My ford focus ECU was smashed in an accident and 3 companies have said it can't be read and to make matters worse it was then lost in the post. I have a replacement but nowhere seems able to program it. Ford say they can only program a new unit to my car at a cost of £1100 for the unit plus £180 per hour programming. (Apparently they used to be able to reprogram used units but the software was taken off them!) Does anyone know of any way I can get round this problem without buying the new unit?

Forscan may be able to do it but you will probably need a paid license.

I would recommend joining the FORScan forum and asking if and what can be done on there.

https://forscan.org/forum/

I'm sure Ford could do it, I think they just don't want to, you could try a main dealer

But, even if you do get it configured, you will need the keys programming, which Ford will have to do

1 hour ago, ceridunn said:

My ford focus ECU was smashed in an accident and 3 companies have said it can't be read

I take it the car has been purchased damaged and repaired by yourself? Not repaired under an insurance claim?

Reach out to Richard at Customod, or Ollie Jones both can be found via FB

 

To make a copy of your old ECU you will need the old ECU. 

Fordscan will not copy the map files and you will need the proper software and hardware and its silly money 2k plus.

I have an old ECU copy tool and you need 2 files from your old ECU the maps file and EEPROM files which is unique to your vehicle as it contains all the security information. The map file can be got from another vehicle with the same ECU but that will not help as you still need the EEPROM which I think only Ford can provide you with as your old ECU is missing / broken.

9 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

I take it the car has been purchased damaged and repaired by yourself?

Will get an answer or have you found another OPW 🤣

13 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

I take it the car has been purchased damaged and repaired by yourself? Not repaired under an insurance claim?

It was purchased damaged on an auction site, it was listed that engine starts and drivetrain drives, I now think they were fibbing!

13 hours ago, DaveT70 said:

Forscan may be able to do it but you will probably need a paid license.

I would recommend joining the FORScan forum and asking if and what can be done on there.

https://forscan.org/forum/

I'm sure Ford could do it, I think they just don't want to, you could try a main dealer

But, even if you do get it configured, you will need the keys programming, which Ford will have to do

Ok

10 hours ago, Eatonm112 said:

To make a copy of your old ECU you will need the old ECU. 

Fordscan will not copy the map files and you will need the proper software and hardware and its silly money 2k plus.

I have an old ECU copy tool and you need 2 files from your old ECU the maps file and EEPROM files which is unique to your vehicle as it contains all the security information. The map file can be got from another vehicle with the same ECU but that will not help as you still need the EEPROM which I think only Ford can provide you with as your old ECU is missing / broken.

Like I said, I don't have the old ECU.

3 hours ago, unofix said:

Will get an answer or have you found another OPW 🤣

Yes purchased damaged on an auction website, but was sold on the premise that engine started, a little fib I think!

I think you'll need to find another dealer who will do it for you.

You need to source EXACTLY the same PCM, ALL of the part number must match.

Fit the ECU and then have it towed to the dealer to be reprogrammed.

or return to seller as not described

10 hours ago, ceridunn said:

Like I said, I don't have the old ECU.

You're up the creek tbh.  Will need to spend hundreds at a dealer to get a new PCM for a Mk4.  The reprogramming of used PCM's was removed from Fords systems for security reasons as far as I remember.

I'd contact the courier and ask what they're going to do about the lost ECU, if it was definitely lost in transit.

And assuming they won't help, I'd get on to the auction site (Copart?) and ask if they have video evidence of the engine running and the car being driven.

Then I'd probably move it on through another auction and buy one that does actually run instead.  Not worth the cost & hassle of getting a new PCM imo.

1 hour ago, TomsFocus said:

The reprogramming of used PCM's was removed from Fords systems for security reasons as far as I remember.

😬

Agree with Tom 100%