Unplugging an ECU

Mart34

Hi guys,

After unplugging and removing the car battery is it safe to also unplug and remove the ECU? If so, when putting it back I presume I should make sure it's firmly put back in before the battery is put back ?

AdrianC

Should be, but I'd be tempted to leave the battery off overnight to let any capacitors discharge - especially if it's an airbag ECU we're talking about.

Mart34

Looking at it I think I might just be able to unclip it from the clips and move it slightly out the way without the need to unplug. hopefully this should give me enough room to work with.

thescouselander

They are fairly robust devices, you should be OK to go ahead and unplug it. Just make sure the connector is seated correctly when you put it back together.

Mart34

Yeh I am/was worried about unplugging the thing and having to have the thing re programmed or something. I wanted to double check before going and unplugging it.

arcon5

What are you actually trying to do and on what car?

EdGasket

so long as the battery is disconnected or the appropriate fuse taken out you can unplug the ecu.

forgotmyname

Disconnecting the battery could be the worst bit.. Seen more than a few that have sparked it when disconnecting and had electrical and immobiliser issues afterwards.

shaun_from_Africa

For safety, make sure that you remove the -ve lead from the battery first and when reconnecting, put the +ve on first.

arcon5

Fuse doesn't need taking out op

EdGasket

arcon5 wrote: »

Fuse doesn't need taking out op

Yes it does if you don't disconnect the battery. It's a better way than disconnecting the battery.