SPARE ECU

[theswoleguy]

So, straight up sketchy and I'll be the first to call it like it is. I want the best of both worlds CPO and Software. If I purchase a spare ecu for my software ecu and keep the original to swap in when i need to go in for service is this possible?

On the MKIV all i needed to do was immob defeat the ecu and you can pretty much trade ecu's around or sell it to someone else if you wanted to, was wondering if this was the case? Let's be real 99% of the time the APR software I plan to get is NOT going to cause an issue and we all know Audi rolled out the TD1 code bc of "other software" companies that are putting caution to the wind to be the "big power" on campus and frying motors.

Thanks in advance, I know I will get some flack for this :beer:

[thedollardoctor]

Hmmmm, subscribed :-)

[Leor604]

Unfortunately, you cannot swap the ECU without dealer assistance. Something about the keys being coded to the ECU.

I guess if you had a REALLY mod friendly dealer, they may not ask why you need to swap ECU's before/after every service appointment. Don't know if they can hide this from Audi's prying eyes.

You should be able to find a thread if you search.

[UmIsThisThingOn]

The dealer is the only one who can code an ECU to your car anymore. They hook it up to the computer that talks to Germany, then everything is checked and fixed.
Note: if you ever have to have an ECU replaced, make sure you take both fobs and the emergency key to have them programmed.

[DannyDeez]

Couldn't you just buy a new key with the new ecu? This way you can have the new ecu with the new key and leave the stock ecu with the stock keys?

[V8Star]

we all know Audi rolled out the TD1 code bc of "other software" companies that are putting caution to the wind to be the "big power" on campus and frying motors.


Link to the threads with B8 S4 fried engines?

Compared to a factory tune, even the APR software you want to get is going to be dangerous to the engine in Audi's eyes. TD1 applies to every tuner, if Audi thought it was safe they wouldn't throw a flag at it.


Unfortunately, you cannot swap the ECU without dealer assistance. Something about the keys being coded to the ECU.
.

Or find a very specialized Indy shop that has the current factory tool. They won't ask the same questions as your dealer, or note that "Joe has a modified looking S4, I wonder why he's buying a spare ECU."

[theswoleguy]

Couldn't you just buy a new key with the new ecu? This way you can have the new ecu with the new key and leave the stock ecu with the stock keys?

interesting idea as well


Link to the threads with B8 S4 fried engines?
that has been covered in the TD1 thread.

Compared to a factory tune, even the APR software you want to get is going to be dangerous to the engine in Audi's eyes. TD1 applies to every tuner, if Audi thought it was safe they wouldn't throw a flag at it.
yea yea thats why APR is at almost every VW/AUDI event and have such a close relationship, it wasnt a stab at them by audi, just has to be fair across the board. APR is in my backyard and they are ALWAYS at JIM ELLIS AUDI events...

Or find a very specialized Indy shop that has the current factory tool. They won't ask the same questions as your dealer, or note that "Joe has a modified looking S4, I wonder why he's buying a spare ECU."
This may work, sucks you cant code your own keys with vag anymore, then i guess this wouldnt be a problem

[PitchS4]

What has been said above is correct the dealer is the only place that can communicate with Audi and register a new ECU. From what I understand, when this is done the old ECU will no longer work with the car. Not sure what the legality would be for an Indy shop to get access to the Audi system to register ECUs, but to my knowledge it hasn't been done yet.

[V8Star]

What has been said above is correct the dealer is the only place that can communicate with Audi and register a new ECU. From what I understand, when this is done the old ECU will no longer work with the car. Not sure what the legality would be for an Indy shop to get access to the Audi system to register ECUs, but to my knowledge it hasn't been done yet.

Actually has. There are only 16 registered with VW/Audi indy shops in North America that have the most current factory computer (VAS 6150B) that connects directly online. Can do everything the dealer can, from software updates, to key coding, ecu programming, retrieve radio codes, guided fault finding, etc.

Source = I work at one [:)]

[Tony@EPL]

I just ordered a second junk yard ecu for my car and will be testing shortly. I dont for see having 2 ecu's that run 1 car being too difficult.

[theswoleguy]

Tony, could you please update us in here as well?

[Tony@EPL]

Tony, could you please update us in here as well?

Will do. We've been working on the B8 on and off for a year or so... we just bought one to jump start development. Very nice cars, Im currently driving this one daily.

[MrFunk]

I just ordered a second junk yard ecu for my car and will be testing shortly. I dont for see having 2 ecu's that run 1 car being too difficult.

LOL - why would you post this on a public forum with all your info in your sig?

[Tony@EPL]

LOL - why would you post this on a public forum with all your info in your sig?

Not really sure what the big deal is, the car will be heavily modified and not really too concerned about warraty.

[PitchS4]

LOL - why would you post this on a public forum with all your info in your sig?

Purchasing parts from a junk yard is perfectly legal...

Great news to hear you guys are working on something for us Tony!

[PitchS4]

Actually has. There are only 16 registered with VW/Audi indy shops in North America that have the most current factory computer (VAS 6150B) that connects directly online. Can do everything the dealer can, from software updates, to key coding, ecu programming, retrieve radio codes, guided fault finding, etc.

Source = I work at one [:)]

Great info, thank you sir.

[PSYC0TIC ONE]

Mike, doesn't this thread make you miss your B5 that much more? LMAO, I definitely do sometimes...

[cadence_1]

Will do. We've been working on the B8 on and off for a year or so... we just bought one to jump start development. Very nice cars, Im currently driving this one daily.

Can I ask real quick what you ended up paying for a B8.5 ecu? My dealer cost is still up there quite a bit. I have been thinking about this myself but havent so much pulled teh trigger. Didnt think there would be too many options at the "junk yard" haha.

Thanks for the info.

[PaperishPlastic]

Actually has. There are only 16 registered with VW/Audi indy shops in North America that have the most current factory computer (VAS 6150B) that connects directly online. Can do everything the dealer can, from software updates, to key coding, ecu programming, retrieve radio codes, guided fault finding, etc.

Source = I work at one [:)]

Where do you work?

[Skidrowe]

Where do you work?


http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/514432-Just-drove-home-my-new-S4?p=8204812&viewfull=1#post8204812

-Skid

[infinkc]

Bumping this tread to see if there has been any progress on using a spare ecu.

I found out that my car has a stasis tune on it, and would love to either sell it off to someone so i could get a different tune, or get a spare ecu to have both tunes.

[lighty0770]

bump has anyone gotten anything done with this yet?

[steve0827]

I do it and it works. Make sure that you're friends with a tech though so that they can code the ecu to your key each time they swap it out for service.

[steve0827]

If you aren't friends with a tech, talk to the foreman because he might be able to work something out by charging you a labor fee for the swap of the ecu's and the coding of the keys.

[integroid]

No and you still cannot have two ecu's for one car.

[steve0827]

No and you still cannot have two ecu's for one car.

I don't mean to come off as a dick, but did you read what I posted? Yes, you can. Seeing as I have actually been doing this for a while now, I can say 100% that it works. A lot of you are basing your responses purely on speculation.