Can someone explain this to me? I did a search and didn't come up with enough info to really understand it.


The ECU has something to do with controlling engine function, I get that. Does it control the transmission and whatnot? Also, if someone elses car has the same ECU code, will it work in my car? The reason I am asking is I am looking at picking up a spare ECU so I have one to send out to get when I get chipped as I can't be without a car even for a day. Do I need to look for more than just a matching number off of the ECU?

thanks

 

ECU is the brain of the car. Your new chip will "modify/overide" OEM programming. Maybe some of these links will help. Searching for APR or GIAC should provide you with some useful info too. You should be able to replace your ECU with one with the same code without any problems.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_Control_Unit

This post recommends going to the closest dealer (APR or GIAC) to get it done instead of mailing out. May be worth a drive so you can save on having to buy another ECU. Also, remember to change your DV.
https://www.audiforums.com/m_203166/tm.htm

http://www.drivewire.com/audiparts/c...ntrolunit.html

 

if it is the same ecu number you should beable to change it out

 

wont u get a cel if they are coded differently ex; manual trans vs. tip trans... Quattro vs. front track...?

 

probably wont run right. thats why i said same ecu number

 

Thanks for all the info guys! I'd mich rather drive to a dealer, but the closest one is about 300 miles away, and I have a chance to buy a stock ECU with the same number as mine for 50 bucks, so I figured if it'll work fine i'll just hop on that as thats even cheaper than buying gas to drive to the chip dealer!

 

you can use any ecu with the same number, im guessing yours is a 557P box... you can change the coding from front trak/quattro and tip/manual

 

Good stuff! Yes my ECU is the 557P, do I just need to VAG it to change the coding if its incorrect? My car is a 99 and the car its off of is a 98, but they are both 5 speed 1.8t quattros, so I assume everything should be kosher.

 

http://www.goapr.com/Audi/dealer/locator.php

http://www.giacusa.com/dealers.php?sregion=

 

Auto vs manual needs a recoding. Frontrak vs quattro needs nothing done to the ecu.
You should be fine. Plug and Play. Shouldn't need to recode anything. But be sure to do a Throttle Body Adaptation before driving.

Car might run kinda laggy for the first few miles as it adjusts to the new programming.