Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) ECU map file

Hi. Does anybody know where I might be able to obtain an original 1.8 or 2.0 Duratec ECU map file?

Roger

There are a number of people who have uploaded various Duratec ecu binary maps (.bin files) on various forums but I would give them a wide berth.

I have not looked at it but the link below has a standard Duratec example file to look at;

http://kms.vankronenburg.nl/downloads/example-maps/

There are various ECU flash reader and writer modules available for standalone or use with a PC. They range in price from free (open source) to expensive;
eg;
http://www.tgtflash.co.uk/product/tgt-flash-obd-programmer-ford/

I would suggest the best option is to buy an ecu flash reader and download the ecu code from another TM member with the same engine model (year).

Alternatively you could talk to Williams (who do flash upgrades) so I assume they could supply you with the original file (probably at a cost!). It maybe that Omex or the factory could also be a source.

There are software products (opensource and commercial) that can be used to modify the ecu files, but I would steer clear unless you have experience in this area.

Thank you for the info Clock

That is pretty much what I have in mind. I would like to get back to standard but with a second unit not my original. My original has been modified and locked. I have tried Williams and they were superb but were unable to access it.

I have grabbed a copy of the std Duratec file from your link but I understand there are differences. As you suggested I was hoping that somebody on TM may have had a remap and retained their original Morgan bin file (either 1.8 or 2.0).

I wonder if the standard Morgan ECU flash is blocked from reading?

Normally you cannot read out the binary object code from the microprocessor unless it has that option in it's bootloader, even then it may need a password or a pcb link to enable.

But if the standard Morgan ECU is not locked then you could download the standard ECU binary from any similar Morgan car.

I don't know the configuration of the microprocessor in the ECU, it could just be "locked" in software so in theory it could be reprogrammed with a new re-flash. But when it was remapped they could have blown the internal microprocessor fusible links which means it can never be read or modified (unless you have access to the FBI!)

I have seen aftermarket ECUs which have the ability to hold two binary files which can be selected by a switch, that might be an option.

There are also some aftermarket ECUs which can piggy back over the original ( I think some throttle body ECUs do that). I would be wary of doing that without seeing the ECU circuit diagrams to ensure things are not back driven.

My understanding is that the standard ECU can be read and re flashed. However mine is a little different. It has been back to the factory for a ‘fix’ to remedy an engine running problem that was a known issue on some early Duratecs. The fix remedied the original engine problem very nicely but the downside was no more access to the ECU via the OBD. From the various error message that I have seen from a range of OBD tools I suspect you are correct and the processor ‘s link has been blown or even a hardware mod implemented.

I would like to ring fence my existing ECU and my goal is to build a second unit. If I can get the 2nd to at least run the engine I can then take it along to Williams to have it re-mapped properly including hopefully addressing the original engine problem.

I think it might be a good idea having a chat with Omex to see what they can do.

It might be worth having a chat with Emerald they do one with in car switching for 3 mappings for different performance.

If the factory "fixed" your ECU and in the process blocked it from further changes then I would say they should be liable to give you a new ECU or at least repair the fault.

Thank Adrian and Tim. I don’t really want to go down the piggy back route just yet if I can help it although I do find myself googling TB’s quite a lot


Clock - That is certainly one perspective but I don’t think I would get very far. To put it in context this was done a few years ago when it was the only fix in town for the Duratec’s chronic pinking issue. It was before third party maps were readily available. I acquired the car out of warranty and went down numerous avenues first attempting to cure the issue, eventually ending up contacting the factory for help. They were very helful but could only offer me this ECU fix and I accepted knowing full well that the down side was the loss of the diagnostic functionality. Not a great problem as the engine is not that complicated anyway should a fault arise. The fix was a 100% cure and the car did drive much better afterwards. I have no regrets. However the bit that has cuaght me out recently is that it appears the ECU can no longer be easily remapped.

So this is a project of mine to attempt to build a second baseline ECU using a Mondeo donor unit with a standard Morgan map, hopefully if I can find one!

Roger, sorry did not know the history, can't blame the factory in that case.

I would still try and download the map from a similar year and engine 4/4, hopefully someone on TM would allow you to do that. At least then you would have a base file.

However it sounds as if Morgan did something fairly radical in the ECU to fix the pinking problem that resulted in loss of ECU diags and read/write. So just using another 4/4s map may just result in the pinking returning.

There is a thread on TM about Mark Baldwin at Morgan coordinating the problems/fix with the ECU, he may be able to tell you the exact fix he used.

I am guessing, but if they modded the ecu to fix the pinking and you then lost diags I would think they either added extra code (perhaps to adjust the behavior of the knock sensor, some can have a lot of lag) which due to space constraints overwrote the diag code or perhaps they re-purposed one of the I/O pins used for ecu read/write for some other reason.