ECU Removal...

 

OK Can't change the first post, so i'll add an option #3 here.

After spending yesterday doing a bunch more research this is what I can do

Basically it would be a pre-fix but would keep the fixed CVN, scanable software version, and the current flash counter would not be touched.

So in essence this would look to the motherland as nothing more than a fixed ECU on all accounts.

I would also like to add, that I have no idea if the pre-fix software will pass an emissions sniff test for those of you unfortunate enough to have a state that does that...

 

To achieve this stealth, does one have to send his original ECU for flashing and wait for the turnaround or will the system that you use with the TCM swap work?

 

Thank you sir, it was great working with you...

I'm working on a stock ECU solution BTW

Hi,

I didn't want to hijack your TCM thread so I'll bring the reply here. My main concern is denial of warranty. How could I explain a pre-fix ECU when the dealer did the fix themselves prior to selling the vehicle to me? Especially if they dug in and saw evidence of ECU tampering (tool marks, non OEM security bolts, whatever.)

Clearly there is risk to warranty when doing certain aftermarket work. I understand that. I'm familiar with but certainly not an expert on Magnuson-Moss so I don't really know how much protection it gives in this sort of situation.

I guess my initial thought is, if I'm risking the warranty may as well go for the gusto with a Malone stage II. Change my mind.:grin:

On edit: You posted your new option as I was composing this. That does change the calculus for me.

 

You can purchase, or it would probably make more sense if I supplied the tamper proof bolts for re-installation.

I agree with you in that I am going to the extreme. Bigger turbo, and eliminating as much as I can to avoid future problems with it, Malone stage 30,000 tune, etc :grin2:

Some people have asked about just going back to the old software to gain torque back.
I'm just trying to offer options and see what makes the most sense.

 

Count me in..

 

Got you at the top of the list sir!

 

Did the T3 loose that much with the fix? My '10 doesn't seem any different other than weird shifting on cold start. I don't think I lost much if anything as far as power or economy.

 

I'm guessing it's because the EPA levels were less strict for the T2's...?

The T3's really feel neutered especially when still coupled with the fixed TCM.

The peak rush of torque is gone and you can feel it is no longer there :serious:

 

How is this not flagging a TD1 condition? I assumed its a flash counter on the chip itself, not a manual flash count update? Being that VW seems to be ok with tunes to an extent, and Audi flagging the VIN for being warranty blacklisted!

 

Great question. The CVN aka Calibration Verification Number, flash counter, and revision number will all remain the same after the flash. If I am missing something else that is checked please let me know so I can add it to the list :wink2:

 

I'm interested.
As a recent transplant to NJ, I'm not sure of the sniffer regs here. The other issue is I'm currently 400 miles in to a 120,000 mile warranty (IIRC) on the 'Fixed' Powertrain.
For the sniffer, if the whole point of DieselGate was that the 'cheating' was undetectable at a sniff test, I don't see how Option 3 would be a detectable change. Also, having just purchased it brand-new, I shouldn't need to have it tested for 5 years, right?

 

Not sure on NJ as we are luckily exempt here in PA.

Maybe someone will chime in, or check into it further.

And yes I agree with you on that it should pass in cheater mode, but since it is an unknown I just want people to be aware of it.

 

I think I'm glad I own a Gen 1!! [emoji16]

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

:grin2:

 

Do you know if there is any advantage to writing a Malone tune to a pre-fix ecu, or are they the same from a performance perspective once the Malone file is written? Also, do you know what the implications of the pre-fix software would be on the early gen2 cars that received the updated catalyst and other hardware?

thank you.

 

Just my personal opinion in that I am going to have my Malone tune on the pre-fix ECU software.
Someone at Malone may be able to answer more clearly for you.

I don't imagine that there would be any problems going pre-fix with the gen 2.1 hardware upgrades, but won't know 100% until I get to try it out on my own 2014.

 

A 2014 TDI pre "fix', if it tows like it used to, would be of interest to me. That factory original "tune" was a MPG champ getter. I can spare the down time and not need an ECU while mine is flashed, if it will save some coin and shipping costs. Really wish it didn't need to be bench flashed, and instead a loader like Malone uses was an option.



Can it pass a CARB OBDII reading every 2 years, without throwing something wonky to CARB to find on the readings?

 

The hardware that was changed was the dpf and one of the glow plug/pressure sensor. I can verify that the the "pre-fix" software revision works perfectly fine on the new hardware. The MPGs are back to where they should be and so is the power. There's no need to flash the transmission back other than if you want engine braking. The "pre-fix" ECU revision plays nicely with the new TCU revision.

 

How much MPG % wise did you lose when you ran the "fixed" ECU, running highway only? Did you log your fuel ups both before and after? I'd just like my Touareg back to the way it was when it was first sold, brand new. The "fixed" tune feels neutered, significant torque has been lost from 1300 -2000 rpm where I normally run the motor.

