Used ECU Unlocking? Mating?

[foresthump]

Hi All!
I`ve chosen this forum because I want to reach the most # of volvo owners who may want to tune their ECUs.
I did. I own a 2001 C70 coupe. Over the years I bought alot of bolt ons from IPD, VIVA and Eurosport Tuning. When it came time to remap the ECU, I sent it to IPD for a stage II tune. It worked well. A chassis dyno read 257 HP at the ground. FUN.
But then one day a cold start gremlin appeared. I couldn`t solve it so I took the car to the dealership and, later, to my indie volvo repairman. Both said they could not (or would not) sort out the problem by reading the ECU codes because it had been remapped. If I allowed them to reload the ECU to stock parameters, then they could/would work on it. That, of course, meant an $800 loss of IPD`s stage II tune.
So I began trying to purchase a 2nd ECU in stock configuration to use when I drove to the repair shop and keep my original Tuner ECU for the rest of the time.
A year has gone by. I have been through 4 used ECUs. One works, but it is from a 2002 model and the repairshops won`t accept it. The rest will not start the car.
I know that when ECUs are placed in a new car they are coded to start THAT car ONLY. There is an immobilizer code process that has to be overcome in order for the ECU to work in another car.
Recently I have taken two used ECUs (2001 models) to my indie repairshop. I ask them to hook it up to VIDA and "reload" them so as to work in my car. They say that the ECUs can only have their immobilizer code broken while still in the original vehicle. They did actually hook it up to VIDA and try...but it did not take.
My only recourse seems to be the purchase of a new ECU from a dealership...at a cost of @$1000. This is crazy. It shouldn`t be this hard.
I have a reputedly good used 2001 ECU in hand. Does anyone know the absolutely correct process such that it will start and run in my car???
So my point to you all is this, if you remap your ECU, be certain you have a way to return it to stock. Or a spare that works.
Thanks.

[Matty Moo]

I'm pretty sure ARD can program another ecu for you, contact lucky and find out.

[precopster]

I read on another thread that XeModex has a new service of programming older ECUs to work in non original cars. Give them a call.

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[foresthump]

I have been in touch with Lucky/ARD. He has helped me numerous times. He can unlock P2 ECUs but does not yet have the capability to do so with P80 models. Though, I believe he will soon. XeModex offers to clear the immobilizer code and wipe out the software back to a virgin state so that a repairshop with a current volvo VIDA subscription can reload the updated software for that model year. It will then start the car. XeModex charges @$250 for this service. The repairshop will then charge @$150 to reload the software.
So, if you have need for an additional ECU, or if your ECU got corrupted during a remapping, this is what you will have to go thru. FYI

[precopster]

I thought I read a similar thread on Volvospeed and if I remember correctly you can swap the ECU but it involves also swapping the ignition keys, the antenna ring and another item which eludes me right now from the vehicle which donated the ECU

[jimmy57]

On P80/850 platform models with networking the instrument cluster is the host controller with VIN registration. CDM (inst cluster) is VIN linked to the ECM. Immobilizer is another control unit and the ECM is linked to immobilizer.
Without unlocking you'd need the ignition lock, keys and those three control units. The car would forever thereafter be known as the harvested VIN to Volvo database for any subsequent software orders and any of the PIN access "software" (alarm and lock system) would be invalid unless you also got the VGLA module from the harvested car.
XEMODEX blanking is cheaper probably.