So let's say that I put an ECU from the same model engine in my car that has a different part number than the ECU that I took out of my car...

Is it possible for the ECU to damage any part of the engine if I'm only driving maybe 20 miles a day over the next 3 days?

Tried searching but didn't find much related to what I want to know...

Thanks for any help!

 

the ecu code needs to match.

 

I know that... I want to know why, though...

What exactly could break and how?

 

it most likely wont even let the car turn on. Differnt ecu's have differnt codes/parameters. You can try it, but i would return/sell it

 

he talking about softcodeing - manual, auto, fwd, awd - all combo's have different #'s you'll need a vag-com to change this. if the other car is the same all around there should be no problem

 

OK, well the other car was the same all around, 1998 a4 quattro 5spd 2.8l 30v. And I have a vag-com, so, yeah...

The ECU is plugged into my car, and it does start. I have run Vag-COM logs and there's some weird stuff going on (throttle controller malfunction code), but if it won't mechanically damage the vehicle in any way I'm perfectly fine living with the jerkiness and probably shitty gas mileage for 3 days...

It sounds like the ECU will only affect the way the car behaves on a broader scale and won't permanately mess anything up?

I know it's not the best idea and all, but if it won't break anything than I'm fine with it.

If anybody has any more info on the destructive powers of the ECU, by all means...

I can describe the issues a little more in depth and/or post a vag-com log if anybody wants to know what's happened so far in a bit more detail... Let me know

 

did you do a throttle body alignment? - turn the key to the on position - not started - and leave it there for a couple minutes - turn it off then start the car -see if that helps