ECU Recall

General General Lotus Talk
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No, the Emerald M3D doesn’t seem to be an issue. [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/smile.gif[/image]

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Do Lotus have a clue what they’re doing?They bring out a new ecu that seems to hold back engine performance instead of improving it and appears to be recalling all the new ecus,presumably because they’ve messed this up too??Any one know whats happening?

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Good grief!I’ve spoken with my dealer, & as far as they are aware, the only problem has been regarding the paperwork needed when returning the original ECUs to the factory.They’ve fitted a new ECU to a 340R this week - no problems reported.TTFN

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Hi All,Had mine booked im today only to get a call from the dealer at lunch time to say that they couldn’t do it as they didn’t have the replcement ECU - plonkers!!! or is there a problem with the new ones as suggested above?Mike

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Was talking to a dealer yesterday - shall remain nameless to protect the innocent.Apparently Lotus have only issued a set number of ECUs per dealer (based on expected demand) - maximum per dealer is 4.The dealer has to make a swap, complete BIG paperwork exercise then return ECU to Lotus before Lotus will supply any more to the dealer - therefore if you are the first handful to each dealer, you might get an immediate change, otherwise expec to wait 2/3 weeks for the next batch to come in.The dealer remains nameless as they had a great one liner “typical Lotus, you wait 1 year for a recall then they don’t issue enough stock to meet the demand!”

66

Hi All I have been reading this thread with interestas I have not had a lot of problems with the misfire on my 177 Exige and was concerened when I read about the heat build up and possible fires etc.Anything in the boot just cooks even on a cold day!Received the recall notice last week-took the car to Hethel yesterday,original dealer was Haydons at Cambridge so I am a bit limited in the area for dealers-very helpful all round -new facility at the factory,even had a ride round the track.On the trip home approx 85 miles,quite a lot of traffic on the first section plus roadworks so no chance to explore the upper rev ranges.First clear bit of road-very severe misfire at 5500 rpm-felt like the engine was trying to jump out of the car-tried various routes to clear but the same in every gear-even on downchange.Tried to call Hethel but could not get through-as I was running late and the traffic was increasing I decided to head for home and check the leads etc.Reseated the leads but no joy.Called Hethel again but now after 5.00 pm so left messages.Let you know what happens when I speak to them this morning and ask for the old one back.Still looking for the 190 upgrade but what do I get for the money !

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UpdateSpoke to the service centre-new ECU is picking up misfire so cutting two cylindersas specified.Taking the car back on Monday to find the source of the misfire.At least I am using the car now !

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Blimey. After reading all these posts (none of which surprise me) I’m wondering if not to bother, seems like a lot of hassle for no gain.Mine used to backfire quite badly until I fitted the Magecore jobbies, ever since then I’ve had no problems.Is everyone else having it done?Cheers,Phil.

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I certainly won’t be changing mine until the new ECU has proven itself, which it doesn’t seem to be doing at the moment. I rarely get a misfire and the fire issue with the catalysts doesn’t really apply as most of us removed them a long time ago. All in all, it sounds like out the frying pan, into the fire with the new, “improved” ECU. I’m sure they’ll sort it out in due course - 2005? [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/wink.gif[/image]

70

I’m with Ally on this one,have only once had the missfire once,so reluctant to change to the new ECU after what has been experienced so far.The other thing is the dealer has still not contacted me,even spoke to Hethel,and they said to wait till the dealer contacts you,so this will be done in 2005 if i’m lucky or not as the case may be! [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/smile.gif[/image]

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I ain’t changin’ nuffink!Sounds like pure pants to me - car is just about right, bar clutch going at Brands yesterday.

