Just curious, but what would it look/feel/act/sound like if the ECU just blew out, or burned up, or just plain quit while driving on the road? I am trying to figure out what is wrong with my car, and it appears to be electrical, but not even my mechanic is quite sure what is going on. I just ordered a Vag Com and some diagnostic software, but until they arrive I am kind of flying blind. Thanks.

 

Have you tried to get the ecu scanned for fault codes at autozone or advance?

 

Hi, no I have not checked for fault codes yet... My car being dead at the moment is kind of hindering my mobility... any other ideas?? Thanks again.

 

How many times has this happened and how long has it been going on? Are you saying you lose all engine and electrical power, and then it just comes back on?

 

The only thing that happened prior to this that might resemble the problem is thatthe idle dipped lower and lower while stopped at a red light or elsewhere to the point that the motor just shut off, or stalled. When it went off while driving at over 40mph, that was the first time and now wont turn back at all. Nothing mechanical engages, some lights on the dash light up and the windows work, but no horn or engine. I dont see how it could be starter related due to this happening while I was driving. Thanks again.

 

maybe a relay

 

So you're saying that electrically its fine (radio, windows) but mechanically it won't start? Alternator, battery or starter are different symptoms. You sure the engine didn't seize?

 

Spin the engine by hand. Does it move?

I've seen fried ECMs do anything from annoying things like turn on the fan and kill the battery over night to randomly shut off. Look in the cowl below the windshield.

Another possibility is a bad ignition switch, bad starter circuit wire, or even a whacked out immobiliser.