Surf 3.0 Auto Diesel - ECU Problem.....

[TTHull]

Hi - Apologies in advance for the simplicity of the post, but I'm not that technical!

I have a 3.0 Turbo Diesel (Auto), KZN130, 1995. After a trip to Scotland recently we had trouble with the gearbox, jumping in/out of gear and losing overdrive.

We have had a new gearbox fitted, but now the problem is (we think) the ECU. We managed to get another, but this one also has a problem (badly repaired in the past).

After checking, one of them will start and run the car, but the car will still not go into overdrive.

We are desperate for this to be sorted out, and wondered if there was anyone out there willing to put our ECU in their car. I've been told by our mechanic that if the ECU is faulty, then all that will happen is that the 'new' car will refuse to go into overdrive. If this happens, this will confirm to us that the ECU is indeed at fault - at least then we can stop looking for other problems.

We live in Hull, but are willing to travel (hopefully not too far!) to try this out - really hope someone is willing to help out - we are now losing the will to live after being without the Surf for the summer!

[surfenstein]

sorry i live to far away otherwise i would help out. But this is normally the ECU, sometimes the shift and lock solenoids.

The Gearbox fault codes normally retrieve solenoid faults reliably.

Speed or TPS sensors also cause problems, but all should be picked up by the Diagnostics.

Unplug the gearbox and try it manually, there is a black 3 wire plug on the passenger side of the gearbox, going into the sump area from above.

Shifting on the stick you should get L, 2 and O/D, this will prove the gearbox is mechanically fine. (You won't get D with the gearbox unplugged, this is electronically selected only.)
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[stormforce]

From previous experience breaking these it is/was rare for the 3.0 ecu's to pack up but they were known.I sold a few ecu's for similar faults.You need to try and source a ecu from a reputable breaker.I think there is a gearbox ecu aswell but cant remember for certain as its been a few years now since having a surf.

[surfenstein]

From previous experience breaking these it is/was rare for the 3.0 ecu's to pack up but they were known.I sold a few ecu's for similar faults.You need to try and source a ecu from a reputable breaker.I think there is a gearbox ecu aswell but cant remember for certain as its been a few years now since having a surf.

Ln130 2.4 had a seperate ecu for the gearbox but kzn130 is an all in one unit.

[TTHull]

Thanks for your replies. I know the solenoids have been replaced, and the other bits checked. The ECU has a couple of fried looking capacitors, and I'm sorting out replacement ones for someone to repair.

I'll pass the info re: the gearbox to manual to the mechanic - I'm not sure if he's already tried that - he seems sure it's the ECU.

My ECU starts the car, but it sustains the gears and will not go into overdrive.

But if I can get someone to try my ECU in their Surf (assuming same model etc), is it feasible that theirs will then display the same problems, ie, not going into overdrive but otherwise working OK? Or is this too simplistic of me!??

I don't want to fry their Surf, either!

[stormforce]

If the ecu is being repaired make sure its done by a ecu specialist.Give terry a ring from the ad in the banner at the top right corner of the page as he will sort a decent ecu for you without any crap

[TTHull]

Thanks - I'm going out soon but will look into this. I have a spare ECU (also a little dodgy!) so I've nothing to lose with my brother (techno geek who builds electronic doofers) giving this one a go - it's scrap otherwise.

The one I am holding onto at the moment has been tested and will start the car but not the overdrive.

Need it back on the road as weather is getting a bit dodgy.

[yoshie]

Probably a draft suggestion, however, are you sure the OD button is working properly. I only ask as I have had to bypass one previously to get OD working.

[TTHull]

Hi - I think the OD button is working OK - if you press it, OD OFF in green is on the dash - is this what you mean? Is there any other way of checking it? Apologies for my ignorance!