Sharan ECU located but how do you remove it

**joesax** · 17-04-2008,06:22 PM

Hi Folks.
I have a faulty ECU in my 1998 2ltr petrol Sharan and it needs to come out for repair.
I located the ECU, it's at the back of the instument panel (cluster).
I removed the instrument cluster ok but now now I have started to struggle.
I can see it but I am working with the Galaxy Haynes book.

Can anyone advise me how to you remove it (how is it bolted in).

Ta.

**kenney** · 17-04-2008,07:00 PM

There is a securing clip pull out securing clip sideways

**joesax** · 17-04-2008,07:41 PM

Originally Posted by kenney

There is a securing clip pull out securing clip sideways

Hi Kenney.
Could you give me a bit more description of the clip.

There is a securing plate with two bolts which I have loosend.
the ECU seems to be sitting on some sort of tray.
Ta Joe

**kenney** · 17-04-2008,07:52 PM

What is your e-mail address and i will send you a pic

**joesax** · 17-04-2008,07:54 PM

Originally Posted by kenney

What is your e-mail address and i will send you a pic

joesax@blueyonder .co.uk

Cheers.Kenney

**joesax** · 25-04-2008,03:52 PM

Hi all,
I finally got the dam ECU out with help of various tools and an angle grinder.
the thing was mounted on a metal plate which was behind the instrument cluster fixed in with three bolts, after undoing the bolts there was no way it would come out of the dash until I ground off parts of the plate.

If you own a 1998 2ltr petrol Sharan I do hope the ECU does'nt go faulty.
I think this year 1998 was the transition period from the dash to under the passenger seat.

Thanks a bunch VW for bad design thinking.

Thanks to all for the advice and Special thanks to Kenney for your help.

erskinecarl · 28-04-2008,07:51 PM

hi, it appears i have the same problem with the ECU on my 96 sharan dont laugh

anyway i wanted to no if the ECU is coaded to car that its on or can you use one from another car ? also ive located the ecu and are trying to remove it as well struggling the same, how the hell did you manage to get an angle grinder any where near it ? and did you realise how you could have done it once you removed it ,if you have any good advice i would be greatful

anyway my name is carl e-mail erskinecarl@aol.com many thanks.....

**joesax** · 29-04-2008,12:53 PM

Hi,
I've been told that the ECU is coded to the car.
Removal is difficult, I removed the instrument cluster then removed 3 nuts holding the plate which the ECU sits on, then manovered the thing to the left.
I then turned it every which way so that I could put the angle grinder though the cluster opening and cut off the largest of the retaining brackets the plate (difficult, cut hands etc).
I then managed to drop the thing down the left side of the steering columb so that I could remove the black box which is piggy backed under the plate fixed with 2 screws, then you need to remove the sliding plastic lock holding the plug in ( watch it !! because its very stiff I broke the end off and it gave me extra problems getting the slides out.
Then it should then just drop out.

I should add that it took me a week to remove it learning as I went.

It should'nt take you as long knowing the above but if you need further help just ask me.
Joe.

**joesax** · 30-04-2008,05:58 PM

Hi all,
Had the ECU tested and no faults where found which is good, but it means I still have the fault.
Joe.

**joesax** · 06-05-2008,06:05 PM

Hi. Kenney,
My saga is still ongoing, since your last e-mail I have had the ECU tested and its working ok.
Question, I mentioned early on that when the engine had cut that there was a ticking from the throttle body electrronics ( the black box bolted onto the throttle body) and i'm wondering if the black box elecronics is causing butterfly valve is some how shut making the engine to stall whilst driving.
What do you think,any idea's apprecitated.
Ta JOESAX.

AS ANYONE ELSE ANY IDEA'S
Ta.