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quote:Originally posted by jason:UpdateSpoke to the service centre-new ECU is picking up misfire so cutting two cylindersas specified.Taking the car back on Monday to find the source of the misfire.Aha! Has nobody else picked up on this- The misfire IS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ECU !!!The newly configured ECU is merely now able to realise that there is a misfire… Or I could be talking bollo*** [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/grin.gif[/image]

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RussPer Nick Adams"The revised programme eliminates the infamous 5400rpm stutter, cleans up a couple of other areas of the calibration and also includes a built in misfire detection system. This will monitor a combination of crankshaft acceleration and exhaust oxygen content, and in the event of it sensing a severe misfire it will impose a 5500rpm rev limiter and cut the fuel supply to the offending cylinders to prevent the catalyst from overheating. Switching the engine off for a few seconds and restarting will clear the rev-limit and fuel cut-off, but as soon as it senses a misfire again it will re-engage. If once equipped with the revised calibration your car suffers from this then it needs to be taken to a dealer for investigation. The car can be driven safely while the rev limiter and fuel cut-off is engaged, but it isn’t much fun, so you’ll want to get to a dealer as soon as possible. The sensitivity of the system has been carefully set to avoid nuisance false detections caused by momentary misfires or stutters. The system uses, amongst other inputs, the ECM wheel speed sensor so that it knows when the vehicle is stationary. If you have disconnected this sensor (RH rear wheel)to get lots of popping and banging from your exhaust on overrun you will I’m afraid have to reconnect it."Nuff said I think …

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OK, let me put it another way…Driver A has always had the misfire, Driver B never has. They both get the new ECU and drive off into the sunset. But, their cars’ behaviour does not change - Driver B now has a misfire detection system, should the problem ever arise, whereas A’s ECU is now telling him/her that they have a misfire. We know of at least 2 driver B’s - and one A - the 340R which had no problem, and may never have had the misfire - or did it?[This message has been edited by RussT (edited 10 August 2002).][This message has been edited by RussT (edited 10 August 2002).]

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oi Russ, everything cool? tell ya what, we don’t really have to worry, do we?later,Bruno

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Cool Bruno, innit. [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/grin.gif[/image] Passed your regards to Dave & Karl the other week. How is yours running now?

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cheers, Russ, well, I have still a problem with the high oil consumption, me motor is using about 1 lit. per 700 miles… [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/shocked.gif[/image]I suppose the piston rings don’t feel very comfy… [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/grin.gif[/image] [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/grin.gif[/image]apart from that, the car is transformed as you said…but very noisy… [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/grin.gif[/image]later,Bruno

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quote:Originally posted by Pesky:RoxTeddySuggest you contact your dealer - quote him your car’s VIN number per the registration document. The misfire can also arise if the plug leads are not firmly seated on the coil pack - suggest you check this regularly. Upgrading to Magnecour KV85 leads is also a good move (see http://www.eliseparts.com or http://www.race-speed.com, both are fantastic sites for upgrades etc). PeskyThanx for your reply - My car got its 12000 mile service on Friday and the dealer replaced the ECU while it was in. They told me that the original replacement ECU’s were all sent back to Lotus and this was the second batch.60mile drive home - didn’t have any problems but then again I wasn’r really having a great problem with the 5500stutter anyway (only happened a couple of times to me). I didn’t particularly notice much difference in the way the car drove, responded or otherwise apart from the usual nice ‘clean/tight’ feeling you get when your cars had its oil changed and lungs cleared out after a service.You can rest assured I’ll be trying to prompt my car into showing any problems over the next week or so - if this blasted weather would clear up and give me some dry roads to run on.Thanx for the website links [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/cool.gif[/image]Rox

79

Ok … Whats the “real” ECU story ? [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/smile.gif[/image] someone must know ( OK maybe thats a bit strong !! ) but if you read all through this ECU thing nothing adds up at all !!

80

As stated -new ECU is picking up misfire-that I never noticed before (seems strange)so cutting fuel,leaving for Hethel in 20 minsperhaps it will clear up on the way !Hopefully the cleaners did not junk my old ECU on Friday.I really need some accurate info on this ECU issue as I am sure the underwriters will be reluctant to pay out on a claim when the recall was not performed-hopefully they are not reading this thread.I am sure most owners were horrified when they saw the images of the burnt out 340 R`s - has Lotus actually admitted liablity yet .I really just want to drive the car not become a fire test dummy-no comments please!Jason