laptop with software in Eccles - except I'm in the South of France until the 3rd August but the offers there when I'm back
Is it an import by the way or UK model?
Quote from: tets on July 22, 2020, 10:58Is it an import by the way or UK model?
That occurred to me. Need to twiddle settings in torque pro or need a specfic dongle to communicate with obd.
@Carolyn I am hoping it is still just a chunky fuse.
I can lend you a JDM ecu. It doesn't have an immobiliser and will run any car.
That way you'll know if it's ECU or something else.
Did this for another member and it showed up a bad ECU.
What a helpful and lovely lot of people you are. :)
I am assuming the car is UK spec.
I have previously connected an OBD2 to the car...that's how I identified the O2 sensor problem last year.
The loan of ECUs is a very generous offer.
I was under the impression that an ECU swop meant changing the immobiliser and the ignition switch transponder at least, if that's not the case then that would be good news.
Tet...Thanks,I'm not going anywhere soon...enjoy France
Carolyn, that's a nice offer, how would be arrange it?
Quote from: David59 on July 22, 2020, 17:39What a helpful and lovely lot of people you are. :)
I am assuming the car is UK spec.
I have previously connected an OBD2 to the car...that's how I identified the O2 sensor problem last year.
The loan of ECUs is a very generous offer.
I was under the impression that an ECU swop meant changing the immobiliser and the ignition switch transponder at least, if that's not the case then that would be good news.
Tet...Thanks,I'm not going anywhere soon...enjoy France
Carolyn, that's a nice offer, how would be arrange it?
Send me a private message with your address. This ECU will run your car. But please be careful with it, no jumper cables!!
Quote from: David59 on July 22, 2020, 17:39What a helpful and lovely lot of people you are. :)
:)
It is also nice when new members engage and acknowledge/appreciate the help they are getting. Like you have done.
Some come, get answers and never seen again.
Well played.
Thanks Ardent
I know what you mean.
Your forum seems a friendly place, I've been a member of other forums for other marques and I've seen bickering, character assassination and rudeness.
I am now hopeful I will get the car running again with help from your helpful bunch
Regards
David
Just a thought; if you have plugged obd2 in before, depending on what you plugged in isn't it more likely to be a UK/EU spec ecu then?
Quote from: David59 on July 22, 2020, 22:19Thanks Ardent
I know what you mean.
Your forum seems a friendly place, I've been a member of other forums for other marques and I've seen bickering, character assassination and rudeness.
I am now hopeful I will get the car running again with help from your helpful bunch
Regards
David
Have to say, I struck lucky. Found this forum and never looked anywhere else.
If you can make it, try to get to Shin Ding. See the events section.
If your 2 is up n running, great. If not, come anyway.
From your opening post.
"I saw an MR2 for sale locally, bought it and fell in love with it."
Yep. That happens a lot. Same here.
Hello again
Here's an update
Carolyn kindly lent me an MR2 S JDMN ECU
After charging the battery, I plugged it in this afternoon.
As predicted..no immobiliser light.
Turned the key and the car fired but only for a second
I've tried 3 times but don't want to keep turning over for fear of damage to the ECU.
I had the fuel pump out several weeks ago and bench tested it so I know it works.
I'm 99 percent certain it's back correctly. It's still accessible...should I hear it start up when the ignition is turned on?
Pretty certain the auto electrician said the relays in the engine bay were ok but I guess they're all pretty crucial to start up...except the horn.
As always...suggestions gratefully accepted
David
ps still can't get OBD2 to see ECU
Mention was made above of the 100Amp fuse, - I believe it's underneath the engine bay fuse box. Have you checked it?
Did it run at all on the other ECU?
OBD2 will not talk to a JDM ecu, but adding a line of code to Torque pro will allow communication.
You won't damage the ECU so long as you're careful with the battery.
If you disconnect the battery you should hear the pump fire up when you reconnect.
If this is what the car was doing before, we've ruled out the ECU.
I'm still thinking fuse.
Whatever went 'pop' is disrupting the fuel injection, it would seem.
Better auto electrician might be a wheeze!
Did it run at all on the other ECU? ....NO
OBD2 will not talk to a JDM ecu, but adding a line of code to Torque pro will allow communication. OK
You won't damage the ECU so long as you're careful with the battery.... Thank you
If you disconnect the battery you should hear the pump fire up when you reconnect.... I'll do that in the morning
Quote from: David59 on July 24, 2020, 19:44Did it run at all on the other ECU? ....NO
OBD2 will not talk to a JDM ecu, but adding a line of code to Torque pro will allow communication. OK
You won't damage the ECU so long as you're careful with the battery.... Thank you
If you disconnect the battery you should hear the pump fire up when you reconnect.... I'll do that in the morning
I've sent you a PM with the lowdown on JDM and Torque Pro
Thanks
You could also take the spark plugs out and spin it over. It should reek of petrol - if it doesn't listen for the injectors clicking. No click - injectors aren't operating, if they are clicking the fuel pump is not supplying enough pressure.
Thank you..good idea
Off to York today so a job for tomorrow
PS I PMed you
SUCCESS!! ;D
The car is running.
