RLG

Hey guys,

I'm about to pull the ECU on the car, and while I think I'm al set on the procedure, I saw some different claims regarding preliminary steps. Some say to disconnect the battery prior to removing the ECU, other write-ups I've seen make no mention of this at all.

Question is are there ANY preliminary steps I should take before removing the ECU? Just thought I'd check with you guys before I destroy something!

Jim Will

take a 1/4 in drive ratchet with an 8mm deepwell socket and have at it.
Once the box is opened, then you simply use a screwdriver to remove the holddown clamp. Then pull the fingertabs on the wire harness end to rempove the connector from the ECU itself. The connector design is very straightforward and almost makes it impossible to do incorrectly.

RLG

I assumed that the key should not be in the ignition at all. Is this wrong?

Thanks for the battery info....

Boston Driver

I got so many cautions when I was disconnecting the wires under the front seat (including the airbag wire), but in the end, no battery disconnect was needed, as long as the car remained off.

Of course, I have never pulled the ECU, so I am not sure. Does not hurt to take the extra cuation and disconnect the battery..just make sure you have your radio code so you can reset the radio...it will go into SAFE mode after a couple of minutes, and you cannot use the radio without the code once it goes into safe mode.

Good luck!

Kris Hansen

and lean on it the whole time you handle the ECU till you are ready to walk away. static electricity can roast your ECU faster than anything else.

Key out of ignition, disconntect the GROUND side of the battery if you are really worried.

RLG

Thanks BD - yeah, I suppose it wouldn't hurt... (famous last words...)

RLG

that you're going to hit that moose in your sig. LOOK OUT KRIS!! MOOSE!!

Thanks for the input big guy...

Kris Hansen

The moose was an 'inside' joke on the A4 boards from a while ago, it found it's way to my sig..

MCH 2.7t

I've followed these instructions a zillion (it seems) times - no issues.

All I would add is that the ignition should be completely off. I never disconnect the battery.

After re-installing, I clear the low voltage code and then perform a Throttle Body Adaption (TBA) - both with a VAG.

After doing this a few times, you should be able to go through the entire process in less than 10 minutes.

Hope this helps

Mike<ul><li><a href="http://www.hoppenmotorsport.com/remove.htm">http://www.hoppenmotorsport.com/remove.htm</a</li></ul>

MCH 2.7t

I keep it out of the ignition altogether