cobrab19

Well guys I own a 2003 clk55 that had a check engine light for the charcoal canister I had that and the purge valve replaced at $660. My mechanic called and said the wires coming from the car going to the charcoal canister looked damaged and had grounded possibly damaging my ecu, he recommended I take it to the dealer to make sure. Sure enough the dealer confirms the ecu is not communicating with the charcoal canister and charged me $200. $1600 for a new ecu at the dealer plus programming. They gave me a part number but when I called to confirm I was ordering the right part they informed me the used ecu might not be able to be programmed to my car. I have zero knowledge on how these Ecu's work if anybody could give me a hand it would be greatly appreciated.

GatorMB

The Purge valve opens at cruise speeds to vent the fuel tank of vapors. A faulty gas cap can cause all of the inherent problems described above.

If the only problem is the purge circuit and all other engine functions are normal consider taking it to a Euro auto electric shop for wiring repairs if you do not do work on it yourself.

Mitsubishi, and some others are noted for Dead ECU after input damage, Not Benz

ECU is the Electronics control unit that contains the main micro-processor. The ECU communicates with all of the other systems that control functions in the car.

Cheers, Gator

cobrab19

The dealer told me I need a new Ecu. They said the wiring is fine now.
Just wondering if I can put another ecu in the car, from what I'm reading it won't work unless the ecu is new or they transfer some chip onto the new ecu?

tw2

Some of the electronics (including the ECU) have to be specifically coded for the VIN of the vehicle they are going in. Usually only a dealer will have the ability to do that. You can buy the knock off Chinese equipment (Xentry SDS system) but it's much cheaper to have the dealer do it as a one off. So no unfortunately you cannot put another cars ECU in.

cobrab19

Unfortunately I think your right and coming to that conclusion now. I got the dealer down to 1400 on the ecu. He said he might be able to talk to his manager for a little better discount. Geez this car has been killing me lately.