Eprom ECU and ECMLink installs

[96talontso]

Im about to buy my ECMLink V3 and an Eprom ECU, and I'm wondering how hard installation is, and what to look out for in buying a used ecu...

 

[Bud92gsx]

Well assuming ecmlink and the ecu came out of a running car you should not have to worry..

Now things to look for when you get it..Obvious damage like capacitors leaking...This ia a 1g ecu, but look at it for reference..The damage is prety obvious.. http://simon.chi.il.us/ECU/MD165531Damaged.jpg

 

[96talontso]

Right, so now how about installation? is it mostly just soldering and such?
And how is the ECMLink installed?

 

[snowborder714]

You need to remove the stock EPROM chip and solder a socket in its place. Then you will put the ECMlink EPROM chip into the socket. If you're not comfortable soldering PCB's, then you can just send the ECU into ECMTuning when you place your order. They'll test the ECU, you can have it socketed, and have the caps replaced to prevent them from leaking.

 

[mchustle]

If the ecu you buy is already socketed, all you have to do is take off the ecu cover, pop out whatever eprom chip is in it, throw in the link chip, put the cover back on, and plug it back in.

 

[96talontso]

And now for the FAQ that I apologize for in advance, How do I check if my ECU is socketed?

 

[Boostinsideways]

If your buying it together as a package, it should be socketed already. A socket is just a rectangular female plug that you put the male plug (eeprom chip) into. Just pop the cover off the ecu and check it.

There is no soldering what so ever unless your comfortable with working on computer boards. I wouldn't attempt it unless you have some de-solder braid, a quality iron/gun, a good work station, and a steady hand. Its pretty easy to accidentally pull up a lead off the board.

Switching ecus should take about 15 minutes. There are 3 bolts holding it in (10mm) and its behind the radio. You need to take the center console lower panels off. Unbolt the ecu, then disconnect it, switch and bolt it back down. Done.

 

[mchustle]

Here you go man socketid [ECMTuning - wiki] and just so you know their website is loaded with info. enjoy the link.

 

[96talontso]

Ok, so if i sent my ECU into them would I have to pay the extra 145 bucks for a socketing service?
And for another VFAQ... Where can i find my ECU, Dont feel proud asking that one haha

 

[mchustle]

Ok, so if i sent my ECU into them would I have to pay the extra 145 bucks for a socketing service?
And for another VFAQ... Where can i find my ECU, Dont feel proud asking that one haha

Yes they will socket you non eprom for $145 if you send it to them.

Ok here goes,
UNHOOK YOUR BATTERY!!!
Take the Driver and Passenger side panels off the console (The Sides of radio.)
Behind the radio there are 4 clips with a bunch of wires unplug the clips.
There are 2 10mm bolts on the driver side and 1 10mm bolt on the passenger side remove them.
Pull out the ECU from the driver side.
Hope this helps let me know if you need anything else any I'll try and help out.

 

[rubadubdub]

This video should help show you how to find and remove/install the ECU.

DSMLink ECMLink V3 / Eprom ECU Install - YouTube

And don't feel bad we have all been there before

 

[Boostinsideways]

Switching ecus should take about 15 minutes. There are 3 bolts holding it in (10mm) and its behind the radio. You need to take the center console lower panels off. Unbolt the ecu, then disconnect it, switch and bolt it back down. Done.

Ok, so if i sent my ECU into them would I have to pay the extra 145 bucks for a socketing service?
And for another VFAQ... Where can i find my ECU, Dont feel proud asking that one haha

That is for eeprom conversion. If you want to run link on a non eeprom ecu.

Regular socketing service was like 30$

 

[Bud92gsx]

Takinf the ecu out must be different on 1g's/2g's..I have only taken the ecu out on the passeger side..It gives me much more room to work..

 

[DOHCTA]

yeah bud, it's very different. The terminal plugs on a 2g are on the driver side kick panel under the radio and getting a 10mm socket/small wratchet onto is easier from the driver side vs the passenger side.

This is really simple to do, just remember to disconnect the battery before you get started. All the plugs are different sizes so you can't mess up with connecting the wrong plug, to the wrong hole.

 

[Bud92gsx]

That kinda blows tho..Having to take it out from the drivers side..You got pedals and steering wheel in your face..

 

[mitsukid82]

Ok, so if i sent my ECU into them would I have to pay the extra 145 bucks for a socketing service?
And for another VFAQ... Where can i find my ECU, Dont feel proud asking that one haha

My ECU (which was EPROM)when I sent it in was $545 and it included everything they even replaced my capacitors. That was for the full version of V3. Email them and ask question and the turn around time was about 8 days. I sent it through USPS and they sent it through UPS which took longer

 

[DOHCTA]

That kinda blows tho..Having to take it out from the drivers side..You got pedals and steering wheel in your face..

True! and I'm not that big of a guy but I recall having to bring the seat ALL the way back, and recline it ALL the way down. I inevitably turn myself around (remember to take off my shoes so not to muck up the seat) and find myself laying upside down doing the work. But that's not necessary when removing the kick panels and ECU. But if you're adjusting your clutch pedal or pedal assembly, you will find it easier to manouveur hand tools.

 

[Bud92gsx]

I'm not tall myself..But I do hate working on the drivers side..Upside down isn't very fun for long..And then when you get up, make sure to take your time..