As suggested by Carolyn I removed the spark plugs but being lazy left the difficult one in.
Spun the engine to smell for petrol and it actually tried running for a few seconds on one cylinder and I had petrol.
Plugs back in and tried starting again. Runs for only a few seconds. A bit of head scratching and staring at the engine and then inspiration. Whilst the mechanic was here we had pulled the air intake off and squirted easy start down the pipe to see if we could get ignition...it was still off. Reconnected it and car fired first time.
If I'd reconnected it as soon as I'd fitted Carolyn's ECU on Friday I bet it would have started then.
I now await the results of my ECU that I sent off for testing last week as I think (correct me if I'm wrong) it all points to my ECU immobilising the car and/or being faulty.
Advice please
Do I get it repaired?
Do I look for a replacement and does that have the added expense of swopping other components?
How easy is it to obtain a JDM ECU like Carolyn's?
Carolyn, I need to make arrangements to get yours back to you.
Finally, I'd like to thank everyone on this forum for their support and advice and generosity. It's really heartening to know people like you are out there and willing to lend a hand. I will certainly be making a donation to the club and try and keep in touch.
Yee hah! RESULT!!!
Contact Mr Sloan (our affiliated breaker) and he'll sort you a replacement ecu and keys surprisingly little dosh. You should be able to swap key internals into your key fobs, so you don't have to change locks. These ECUs don't repair.
I'll PM my address.
Don't be a stranger, the club always needs proper people!
Really glad you're on the road to being sorted!
Is it definitely a JDM ecu you're after?
If you have an immobiliser and all that, doesn't that mean a "normal" uk spec ecu will do?
Thanks for the advice
Do I understand this correctly.
If I obtain an ECU and keys from Mr Sloan I won't need to change the immobiliser or anything else
Again many thanks
Quote from: shnazzle on July 27, 2020, 20:04Really glad you're on the road to being sorted!
Is it definitely a JDM ecu you're after?
If you have an immobiliser and all that, doesn't that mean a "normal" uk spec ecu will do?
He'll be wanting a Euro spec ECU. JDM ECU is rocking horse pooh!
David59: The immobiliser is a function of the ECU. There is no 'immobiliser unit'.
Quote from: Carolyn on July 27, 2020, 20:27Quote from: shnazzle on July 27, 2020, 20:04Really glad you're on the road to being sorted!
Is it definitely a JDM ecu you're after?
If you have an immobiliser and all that, doesn't that mean a "normal" uk spec ecu will do?
He'll be wanting a Euro spec ECU. JDM ECU is rocking horse pooh!
David59: The immobiliser is a function of the ECU. There is no 'immobiliser unit'.
Ah. Phew. That's miles easier.
I know I saw a stack of ECUs at Dick's a couple weeks ago.
Whether he has the matching locks is another question.
Worst case scenario you need to have two keys on your keyring.
Good to hear you are gettig progress.
Worth getting in touch with Dick asap as he will be at shinding day on saturday so will be heading south to get there I assume.
I messaged Dick last night and he's able to supply me an ECU and key fob..hope to be on the road soon :)
Quote from: David59 on July 28, 2020, 17:47I messaged Dick last night and he's able to supply me an ECU and key fob..hope to be on the road soon :)
By all means use the JDM ECU until the replacement arrives. Might as well have some fun.
Quote from: shnazzle on July 27, 2020, 20:32Quote from: Carolyn on July 27, 2020, 20:27Quote from: shnazzle on July 27, 2020, 20:04Really glad you're on the road to being sorted!
Is it definitely a JDM ecu you're after?
If you have an immobiliser and all that, doesn't that mean a "normal" uk spec ecu will do?
He'll be wanting a Euro spec ECU. JDM ECU is rocking horse pooh!
David59: The immobiliser is a function of the ECU. There is no 'immobiliser unit'.
Ah. Phew. That's miles easier.
I know I saw a stack of ECUs at Dick's a couple weeks ago.
Whether he has the matching locks is another question.
Worst case scenario you need to have two keys on your keyring.
You don't need the locks surely. you just move the transponder from the new key that matches the new ECU into the old key that matches the old locks.
Quote from: jonbill on July 28, 2020, 19:37Quote from: shnazzle on July 27, 2020, 20:32Quote from: Carolyn on July 27, 2020, 20:27Quote from: shnazzle on July 27, 2020, 20:04Really glad you're on the road to being sorted!
Is it definitely a JDM ecu you're after?
If you have an immobiliser and all that, doesn't that mean a "normal" uk spec ecu will do?
He'll be wanting a Euro spec ECU. JDM ECU is rocking horse pooh!
David59: The immobiliser is a function of the ECU. There is no 'immobiliser unit'.
Ah. Phew. That's miles easier.
I know I saw a stack of ECUs at Dick's a couple weeks ago.
Whether he has the matching locks is another question.
Worst case scenario you need to have two keys on your keyring.
You don't need the locks surely. you just move the transponder from the new key that matches the new ECU into the old key that matches the old locks.
Yup that's even easier :)