97 850 T5 ECU troubles

[ButterOfDolphin]

Hello everyone.

I purchased a 97 850 T-5 from a shady car dealer and got screwed big time.

After spending way more money than I should have, the only thing keeping my car from passing inspection here in MA is the lack of a proper T-5 or R ECU, the car has an ECU out of a 94 turbo.

While the car does run and seems fine, I need to find a proper ECU, and I have spent days trying to locate one. Unfortunately I can't even find the Volvo part number for it. I know it's either a Motronic 4.3 or 4.4 unit, but I've seen too much conflicting information to be sure.

If anyone knows where i could get one or at the very least a lead on what unit I am supposed to have or the part number it would be much appreciated.

Are they made out of unobtainium or what?

Thanks!

Another Matt with a 97 850 T5

[charlyW]

Hello everyone.

I purchased a 97 850 T-5 from a shady car dealer and got screwed big time.

After spending way more money than I should have, the only thing keeping my car from passing inspection here in MA is the lack of a proper T-5 or R ECU, the car has an ECU out of a 94 turbo.

While the car does run and seems fine, I need to find a proper ECU, and I have spent days trying to locate one. Unfortunately I can't even find the Volvo part number for it. I know it's either a Motronic 4.3 or 4.4 unit, but I've seen too much conflicting information to be sure.

If anyone knows where i could get one or at the very least a lead on what unit I am supposed to have or the part number it would be much appreciated.

Are they made out of unobtainium or what?

Thanks!

Another Matt with a 97 850 T5

I know its not much help to you over there but in the English Ebay I found the ECU from a T5. You could rind your local Volvo dealer to get a number I don't know if this is any help the IPD number for the T5 ECU should be

Model/Year ECU

850 T5 1994-1995 072 222/275 236/280 9.7/14.5 7.4/6.2 86072
850 T5R 628 240/275 236/280 12/14.5 7.0/6.2 86628
850 T5 1996-97 072 222/275 236/280 9.7/14.5 7.4/6.2 86073
850 R 1996-97 628 240/275 236/280 12/14.5 7.0/6.2 86629
850 GLT* 1997 936 190/230 212/265 8/12 7.8/6.6 86936

[findude]

If the shady dealer is in your state, you may have recourse. Since you bought the car intending to register and use it, and if they are a licensed dealer, they may be liable for making the car registrable in your state. I would certainly pursue the matter with them, and I suggest taking the time to make phone calls to the administrative entity in your state that oversees car dealers. You might also make a call to the state attorney general's office.

Of course, if you've already put tons of work and money into the car, they might simply offer to take the car back and you would lose whatever you've spent.

IPD sells a tuned version of the ECU you need, but they are probably expecting an original in core exchange. You might call them and see what they have to say--I've always found them very knowledgeable.

Call the Volvo dealer parts department and give them the VIN for your car and explain that you need the part number for the ECU. Parts guys are usually much more sympathetic than a service writer in the service department. They will quote you something like $1,100 to $1,600 for the part.

Another thing to do is use http://www.car-part.com/ to make a specific request. You will need the correct part number to ensure getting the correct part. I did a quick query using their on-line form, and there are several available ranging from about $200 to about $450.

I would immediately contact this guy http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ ... 44154.html. He is trying to unload this car and might part with just the ECU for the right price. That craigslist posting is about to expire, so get on it right away.

If the ECU mentioned on UK eBay has the same part number it should work. You do need to be wary if it's from a car with a manual transmission and yours is automatic, because you'll get an unresolvable Check Engine Light because the ECU will be looking for/not expecting to find a signal from the transmission computer.

[cheapwagon]

I would immediately contact this guy http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ ... 44154.html. He is trying to unload this car and might part with just the ECU for the right price. That craigslist posting is about to expire, so get on it right away.

I think the car may be gone. I got a few emails from her but nothing since Monday morning.

[ButterOfDolphin]

Hey everyone thanks a lot.
I have sourced a R ECU

findude - I had though about taking action but I would rather just have this out of my hair at this point. I've spent enough time and money on the car so now I'm just going to take good care of it and I learned my lesson.

Only buy from Volvo people!

I just need to do the ABS/Tracs fix and i'll be at 100%!

Thanks again