Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing ECU change needed

Hi again everyone, long time (sorry about that, but life got in the way...)

Unfortunately I have a small problem - as follows:
I will have to replace (or repair) the ECU in my -99 4/4 (Zetec).
I've tracked down a used ECU with all the proper numbers and specs; but I'm not sure if I need to do any 'programming' to make it compatible with my immobilizer/key.
It is the EEC IV version that I guess was used in all 'Zetec Silver tops'. I've read about Lotus people who often use the Zetec 1800 and swaps ECU's without any problems... it seems.. Perhaps they don't use immobilizers...

I guess trying a 'new' ECU without the proper procedure could ruin... 'something'...
I'm also a little worried that MMC has added or changed anything that potentially could be a problem.

Idea's and/or advice will be much appreciated.

/Thomas

My wife and I met some of you at Gaydon Museum in August 2017... Really enjoyed the visit and meeting you in person.

When I swapped the ECU on my 97 +4 with a Rover engine I bought one where the immobiliser was by passed. Otherwise you needed to send the immobiliser & keys to be reprogrammed. The red light still flashed on the dash & I figured no one would steal it anyway.

I don't think early on that MMC did anything to the ECUs, but someone on here will know.

Thank you John, very helpful information.
I guess I won't be able to 'by-pass' that cost then

Sorry to hear about your problem Thomas. Is it mis-firing?

I believe its might be similar to the Visteon in the Duratec here . Unless you can track down a second hand ecu with the original keys I think the immobilise section of the ecu will need to be reprogrammed using either new chips or the chips from your original keys (but that will also un-program those chips from your original ecu).

Good luck.

Thank you Roger, no it won't idle.
I'm afraid I have somehow caused it myself when fiddling with the TPS to fix the last bit in the 'high revving' saga. Hard to admit but there it is...
I will study your 'Future Proofing...' story, looks interesting.
Thanks again!

Not sure if it makes a difference but unless I'm mistaken the 1999 Zetec ECU does not support OBD2 protocols and the KESS V2 seems to use OBD2 for the flashing.

Information I've had from other sources says you're right. I've tried it and it doesn't respond properly.
Although, I heard it is possible to add an extra port to the main board to get access via OBD2. If it would help flashing I don't know.
Thanks anyway Bob

I did my first flash via the data link pins without using the obd2 but it was a bit precarious….


A silly question but could the tps be damaged, have you tried another?

I was going to ask a similar question to Roger but more in general.

What is the problem with the ECU and what symptoms do you have?

Morning Bob and Roger, nice of you engage in my problem
To answer your questions I'll have to embarrass myself completely but here we go..
I was hooking up an adapter between the wiring coming from the ECU to the TPS, just to make it easier and safer to take measurements when adjusting the TPS (by rotating it slightly). The multimeter I used was left overnight with cables plugged in for measuring a parasitic current draw and I just forgot to check that. I was just going to check the polarity in the female socket, pos 1 and 3 and I suppose I fed the ground cable with 5 volt. The socket was disconnected and ignition on. I could hear the system was activated... I've read about the possibly devastating result such a mistake could have..

Now it starts and revs up to 2500 rpm and dies immediately. I can catch it with the trottle but it runs very rough and something is not right with the ignition, I can hear pinking when revving. Also the exhaust gets really hot.

Ok.. there it is