Replace ECU on a 1999 S80
 

Hi all, first post here!

I'm having major headaches with my 1999 S80.

My problem is that the car will only start occasionally. Sometimes I have to wait a couple of minutes, retry to start and then it starts.

Once the car is on, there are no problems and it still drives like new. The problem is at start-up.

I've taken the car to the dealer on a couple of occassions and, after spending over $2,000 diagnosing the problem and fixing things which were not the cause, the dealer has informed me that the issue lies with the ECU.

The dealer wanted to charge an arm and a leg for the ECU and, at that price, it might be better to scrap the car all together or sell it for parts.

I logged into ebay and I saw that an ECU sells there for 130$ and under. I searched on these boards but it seems that replacing the ECU requires some kind of hard reset and / or reprogramming. The car is now back in my garage but I prefer not to give the dealer any more of my money and replace the ECU myself (I'm mechanically inclined).

Can anybody confirm if, in fact, I do need to reprogram the ECU and, if so, does it have to be done at the dealership?

Also, if someone can provide me with an exact part number, that would be helpfull.

For reference purposes, my VIN is:

YV1TS90D9X1016288

Engine is a 2.8 L T-6 turbo (B6284T)

Thanks all.

A used ECU cannot be programmed to another car. Sorry to say but a new one will need to be purchased and installed with the software.

What exactly is it doing when it will not start?

The starter engages but will not start, the dealer spliced every wire to try to determine the cause.
Initially, they thought that it would be the ignition switch, which they changed.
Then they removed the alarm system, again to no avail.
then they looked into other causes and, after having spent over $2,000 in labour alone, the dealer is very confident that the problem comes lies with the ECU.
Following is a disclaimer from an ebay seller:
This unit has an immobilizer function, and before it will start in your car, you may need to take this unit & your car to a volvo dealer or volvo specialist in order for the immobilizer to be programed. Once this is programed this will work in your car.


A brand new ECU will have to be purchased?! That almost hammers the last nail into my S80's coffin! It just seems like such a waste to send such a beautiful car to the scrapper.

Thanks

They can say what they want on E-bay but it will not work. Once the ECU is programmed to a car it is done. It cannot be reprogrammed.
When it will not start does the Tach jump up real high then bottom out?