Rear end control unit Trouble shooting help

[DavidRoss]

Hello, (First post).

All that rain we got in Virginia paid off in a soaked RCU 997-618-260-04 under the driver's seat ?.

While driving, things went bonkers - Spoiler up, top tried to retract and broke, alarm goes off. all kind of fun.

 

I have it all apart and dried out. Looking at the RCU under a jewelers loupe, I can find no damage to teh board but I know that doesnt mean much. I get no errors (related to the RCU) when I turn the car on but  I can't get the top to do anything.  I do get an airbag failure because the seats are out.

 

When I unlatch the roof and windows do NOT drop but the DO drop normally when I open the doors. No reason to suspect the latch microswitch as it's always worked fine. That and when I stick my finger up there, I can make it click.

 

With all the water, obviously the RCU 997-618-260-04 is suspect.

 

Finally, the question:

Is there a way to  circumvent the latch microswitch and make the roof retract by jumping pins on the RCU box? I want to verify the RCU is in fact bad before I pay for another one.

 

Also, can it be bought pre-programmed? I don't have anyway to code it.

Thanks in advance.

[JFP in PA]

Welcome to RennTech

 

Once water get into one of these units, they sometimes cannot be recovered or even repaired.  There are companies such and the ECU Doctors than can often repair them, but you have to ship the unit and wait to see what they can do for you.  If you replace the unit, it is going to require a PIWIS system to reprogram everything to work together, which will require getting the car to a shop or dealer with the tool.

[DavidRoss]

Thanks.

I talked to ECU Doctors and they don't support the RCU.

 

Before taking it to a shop, was hoping to do some further testing to verify the board is in fact bad. I'm 90% sure it is but I'd hate to pay for it to be replaced if it doesnt need to be.

The rest of the repairs are straightforward - convertible top ball joints and such.

 

Can the Durametric Pro code the box? I have a feeling that the cost of a shop to do this will rival the cost of the Durametric Pro upgrade - making it worth my while.

[Silver_TT]

1 minute ago, DavidRoss said:

Can the Durametric Pro code the box? I have a feeling that the cost of a shop to do this will rival the cost of the Durametric Pro upgrade - making it worth my while.

 

 

No, sorry that will require a PIWIS

[DavidRoss]

1 minute ago, Silver_TT said:

 

 

No, sorry that will require a PIWIS

Well, crap.

Luckily the car drives safely in current condition so I can skip the tow truck.

 

I'm in Northern Virginia (Herndon) and this is my first issue that requires a shop. Any recommendations on where to take it?

[JFP in PA]

3 minutes ago, DavidRoss said:

Well, crap.

Luckily the car drives safely in current condition so I can skip the tow truck.

 

I'm in Northern Virginia (Herndon) and this is my first issue that requires a shop. Any recommendations on where to take it?

 

You need someone with a PIWIS, which may limit you to a dealer.

[DavidRoss]

For future reference. Similar thread and speaks to why Durametric can't solve this and PIWIS is needed.