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Two working ECU's on 2006 WRX have failed
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plshelp
New User
Feb 9, 2016, 3:42 AM
Post #1 of 8
(1415 views)
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Two working ECU's on 2006 WRX have failed
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I own a 2006 Subaru WRX, 2.5L turbo, hatchback model with no mechanical modifications/power upgrades. The car has had minor auto electrical work (new headunit, sub/amp & LED strip lighting in boot space). A problem with the factory ECU was eventually diagnosed around 6 months after purchase and a second hand ECU was installed as a replacement under statutory warranty. The second hand ECU was tested and re-programmed and proved to be in perfect condition at the time of the installation. Within a few months this second ECU then failed too. I was then advised by a senior mechanic that ECU's should rarely ever fail, let alone two within 6 months so there's almost certainly an underlying issue rather than it being coincidence. Could anyone please tell me why the ECU's keep failing!?
Further details: I purchased the car around a year ago, it was first having problems with the key failing to unlock (and therefore failing to demobilise/start) the car. The car then developed another issue where it began going into "limp mode" while I was driving (almost causing a crash - real "safe" Subaru!) At first the mechanics disabled the cars' key code security panel which solved nothing and then realised that the ECU was the issue. This is where they installed the second hand ECU. Very soon after (around one month later) the car's engine light came on which revealed a fault code which was to do with a seized air valve. However the engine light disappeared and all was fine until another month later the engine light came on again and the car instantly went into limp mode, I literally rolled over train tracks and ended up 20 metres from where a train, two minutes later, passed by - (again how is limp mode a safety feature??). I had it towed into Subaru and the Engine light this time pointed towards something being wrong with the fuel system (it seems the engine light codes were random/incorrect). It didn't take long for Subaru to soon realise it was yet again another fault in the ECU. I have been slapped with a $3650AUS repair bill, ($3000 for a new factory ECU and $650 labour - apparently the ECU only had a 1 month warranty).. Now I'm here!
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 9, 2016, 5:33 AM
Post #2 of 8
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Re: Two working ECU's on 2006 WRX have failed
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Hard to tell you what is causing your ECU to fail unless you know what part of them had failed.
Your used ECU could of had an underlying problem to begin with. What were the fault codes and did the symptoms match what the original ECU had? Sounds like your Subby mechanics have a nightmare to contend with.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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kev2
Veteran
Feb 9, 2016, 7:31 AM
Post #3 of 8
(1398 views)
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Re: Two working ECU's on 2006 WRX have failed
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Reading this over again I only have questions it seams something is missing.
What codes are showing, what issues are condemning the ECU's -
My experience is a system failure ie component drivers left unrepaired causes that sub system portion of ECU to fail, being electrical then it will compound causing other subsystems fail as the ECU internal voltages cause more damage.
SO what is underlying issue- I always ask- modifications, add ons ANYTHING from remote starters to plugin audio GPS, gauges use of power inverters, If it was not original tell us. Something is different from original.
Limp mode - will not turn engine off- you can operate with reduced power and limited transmission gear selections. Tell us why you mention the coasting RR tracks ...because you should be able to move vehicle? And all information leading to limp mode would be stored in memory-aka freeze frame.
(This post was edited by kev2 on Feb 9, 2016, 7:41 AM)
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plshelp
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Feb 10, 2016, 10:31 PM
Post #4 of 8
(1375 views)
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Re: Two working ECU's on 2006 WRX have failed
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I asked Subaru and they said it was something to do with the actual hardware of the ECU. I asked them if it could be repaired and they said it isn't worth while even looking.
It seems the fault codes were random, I firstly had two fault codes to do with random air valves and the third fault code was to do with throttle control. Apparently Subaru then performed three hours of diagnostics which then led them to find out it was the ECU.
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plshelp
New User
Feb 10, 2016, 10:51 PM
Post #5 of 8
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Re: Two working ECU's on 2006 WRX have failed
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The previous owners were older and seemed to be quite sensible. Upon all inspections and receipts it is evident there were no after market parts (apart from window tint) installed on the car before I purchased it and at the time of purchase the car was mechanically sound apart from the failing locking mechanism (possibly caused by the faulty ECU). As for the work I have done -
I have wired an LED light in the boot which has been connected to the switch side of the light already in the boot. Being an electrician myself, I'm hoping my cabling has been done correctly and of high quality! Eg. I made sure I performed proper terminations, the light was still on a fused circuit, no positive conductors shorting to the ground of the car!
I have a full Alpine sound system which has always worked correctly, there are four after-market speakers and a sub/amp in the boot. The amp is powered directly from the battery and there is a strong ground connection (no rust/corrosion at the connection point) to the chassis of the car.
Lastly I have an after market touchscreen pioneer headunit installed. Again though, this seems to work perfectly and all cables seem to be in perfect condition. Running off this headunit I also have a digital radio antenna on the windscreen, a bluetooth microphone on the windscreen and a reverse camera.
As for the limp mode, the first few times I didn't realise I needed my throttle full way to the floor in first gear to be able to hit a speed of max 5kmh. The final time it broke down on me I had worked this out. The previous times however, as soon as I slightly took my foot off the pedal in limp mode, the car stalled.
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kev2
Veteran
Feb 11, 2016, 7:19 AM
Post #6 of 8
(1357 views)
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Re: Two working ECU's on 2006 WRX have failed
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quick question - pioneer unit- is there GPS? And did you access/plug anything into the vehicle ALDL - that's the under dash connector for computer interface.
Previous owner had no known issue - SO logic would point at the changes made. Realizing you are an electrician the integrity of the work would likely be good - the compatibility of the modifications would be the concern.
Just came by me- I have not opened it, ask Subaru dealer for TSB #15-189-15
(This post was edited by kev2 on Feb 11, 2016, 11:09 AM)
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plshelp
New User
Feb 12, 2016, 10:53 PM
Post #7 of 8
(1344 views)
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Re: Two working ECU's on 2006 WRX have failed
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The headunit does have GPS capabilities although I do not use them and I believe this is only possible when connected through a phone app via bluetooth.
I havn't plugged anything into the ALDL, only the RAA (the mobile mechanic in Australia) have plugged into it to remove error codes/take the car out of limp mode.
It has occured to me that the mechanic working on my car (to disable the cars' security pad) may have possibly damaged something electronic?
What is TSB #15-189-15?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 13, 2016, 7:07 AM
Post #8 of 8
(1326 views)
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Re: Two working ECU's on 2006 WRX have failed
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That TSB is for a re-flash for an issue with the head unit but it's not showing up as applicable to your car.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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