ECU Swap

[Jc69216921]

Hello everyone, was wondering if anyone has swapped an ECU for one from the junkyard. I had my 2013 A3 TDI tuned thinking I would be able to return it to stock if I needed but I was wrong, I need to smog my car and since I can’t return it to stock I’m kinda screwed. Wondering if anyone has any suggestions on what I can do.

 

[Mass. Wine Guy]

I’m not a mechanic, but the mechanic I have once put a used ECU in my MK4 Jetta TDI wagon. It happened to have a stage 2 Malone tune, but it works fine. So I would say if you find the same one in another car like yours that you’d be ok. But I don’t know for certain.

 

[P2B]

ECU swaps don't just work, it is neccessary to delete or reprogram the immobilizer system, which requires specialized software.

If you have the SKC (secret key code) for both ECUs, VCDS supports immobilizer reprogramming for older cars, but nothing as new as the OP's 2013 A3. Most tuners are able to delete immobilizers.

This might be an option for running a junkyard ECU:

Cascade German Parts – Retailer of New OEM Volkswagen Audi Group Auto Parts

www.tunemyeuro.com

 

[turbodieseldyke]

Also, the junker ecu will have a different VIN, which will cause red flags at inspection.

I was just reading a thread about Diesel Dubs (aka GermanDieselMotorwerks.com), and he does immo deletes for $150.

If your ecu is merely tuned, and don't have any emissions crap deleted (DPF, EGR, etc), then you should probably just take it in and see what happens. Might want to check readiness beforehand, just to be sure they don't instantly fail you on that. if you recently deleted a CEL, your readiness will be zeroed out, and will need to drive a while to get it back to "ready".

Take a look in the West Coast subforum here to see what other smog info there is. https://forums.tdiclub.com/index.php?forums/west-coast-canada-usa.31/

 

[Jc69216921]

I’ve already taken the car to check if it’ll pass and the computer won’t even pick it up when plugged in to the OB port, my only option was to return it to stock and get it smogged after I put all the emissions stuff back on. But since I can’t return to car to stock I’m kinda out of options, I can put all the stock parts back on but without the stock tune it won’t make a difference. Does anyone know if the dealer will be able to upload the stock tune since they already did the update after the scandal?

 

[x1800MODMY360x]

How did your car got tuned?

 

[Jc69216921]

How did your car got tuned?

I got the handheld tuner from diesel DNA along with the DPF delete kit.

 

[x1800MODMY360x]

I got the handheld tuner from diesel DNA along with the DPF delete kit.

That can put it back to stock.