My 1996 A6 died yesterday - failed to restart after a short pause. Turned over no problem then cut out in 20 secs every time; got a tow, initial view was fuel pump (no problem there). Car then taken to the Audi Dealer who initially thought a keychip was at fault - gave them copy and all they tell me now is ECU is toast - and the replacement part is c$1200!!!

Am in a bit of a rush to make a decision so have not had time to go through FAQs (so sorry if this is an obvious question):

1. Can I buy another ECU/OEM or second hand? Have seen a few on ebay for not a lot.

2. What is involved in fitting/configuration

Thanks in advance...

check car-part.com and people on Audifans.com who are parting cars.

If all else fails, there are a few 1996's in my local junkyards that would probably have what you need.

If you leave the MAF connected but not plumbed into the intake the car will run until the ECU gets fed up of no air mass signal and shuts down. Try unplugging the MAF electrical connector to put the ECU in limp mode and see if it runs longer.

If the ECU is totally dead the engine won't run at all, not even for 20 seconds.

Anyway, finding a used ECU should be easy enough, but I would take the dealer's diagnosis with a grain of salt. Blaming the computer is the first refuge of the incompetent diagnostician.

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Where are you?

I've seen the ignition switches fail and keep the car from running, and throw a dozen or more codes at the same time. $30 part that takes 15min to replace.

Get your car to in independant German shop!