ECU swap question. - Land Rovers Only

DeadHead86 · 11-03-2009, 11:15 AM

Can the engine ECU be swapped out of a donor truck, along with the donor trucks security ECU without any engine malfunction in the receiving truck? Or is having the bad one rebuilt the only legitimate option?

DeadHead86 · 11-03-2009, 12:24 PM

osiristheclown · 11-03-2009, 07:20 PM

You can swap the ECU and alarm unit out for a set from another truck along with key fob from the donor truck. If they came out as a set they will work without doing anything. I'm running a setup out of a late 97 that had AEL in my non AEL truck with no codes being thrown. I take it your ECU is bad? Ideally you should try to locate an ECU with the same number as what came out and try to get the alarm and key fob with it.

You can also purchase an ECU and have it sync'd to your existing alarm and fob. I explored this option since the only stealer around here doesn't want to be bothered with a 97. I found a place that has a couple test trucks, you send your stuff to them and they install it in their truck and sync it up. I didn't go that route since I found a complete setup and rolled the dice and it worked for me. I did buy parts from them though, they were outstanding in customer service and great prices and I will buy from them from now on. They really went the extra mile to help me with my ECU issue, and that was before I spent any money with them at all. They have my business as long as I drive a Rover.

What is the number on your ECU? I have one for my 97 that is non AEL and worked perfectly until it locked me out from not being sync'd with my alarm. GEMS ECU's will allow you to start the truck once, then immobilize when shut down unless sync'd.

If you find a complete setup and swap it in remember to erase any codes stored from the donor truck.

DeadHead86 · 11-04-2009, 10:53 AM

Yea, mine is toast. Was going to have it sent off and rebuilt, but thats going to take at least 2 weeks from what I was told. Thats 2 weeks that I just cant be without a means to get around. For about the same price that it would cost me to ship it off and have it rebuilt, I found a donor with both ECUs. As far as computers in these things go, Im pretty much in the dark.

Now, as long as both of the ECUs are from the same donor, I shouldnt have any issues with the system locking down, right? I wont be using a fob, as I never have to begin with. Ive always just used the key itself to lock/unlock and start.

Thanks for the reply

osiristheclown · 11-04-2009, 12:27 PM

Are the donor parts the same part number as what you have? It may not even matter, my truck is non AEL and I have a set from an AEL truck and no codes but YMMV. Just disconnect the battery before you unplug either unit, swap them out and reconnect the battery cable. If you have the CEL lit when you turn the key to position II it should fire right up. It may run kind of funky at first, mine did. Mine also went into alarm when I connected the battery cable. The acid test is when you shut it down and go to restart, if you get the CEL in position II before you crank it you should be okay.

DeadHead86 · 11-04-2009, 01:18 PM

I should know in a few days, when the parts come in and I have a chance to put them in. Will post the results.