Car wont start, faulty ECU, how much should it cost?

Options
AG47
AG47 Posts: 1,618 Forumite
in Motoring
My car just passed mot last month, no problems at all.

Then one morning it wouldn't start.

Called the breakdown, he couldn't start it either. So towed me to the official Vauxhall garage.

They plug the computer in and it it doesn't say anything is wrong.

They still have it, and after hours of trying to start it they can't start it either.

What is the next step?
Nothing has been fixed since 2008, it was just pushed into the future
«1

Comments

  • Car_54
    Car_54 Posts: 8,236 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    Options
    AG47 wrote: »
    Called the breakdown, he couldn't start it either. So towed me to the official Vauxhall garage.

    They plug the computer in and it it doesn't say anything is wrong.

    They still have it, and after hours of trying to start it they can't start it either.

    What is the next step?

    So what makes you think it's the ECU?
  • Nodding_Donkey
    Nodding_Donkey Posts: 2,738 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post
    Options
    Has it got fuel in it?
  • EdGasketTheSecond
    EdGasketTheSecond Posts: 2,558 Forumite
    First Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper First Post
    Options
    Assuming your car is a Vauxhall then you have already taken it to the 'experts'. Your only other option would be a good auto-electrician. ECU from main dealer will be £££'s with programming and messing around. You can get them repaired but first someone has to confirm that the ecu is faulty and it is not something else that is the problem like the crank sensor; they often don't generate fault codes but you won't get started if has gone.
  • System
    System Posts: 178,100 Community Admin
    Photogenic Name Dropper First Post
    Options
    Repairs are around £150-£250 typically. Quite a few companies doing it, can recommend The ECU Doctor in Plymouth.
  • m0bov
    m0bov Posts: 2,526 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    Options
    Try another dealer.
  • reeac
    reeac Posts: 1,430 Forumite
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    Options
    Had this once where it turned out to be dirt on the crankshaft position sensor. It wasn't picked up by one diagnostic kit but was by another.
  • Brookside88
    Brookside88 Posts: 338 Forumite
    First Anniversary First Post
    Options
    Try disconnecting the battery on it for half an hour. Worked to reset the ECU on my old ka
  • markudman
    markudman Posts: 351 Forumite
    First Anniversary
    Options
    Hi I get loads of these, Vauxhall ECU problems,
    First how old is the car?
    Engine size?
    Petrol or Diesel?
    Was there any other problems before,
    IE: misfire, Steering problems, Hard to start but did start, engine warning light on?
    These are important questions and need to answered Truthfully,
    as I have had customers say no to the above and it only takes longer to Diagnose
    We may not win by protesting, but if we don’t protest we will lose.
    If we stand up to them, there is always a chance we will win.
  • bertiewhite
    bertiewhite Posts: 1,904 Forumite
    First Post
    Options
    AG47 wrote: »

    They still have it, and after hours of trying to start it they can't start it either.

    What is the next step?

    What has the Vauxhall dealer suggested the next step is?
  • sevenhills
    sevenhills Posts: 5,905 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    Options
    My Megane has a fault on the ECU causing the hazards to come on, I will be interested to know the cost too.
    When we are talking about a new ECU, do we mean a reboot and reprogram?
This discussion has been closed.
★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 343.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 250.2K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.8K Spending & Discounts
  • 235.6K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 608.5K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 173.2K Life & Family
  • 248.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.9K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards