So after water ingress skoda have stated that the gearbox ecu needs replacing. £1600+ before looking at wiring looms, carpets etc.

The car is 03 with 205000+ on the clock. Not really worth it.

So, can I get this done cheaper elsewhere? Can I do it myself?

I know I can get a second hand unit from breakers etc. but what about fitting it. I was informed I had to reprogramme the ecu. I have the Vag-Com software, if this is what is used.

I would appreciate suggestions/advice as writing it off due to the rain, is not nice.

Cheers.

Cant help with your problem im afraid :S

but if you decide you cant do an economical repair and scrap it then give us a shout with any bits you might like to sell on

I'd fix the ground points in the cabin first,then have another look at that ECU. Unless water got into ECU housing etc?

And yes, you can fix ground points yourself, though it is a lot of work and a lot of cable/crimping. Worth sealing the plenum chamber airbox and dropping the brake servo grommets down first.

Have they checked the ECU off the car, or simply read out the codes that the ECU cannot be found? Remember that dealership has no interest in keeping your car on the road, merely in you buying another Skoda... Worth keeping in mind

Edited 11 June, 201214 yr by dieselV6

The car would go into emergency gearbox mode. If I then ran a diag check the error code would be.

17137 - Shift Solenoid 1 (N88) Circuit Failure.

If I clear it. Run for a bit it is all ok, then the car would go back into emergency gearbox mode.

The water ingress issue, has already been fixed, by an independent garage ( rain run off channels were blocked ).

I was hoping it was a case of replacing the solenoid, however, the dealer said the ecu was corroded inside. However, he did state that they were not sure replacing it would fix the issue....

I am convinced there is a cheaper fix, but I do not have the knowledge all the finances to pay a dealer to hunt around looking at wiring etc.

where is that ECU located? Perhaps having a look at it yourself might be a better option...

That was what I was initially asking. How easy is it to replace a gearbox ecu?

It is not hard to get to; 1 screw only.

In the driver footwell there is a trim panel to the side where the bonnet release is. There is a screw under a circular plastic cover; remove the cover by prying it out and then remove the screw.

The panel pulls off then; there is a clip at the top in roughly the area where the bonnet release is (pull outwards towards centre console). There is also a couple of clips where this panel joins the door strip (one at the very bottom edge, one on the top face). The top clip is in a slotted hole so it needs to be slid towards the back of the car to remove easily.

Once you have that panel off, the panel that covers the carpet edge and the bottom of the doorframe needs levering up. This just needs some brute force in an upwards direction, starting from the end of the panel nearest the footwell. You will feel the clips give way. 3 clips in total need to be freed; be careful with the 3rd clip as after that the clips are plastic and not metal and can be damaged easily (around the bottom of the seatbelt). You can then just hold the strip out of the way while you feel under the carpet.

The ECU is in a big plastic tub you will find as soon as you put your hand under the carpet; there is (perhaps) one nut at one end (mine was free) and a clip at the other end. The whole plastic tub can be removed from the car while still attached and you can then look inside the tub at the ECU.

I've never disconnected it though so I don't know if that can cause any ill effect. (I guess usual precautions around battery disconnection etc). You will need to disconnect it to inspect ECU and the connector / pins for any water damage. I've seen some companies advertise claimed success in resolving water damage to ECUs. I also don't know what you need to do to program a new ECU to your car.

You will also notice under that plastic panel a load of plastic multiway plugs; might be worth checking those for signs of water damage.

And while you have the carpet accessible, pour some more water on car to check it really is fixed. I took mine to a Skoda dealer and they removed the bungs from the plenum (I believe what yours have done) - only to find that car pollen filter housing was still leaking.

Many thanks jimbof. Very useful.

Anyone ideas one programming a new ECU?

Does this thread help?

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/213979-skoda-ecu-gearbox-transmission/

If the ECU is knackered - here are two companies recommended by "Honest John" which both offer a repair / exchange service for ECUs, and both mention they do SKODA Gearbox ECUs...

It could reduce the cost a lot.

http://www.bba-reman.com/catalogue/Index.aspx?category=25

http://www.ecutesting.com/

I hope this helps.

Cool sites...

http://www.ecutesting.com/catalogue/product/volkswagen_passat_ecu_transmission_etm002771.html

That is the transmission ECU fitted to my 1.9, and the common faults seem to match your problem to a tee... Give them a bell, might save you a few notes!!!

Note - if you are going to use "Royal Mail Special Delivery" for sending the unit within the UK - then MAKE SURE you take the "Consequential Loss Insurance" at the level require to pay for a "complete replacement". (c. £1500 odd). That way if they do loose it (and it DOES happen) - you won't be stuffed.

And you should be able to find an independent VW/Skoda Specialist to do the removal replacement. They also ought to know about checking the wiring loom out.

Many Thanks for all the info.

Fingers Crossed.