Hey Sam, I'm an electronics design engineer with a lot of embedded electronics experience. I'm working with an independent sports car specialist in London to tackle this problem (we already repair several other types of car electronics modules). I have a bag of 6 of these ecus with the same fault! I have repaired one (found a definite fault), but awaiting testing on a car to verify if it's actually now working. I'll keep you updated! These problems need an engineering approach, I just diagnosed and fixed a fault on an early 2000s Ferrari dealer diagnostic tool "SD2". It was totally dead, parts were actually only a few £ ($). The unit is 3k, used, to replace. We are now increasingly tackling these challenges where owners often have no other options. Cheers, Sean
Frustratingly you spent the entire time advocating for the right to repair without actually mentioning the words "right to repair". It is and as it should be, a movement that is gaining strength.
I literally work on the cars laying on the ground in a barn so I'm 10000% for the r right to repair; there's nobody stopping anyone from repairing these issues; it's just that the engineering of the original part wasn't made to last the test of time.
@@Samcrac wow, you could not be more wrong sam. Manufacturers control the supply chain. And their protected by lobbyists. If you are living under a rock and somehow have not heard of the right to repair, check out Louis Rossman, who litteraly flies all over the country advocating for the right to repair items that you have bought and paid for.
@@SteveBassen nothing you just said, is relevant in any way. Producing item's that are needlessly unserviceable has nothing to do with obsolescence and everything to do with taking advantage of people. An old 360 is very small example, and "manufacturers" dont have to support anything. This car, or any other, for that matter, is no better off because of this needless overcomplication. But whatever, im a mechanic, fuck you, you have no idea what this looks like when it is your occupation. You want to live in a disposable world, have fun. Do your fucking homework before piping up.
Give me a break. Right to Repair is an important issue that deserves more public discourse, but it’s not at all relevant to this particular vehicle or its issues. Frankly it makes me wonder if the original commenter even understands what Right to Repair is all about.
I used to work on ECUs for John Deere, and the best answer for dying ECUs is to use a programmable aftermarket ECU. I usually recommend Megasquirt, the streetracers' favorite.
I looked in to using a Megasquirt on an E30, but it was a big project and not worth it. This technology has to come further or Derek's kids will have to be computer experts to have a "Vice Grip Garage 2030" type deal.
Not very applicable to these cars. Even a fueltech or AEM cant really control these well or the way they should, and the Ferrari software is easy to manipulate nowadays. Computers rarely go bad either and theyr ALL OVER ebay for sub $700...this dude is just too stupid to realize that they arent $2500+ like he said.... this is actually only an issue with pre 2002 cars also
I've worked in the automotive field for 35 years. One of the earliest safety lessons I learned was how to remove and install a battery. We disconnect NEGATIVE FIRST...and reattach it last. This not only reduces the chances of sparks...explosions...etc...BUT it is also easier on sensitive electronics...given the subject of this video...just saying.
@@SpecializedECURepair Wow. I am impressed. You have my respect. Wasn't the original computer simply surface mount technology? I never heard you say that.
Nah. Forced update would cut jump battery by half so it would last 1.5 years, BUT Apple will be more than happy to fix it at any Genius Bar for only $800.
@@beastumfan Have stepmom do a hidden camera sale of the 360! Maybe Sam can give her instructions to her with an in ear like a spy movie! Yeah I'm fantasizing lol..
The clicking is the ECU failing its power on self test or getting a brown out and rebooting constantly. It might be serviceable if it's a passive component at fault but no chance of getting a replacement chip on board die. It's a super reliable method of construction but obnoxious for servicing. A lot of newer ECUs are even worse.
Exactly what I thought when I saw it chattering. A solenoid load likes to do that, everything powers up and the solenoid current starts to build, which draws down the weak supply which resets the controller, releases the solenoid, and starts the whole thing over again. I was hoping to see a separate regulator circuit that you could bypass, but it looks like it is all integrated. If you can identify the regulator or pass transistor, clip a lead or cut a track to isolate then substitute an external regulator. It looks like a sharp meter probe might poke through the gel for testing. After saying all that, I should add I have had very little luck doing any repairs on those ceramic modules.
This is how right to repair dies, when computer manufacturers go to this bonded board system that can only be worked on by a percisin multi million dollar robot. doing away with the current standard PCB board setup that anyone with a steady hand and a soldering iron could work on.
Well, if you have a computer the software will always be available as it's just data. The hardware is the issue.....just look at Ford not being able to get chips for 10's of thousands of brand new trucks......
Great series! I really like your approach to DIY your cars and find smart solutions to keep costs down. Also the documentation on how ECUs can be tested and fixed is just great! Keep on going!
Congratulations Sam on finally getting the car running great again. I seriously going to look at the jump starter because my Schumacher just doesn't cut it.
@@SpecializedECURepair I also used your services for my porsche 928 ECUs, you did a super job, very fairly priced, and fast. Car runs better than ever. Big recommend.
