Can anybody repair the ECU

[John579]

I have a very early 1996 XK8 4L coupe, I have posted that the engine keeps cutting out under the Engine forum.
The garage has gone through all the possibilities, except the one last thing - the ECU, however being one of the first 1000 cars produced, we cannot find a replacement, therefore can anybody advise if someone can repair it?

[Astromorg]

I've no personal experience of either of these two outfits, but both have excellent reputations

https://www.bluehawkelectronics.co.uk/

https://www.avilec.co.uk/

If you're brave, you might like to consider opening up the ECU and physically checking it for obvious component failures. Early modules are known to suffer from faulty electrolytic capacitors that show obvious signs of leakage. They can be individually removed/renewed if you're handy with a soldering iron. Even if you don't try a repair, there maybe a visual confirmation of a problem

[John579]

Update of ECU problem…
Looks like it’s the ECU that’s the problem, however it’s a really early version and I cannot find a replacement, but if I do find one can anybody advise if it needs to be programmed, if so is it easy to do?
Thank you.

[poprivet]

Does it have the part number on it?
Ebay often have ECUs but I'm sure you have checked those on there at the moment.

[John579]

The ECU part No. LJA1410AK
I have one more place to try but if I find it does it need programming and can I do it?

[Astromorg]

Is this, on Ebay (NOW!) any use?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373864056308 ... Sw5OVh3D2x

All the advice I can find online suggests that repair is always the safest answer to ensure Plug-and -Play

Another point to watch for is whether your key (not the fob) has a programmable chip. I understand some earlier ECUs communicated this chip's info to the ECU differently to later ECUs while the very first ECUs/keys had no chip fitted.

Here are some interesting links on all this from another Forum
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8- ... hlight=ECU
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8- ... hlight=ECU
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8- ... hlight=ECU

[Lucky]

I haven't used either of these companies but have them book marked them just in case I ever need their services. I must have seen reference to them in one of the magazines.

https://www.ecutesting.com/
https://the-ecu-doctor.co.uk/

Good luck.

[John579]

Hi, update on faulty ECU, unfortunately unable to find a solution therefore the car is going for spares...
On the positive side there is a silver lining, i am currently purchasing another XK8 but a 2003 model registered in 2004 - Happy Days....
I would like to thank everyone who provided assistance and I think it could have worked out with a newer model, just not a 1996....
Regards
John

[poprivet]

Sorry to hear that John. I suppose as cars become increasingly complicated electronically it will become more common.
Even normal fault finding is now almost impossible let alone sourcing working parts.

If you could write an article for the magazine explaining the problems I'm sure it would be of interest to many.

[Lucky]

Did you contact any of the ECU repair companies suggested and if so were they not able to help?

[Astromorg]

If the car is really going to scrap with its only apparent fault being a US ECU, then I'm happy to offer to take the ECU, open it to check for faulty components (a known event with the v early ECUs) and renew them as required. I can say only that it might work and so save the car or if it doesn't, nothing's lost. If you want me to give the car an outside chance John, just say.

[mike020150]

What a generous offer! That's a great example of the real value of belonging to the JEC and using the Forum facilities. Thank you John. Mike.