Ford Escort ECU problem

[dzorde at aesprodata.com.au]

     George,
     
     I posted a mail a while ago, about a Holden Astra which experienced 
     the same problems (and the diagnostics showed nothing wrong).  
     Eventually there was only one thing left after all the sensors and 
     harnesses had passed testing (YES the ECU), we replaced the ECU and 
     the car now runs as good as new again.  So I'd suggest try swapping in 
     another one if you can to try it out.
     
     The funny (well not so funny) thing was that the probem didn't start 
     until after the car had been in for a regular service.  Which makes me 
     wonder how EMC proof these ECU's are, its almost like the service 
     people zap the ECU's (purposely or accidently, who knows) when they 
     service the cars.  From what we found when we opened up the old one, 
     there wasn't a lot of EMC protection in it, a MOV on the supply input 
     and a by-pass cap on each I/O lead.  No wonder they recommend not jump 
     starting other cars.
     
     
     Dan        dzorde at aesprodata.com.au


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Ford Escort ECU problem
Author:  diy_efi at coulomb.eng.ohio-state.edu at INTERNET
Date:    12/11/96 1:19 AM


Hi all
     
I need some help or information.
     
I have a '96 Ford Escort 1.8GLi 16V. I am not sure which ECU it has, but this is
my sad 
tale.
     
I have taken the vehicle for its 20000km service. After it was completed I was 
ha nded
back the vehicle. I drove it for +-30km and it failed on me. 
I tried to re-start it, ran for 30 secs and died once more. 
Contacted the service agent. They sent out the mechanic.
     
When he arrived after an hour, the machanic tried to start the vehicle. It 
sprang
 to 
life and idled(typical). He monitored the ECU with a scan tool. At first it 
would
 not 
communicate. Eventually established comms. Checked out fine according to 
diagnost ics.
     
Drove the car back to service centre. After about 25km, the car surged again. 
Man aged to 
get it back to the agent. They tried again with the scan tool. Found nothing 
wron g. 
     
Decided to change fuel filter(??????). Did exactly the same. Would idle for some
minutes 
and then stall. Battle to start. Some over an over again.
     
They removed ECU and found it to be incredibly hot to the touch.(is this 
normal??
     
Ambient around 29 degress Celsius).
     
I would like to know if somebody has had this experience before, or know of it. 
     
I would appreciate any help or comments about this matter.
     
(Sorry for the long mail)
     
     
Regards 
George