Nice one Sam, really pleased for you that it's finally sorted and you can actually enjoy the car! Great service from the ECU guys too! By the way, I've always wondered why you haven't invested in a two or four post car lift? It would make so many of the jobs you undertake so much easier, and you've got the space under your covered porch where the Ferrari has been living for the past year....
If the actual fault can be identified and narrowed down to one chip, and a packaged version of that chip is available, it would be possible to make a PCB with that chip, and patch it in using a wire-bonder. A wire bonder is a standard piece of equipment used in the semiconductor industry - they can sometimes be found surplus ebay, but you could probably rent time on one for a 1-off job.
If you could get a packaged version of every chip, transistor, etc on the board, I’m assuming you could also just make your own 3rd party boards, flash them and sell them. Probably a more durable version at that.
I suspect it will be easier to just design and manufacture a replacement board made using standard techniques. Low volume PCB assembly is surprisingly affordable now. If a circuit diagram is available for this module it wouldn't be too hard. The only parts I would be concerned about are the processor (is it custom?) and the connectors, although it seems they are available as the test machines have mating connectors.
@@nicholasvinen the processor is probably so old it is extinct, you would prob have to make an emulator which by that point you mine as well by a new one and eat the cost
It's a bosch ECU and they've been using proprietary ICs since the analog days of their L-Jetronic control units. If one of those failed you'd hope that you could find one on a donor board!
Mega squirt with a canbus harness, you could make a adapter to current engine harness if I had the wire harness schematic and engine harness schematic easy
I won't lie, I haven't been following this project from the beginning. In fact I think it was one of the videos halfway through that turned me onto the channel, but I'm so happy to see the Ferrari start without a Christmas tree showing on the dash. I can't imagine how elated you must have felt. I can't wait to see the next entry in this journey, keep up the awesome videos!
It is rare that a ECU fails. I think I have replaced 2 ECU's that was actually the problem. I know so many mechanics have replaced them without actually knowing what the actual problem was.
The tech you are looking at in the Ferrari is "Direct Die Attach". The other module's tech is standard IC packaging (the dies are bonded out in those black square packages) and actually over a couple decades old. That is generic "Surface Mount Devices" (SMD) and specifically TQFP for the big chips. Unfortunately direct die requires some very expensive equipment and skill to service. That is in the domain of the actual chip manufacturers and in clean rooms. That is also a MultiChip and conformal coated Module. In a nutshell it is designed to be made - not serviced. It is incumbent on Ferrari to overbuild the module and maintain a 7-10 year supply after they discontinue using it to keep the service supply chain happy. (Note Tesla, is also pissing everyone off right now by not having adequate inventory for repairs.) Repair inventories of course have to be factored into the retail unit cost for the duration of the product lifecycle. You ramp production and service when you release the product and as it matures and the end is near quit producing the material and deplete what you can. It is also common practice to keep using the same design in other products as long as possible. This is generally pretty easy with engine computers. In fact I'd be surprised if that Bosch module (OEM'd by and programmed for Ferrari) was not used by anyone else. That would be terribly expensive. All that said - I have to wonder if someone zapped the unit and its miss sensing an input. Moot point as there is precious little you can do to fix it at the component level.
The BMW ECU is pretty standard Bosch for the period, and I agree it certainly shares it case and general internal architecture with others. Ferrari might have used DDA technology to 'save weight' or some other BS, at the expense of durability, serviceability, and, well, money (Who cares?! Ahh-Hahaha!). So maybe this configuration is unique to them. I could be wrong of course, but that's exactly the kind of thing Ferrari would do because they hate us and want us to SUFFAH!!
@@Friend_of_the_One-Eyed_Ladies Knowing what goes on with faulty Apple Laptops it could easily be a faulty power circuit component. That being said Botch would have used the same ECU design in other vehicles and even for other manurfacturers
All these type of BOSCH devices have the same issues, the bonding wires break and in some cases they can be repaired but very tricky. That ECU looks identical (physically) too the failed one in my Opel Vectra (GM CTS engine in US) that I had replaced by GM (Holden) for about $1500 Aus. The BOSCH ABS units in the same era are notorious for the same type of fault and I had one repaired by a company in Australia that just does these units. Because these BOSCH units are so shit and used by heaps of car manufacturers they should have had a class action brought against them in my opinion.
Yes fix quite a few is a very common issue and even with BOSCH ABS computers as well. Fixing the bond wires is not impossible and can be done as done quite a few with good success rate. His I think is due to he likely jumped it. Those BORSH computers hate spikes. I see regulators are powering on as computer is failing self test and reason for clicking on throttle body, it restarting. Easy test each voltage regulator and rail voltages. Likely he blew a passive or active component somewhere which is fixable or worst a ASIC chip which isn't fixable. No communications with computer is not a good sign and would be hard to troubleshoot beyond testing rail voltages as no obvious damage to narrow it down?
