bigboy007

bigboy007 said:

Does any one know anything about the ECU? From what I've been told to have a replacement it would require reprogramming when replaced or is the ECU before purchasing should be already programmed? The second issue is the Alarm immobilizer which I want to replace, but not sure where it's located. Any advice please, much apricated.

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I’ve recently had ECU problems with a 75 & I learned the following. New or blanked (Sometimes called virgin) units will need to be programmed to the car if you want the engine immobiliser to work. They can do plug & play versions but I don’t know what that involves. You can have your unit cloned as well or repaired. If using a donor unit, all the part numbers must match & should come from the same model of car as yours but it will still need reprogramming to your car as it’ll be programmed to the original one & will interfere with it running. (I believe it can be done from another model if the programming codes start with the same letters or you have the unit blanked 1st.) Hope that’s helpful. Not an expert though.

Thanks Skipsurfer for your advice. Now I just need to source where I can purchase the parts.

It would help to know what the car is (F or TF), engine type (Mpi or VVC) and age etc

Chris T said:

It would help to know what the car is (F or TF), engine type (Mpi or VVC) and age etc

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Hi, The car I bought recently is an MGTF 2003, not sure if its Mpi or the VVC. I'm still waiting for the log book, even though I chased it up, I've got to wait at least 6 weeks. When I checked the car over it looked like someone had painted the TF on the back of the car. So, not sure? Is there another way to check the model?
However, I sourced for a manual and a download from this site gave me the service manual, which has both, Mpi and VVC. The only reason I asked as the alarm module is playing up and I want to replace it and find out the location of the unit and if it requires programming.

bigboy007 said:

Thanks Skipsurfer for your advice. Now I just need to source where I can purchase the parts.

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Just type in the part numbers (Usually on a big sticker on the ECU) & let the search engine guide you. There’s probably locations out there somewhere too. Good luck!

Thanks, I shall check.

What shape are the key fobs, black and square ish or round? There was a change in systems in 2003.

Also take a look at this site: Technozen Electronics - Home Of Pektron SCU Repair

You can do all this with a PScan. Well worth getting one.

bigboy007 said:

Does any one know anything about the ECU? From what I've been told to have a replacement it would require reprogramming when replaced or is the ECU before purchasing should be already programmed? The second issue is the Alarm immobilizer which I want to replace, but not sure where it's located. Any advice please, much apricated.

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If you purchase an alarm system and ecu together they will be matched and all you will have to do is replace the ecu and alarm unit no reprogramming required then. Just make sure you get the correct ecu/alarm unit for your model! The alarm unit is situated behind the centre consul and is accessible by removing the side kick plate down by the peddles and passenger footwell. If you google mgf alarm unit location and go to images you should see pictures of location, the bolts which hold it in place may be security type or 10mm heads but you won't really know what type until you remove the side covers. It can be removed without any further dismantling of centre consul, last one I changed over took about 15mins and that was taking sides off, removing alarm module and replacing and removing and replacing ecu.