Golf mk4 problem

Dave85 · 16 Mar 2006 at 18:09

Golf mk4 problem Please Help

Golf Mk4 T reg 100,000

the cars Ecu is on the brink mechanics have tried everything they can to fix the problem of the car not starting randomly.

Checked all the fuel things and switches and are now done to the only thing it could be with is the ecu basicly I wish to know how much you think it should cost for new ecu to be fitted to a golf mk4 1.4 1999 T reg.

My parents have maxed out there cards and spent over 900 tryin to get it fixed and 3 mechanics have now said they have no idea what it might be.

But fuel pumps starter motors everything has been checked, and they beleave it may be the Ecu as they have heard a few cases of this failing at around 100 000 miles.

Any idea people there at the end of the line with it. VW say they have no idea

osc89er · 16 Mar 2006 at 20:39

Have you tried a scrap yard, see how much you can get a second hand one fitted for as a comparison to going to VW for a brand new one.

Oracle · 16 Mar 2006 at 21:11

Unfortunately, the ECU is prone to failure at 100k miles but its not common

Have they checked the MAF because that can have the same charateristics if its very badly worn. (which at 100k it could well be).

A test fit MAF can be got from a Scrappies to see if that cures the problem, expect to pay £100 at least for the MAF

VAG acknowledges a fault with the ECU (038 906 018 BM) and specifies an upgraded unit (038 906 018 GQ) at £695.00 + VAT. According to VAG technical, this problem will eventually occur with all ECUs of the 'BM' part number

Hope this helps

Enfield · 16 Mar 2006 at 21:42

Has the battery been replaced?

Oracle · 16 Mar 2006 at 21:54

Has the battery been replaced?

Doesnt affect ECUs

MagicBoy · 16 Mar 2006 at 22:34

Which engine?

Enfield · 16 Mar 2006 at 23:00

Oracle said:
Doesnt affect ECUs

No but it affects the starting.

I had a duff battery on my 205 and it would randomly fail to start, wouldn't even turn over, then when it did want to work it fired up fine.

gc123 · 17 Mar 2006 at 00:54

on a t reg your ecu carries the engine immobiliser, so any replacement will need coding in. the dealers down here dont like coding second hand units (obviously make more money, on new units) if it was me i would have a word with your mechanic and see if there are any companies locally to you who do ecu testing and reconditioning. we used to use a company called lynx automotive (nottingham) for ours, and they would give a computer print out of the tests. try yellow pages or equivalent. but be very careful and try and go on recommendation,. or as found out a bad company could promise the earth, and drain the bank account.

as a Alternative, find a ecu in a salvage yard, get the matching key and ignition barrel (chipped) and the dash clocks (also coded)........

hell for £695+vat i would knock a hole in the drivers floor and run quick., or trade it in while it runs.

or give swedish and german a try, i dont think your maf will effect the starting as when our galaxy tdi maf failed i ran it for 2 days disconnected. ford/v/w price was 180+ at the time. S&G was about 47+.

Dave85 · 17 Mar 2006 at 04:24

Thanks for the reply oracle looks like its trade in time. as they have already spent 900 on it

Battery was replaced with new one. same thing.

thanks for all the help. will see car recomendation thread shortly.