Hi, Just sent my ECU away for repair - P0601 CHECK SUM ERROR.

 

Apparently the main processor in the ECU is apparently FUBAR.

 

But the only tell tale signs that there were any problems was the engine and epc warning lights on the dash.

 

Everybody claims what a disaster this is  -  BUT  how big a disaster can it be I don`t quite understand.

 

My  Octavia VRS runs absolutely perfect - I would not have known there was a problem if these two lights were not illuminated.

 

In fact I have just been reading about a guy who has run his car for four years with the same - well would I call it a problem ?? Thought this was an MOT failure ?? to have any  warning lights showing.

 

Anyway, how can an apparently so important part of the car as the ECU that controls absolutely everything can be classed as NOT WORKING - when my Skoda is running perfect ???

Perhaps I had better have a little whisper in my VRS`s ear and tell her that by all acounts she can`t function without the ECU.

 

I would really appreciate if so so

mebody could spare a couple of minutes to explain -  I have driven Skodas for the past 20 years but they are getting beyond me.  :think:

if processor would be dead, it wouldn't run ;-)

 

checksum error is related more to EEPROM where maps are stored.

 

Did anyone played with your ECU?

 

Did service tried to update firmware of your ECU?

 

If I remap ECU and there is checksum error, engine won't start or I get jitters due bad combustion.

I have Just had the ECU returned after testing - this is the second test - sent it away twice for a second opinion.

Apparently the ECU has   ----  CHECK SUM ERROR -- P0601  --  CORRUPT SOFTWARE.

 

That is from both companies.

 

I have had a local Auto electrician look at it  -  he cleared the EPC & Engine warning light -  but next morning they returned.

 

He reckons it could be a bad connection from the Loom plug that goes into the ECU socket. He reckons that there is quite a bit of rust etc in the contacts and that could cause the problem.

I wouldn't expect this to be due to wiring, it's normally due to a bad flash or remap although it is possible that the ECU is dead.

 

Has it been chipped or remapped at any point? If it has I'd take it back to the company that did it.

 

If it hasn't then it might just need the stock Skoda firmware reflashing.

The ECU processor performs a lot of self-checking during operation. All in the name of safety.

 

Its possible yours has detected an isolated transient error, or found a more permanent one. If you can get the error code cleared, then keep on running and see if it happens again. Maybe it never happens again, in which case your ECU is as good as a new replacement one would be. Or maybe its hosed.