 

I'm confused, guys. Some say pre-fix TCU fixes input lag, now trackstar says pre-fix ECU alone can do the same.

 

The "lag" can be somewhat altered via TCU programing so people are getting close to the same feeling as before. The pre-fix ECU file changes the maps, fueling, timing, DEF usage, etc back to where they were before. You can hear the change in engine noise right away when flashing from fixed software to pre-fix software or the other way around. The way I see it is that if you want the lag gone, you have two options. If you want engine back to the same level of performance and fuel economy as before then you can either flash the ECU back alone or do both the ECU and TCU.

I'm not discounting the TCU fix, it just does something different to achieve close to the same result. At any rate, I still want my engine braking back and that's a TCU thing.

You can also get a tune from kerma or malone without any hardware changes, but I wanted a car for once that isn't going to get TD1 flagged for modifications(not saying a tune will immediately, I just don't want to mess with the chance) and I also will be towing a lot. Last thing I want is a melted DPF going through the mountains. So the best thing for me is to use VW's factory tested maps.

 

I would have to say that either of them will fix it based on the reports we are hearing...

 

Joe, how do I get this done and what's the cost?

 

I'll send you a PM sir...

Cost is 300 for anyone interested.

It is a but complicated as the ECU's have to be bench flashed, the CVN aka calibration verification number calculated based upon the new pre-fix flash, yada yada yada...

The hardest part for interested people is the ECU removal.

I just received the loaner ECU and I have someone scheduled for next weekend for it.

 

Joe, if I come in person, will you be able to flash both TCU and ECU over OBD once TCU software is available for Cayennes?

 

If I get in line for this, I'll USPS 2 day you my ECM, and you can bench flash it, then send it back to me, with mounting screws. Have to find someone to heat and pull those bolts first, though.

 

Sounds good sir, a simple torch from say lowes or home depot should work.
You can get the yellow canister which is MAP gas it's a little hotter.

And if you send yours in there is no wait so it'll be flashed and shipped back out the same day.

 

Joe,

Put me on your list for this. I'll send you an email.

Thanks,

 

Coming back at you

 

Just a quick update, I was unable to meet with Scott today to do his flash.

I completely forgot about a family reunion that was out of town, and would have had me in the doghouse with my family for years

So we are tentatively rescheduling for this coming weekend...

 

Joe, just to be clear your ECM flash shouldn't cause the TD1 code to pop up if the dealers were to look?

 

Correct, everything that the motherland looks at when connected to a car is the same.

 

Joe,

What is CARB looking for when they check the tune ? I have obdII port plug ins for inspection every 2 years before registration can be issued, here in CA

 

I am not 100% sure, but a guess would be that they would do something similar to the dealer in checking for correct versions of the software.

It is hard to say what exactly DAD is looking for and at other than set readiness.

I did not realize that they no longer do a sniffer test, so that it good news :wink2:

https://www.smogtips.com/new-smog-law-AB-2289.cfm

https://www.smogtips.com/diesel-smog-test.cfm

 

New to the Forum and glad to find this.
I have '14 TDi R and regularly pull a 6klb track car trailer. I bought my mine new and loved the car until I had it 'corrected' now I hate it.
As I see with many others the car drives like crap now and burns more fuel than my Golf R.
I was about ready to trade it in on a Ram...decided to check for fix first.

I would love to do this. I'm about 3 hours away in NJ. How much time on site would it take if I drove down to York?
And do you recommend both the ECU and TCM flash or does the ECU flash take care of everything?

many thanks!

p.s. I had major flash done on my Porsche which has a masking so I can pass Emissions, It sounds like this works the same way?

 

I'd recommend, if you drive out there, just do both at the same time. Like you, VW's "fix" is a horrible solution to a problem so small in the grand scheme of things. I'm extremely disappointed in how VW tried to slough this off on the end user, without even asking the end user for input, before ramming it down our throats. This is not the vehicle I test drove when I bought it new and drove it off the dealerships lot after a test drive. It now really sucks.

Get both done. Your T'rag should then drive like it did when you first bought it.

 

2015 Audi A3 TDI EA288



Would or do you offer this for the 2015 Audi A3 TDI? Also the tranny (DSG) back to pre-fix? Thank you.

 

Would or do you offer this for the 2015 Audi A3 TDI? Also the tranny (DSG) back to pre-fix? Thank you.

Yes can certainly do this for the 2.0 TDI's as well.

Can you either post up or pm me a vag-com aka vcds scan of your engine and transmission?

Where are you located?

 

yrktreg, any chance you'll be further east in the coming year?

 

I've been meeting people at my friends VW/ Audi shop just outside of Morgantown, PA

It that close enough for you?

If not should I have a trip to NJ I can let you know :wink2:

 

No problem sir, i'll see what I can do

 

Just figured out why you didn't get my PM...I guess I have to have 15 posts to send a PM??? I better get posting!
I'd like to get this done sometime in the next month. I can come to Morgantown almost any Monday.