We were able to re-connect some of the bigger aluminium bond wires with a special solder on failed ECUs however I still walk away from this ECUs if I can 😀
I have repaired a few of these, it is not related to bad capacitors, but a single (GND) bonding wire, that will have a high voltage drop at bootup, due to the bad connection. It is easy to repair with a bonding station, but it can even be fixed with high precision soldering with aluminum soldering (not tin). Although it can be repaired, it is easier to buy a compatible ECU and reflash it. Some of the similar ECUs used on FIAT's and others are not always 100% compatible, but my experience is that the compatible ECUs used in Lancia ypsilon are always good for this, and very easy and cheap to source second hand.
Ferrari and others put the ECU'S right next to very hot engines on purpose. It's built in obsolescence right there. Heat shortens the life of electronics full stop. Some ECU'S are behind the bulkhead (bad for getting flooded!) others are under a seat (probably the best environment) but cabling becomes much longer. Perhaps a good reason not to buy a Ferrari after watching this great vid 👍👍
This is what scares me about the EPA going after Brent at PFI. Sooner or later the factory ECU will no longer be available. According to the EPA you are not allowed to replace the ECU. If we put companies out of business for messing with the ECU then there will be no aftermarket support to repair them.
@@ericjay71 It is ironic that the EPA's policy of forced obsolescence is a matter of fact very environmentally unfriendly. The longer a vehicle stays on the road the less there's a need for material resources to completely replace it.
To be honest this issue is transversal to all manufactures of super cars from the 80s and 90s, good luck getting one reliable, even the japanese where having issues back then.
I've been an electronics engineer, since 1984, and one thing we were made very aware of was an erosion effect called "Silicon Degradation" which slowly destroys transistor based devices over time. It's caused by the electrons passing through the silicon substrate in the exact same way that water passing through rock, slowly, over time, wears it away. In daily use, the average silicon semiconductor, has a useable service life of between 10 & 20 years, before the silicon degradation is so bad that it junction resistances are so bad that it ceases to function properly.
Its a shame, but someday you'll see fully restored cars collecting dust because no ECU is available. The irony is cars 40 years older will still be running ( and repairable ).
I am so pleased that your persistence along with the efforts of an amazing repair shop, has paid off! I figured that the 360 was just going to be a mark in the "loss" column...
Brilliant video Sam! I do not own a Ferrari - and the problem presented is not mine, but the theory behind it is very interesting. The way the gentleman from ECU repair explained it was very clear and logical, you can sense they love their work and are really, really great at it. A very interesting topic - thanks for explaining!
ask louis rossman ;) 15:20 SMD repair is possible. you need a microscope, a hot air station and a steady hand. you will also need a schematic of the board too. its going to be difficult when the board is covered in treacle however.
@@eldonerc2524 Haltech is an Aussie company, and here’s an Aussie solution: Just do it anyway. Tuned properly, the car should be as good if not better than stock. What’s the hassle?
@@tinncan 2nd aussie solution: Borrow some working factory ECU’s off of a mate, pass all the inspections, give your mate his ECU’s back so his car works again, and then whack in the aftermarket ecu 😁
Generally don't get excited over Enzos. But when you started her up and the idle smoothed out i almost had goose bumps for a moment. As you said , cant wait to see the first ride vid. Congrats and great job so far !
There are several generic ECU units out in the market. I would suggest the following steps: 1. Get a copy of the technical reference for the Bosch device. What kind of CPU used etc. Don't be surprised if the ECU is a physically scaled down version of a VW Golf ECU :) . Maybe you could find a software compatible ECU from the same time period but in a bigger package? 2. Attach a multi channel logic analyzer to the impressive simulator setup showed in the video. 3. Record the input/output events during different operating conditions. 4. Disassembly of the original software and analyze it's structure and workings. 5. Start to implement the functions required in a structured order on the generic ECU so they mimic the original ECU. Test, Test, Test -> until you have the full feature set implemented. 6. Test input/output when adding functions with a test script simulating different operating conditions. 7. By the way a multichannel oscilloscope interconnected with a test computer that links the analog signals with the logic signals could be handy. This is a job for professionals. You can brake things in a spectacular way if you don't are really, really careful. One of several generic ECUs in the market: www.continental-automotive.com/en-gl/Trucks-Buses/Vehicle-Chassis-Body/Vehicle-Control/Generic-Vehicle-Control-Unit
@Stupid Liberals prob because the computer controls everything. For a race car sure but this street car ehh pass, I'd also just send this thing down the road.
@@philipparana9225 a stand alone unit controls everything you need it to, and since the problem is local to the ECU, stand alone is an easy, relatively cheap, solution. And not only is it not a "work around", its better in every way than the factory ECU.
Get a Ford coyote ecu and some tech can adapt the harness to the Ferrari. Make sure the sensors have the same voltage/ohms, etc. or use the Ford sensors.
For those thinking that having a new PCB made is expensive ( just the circuit board with no chips on it ), the cost is $2 for 5 100mm x 100mm sized boards.
Wow, that's amazing why Ferrari decided to use such circuit board technology on a road car. That's pretty crazy. I'd say the best option is using an aftermarket ECU like MaxxECU, Haltech, Link etc and then having it dyno tuned. Not necessarily the cheapest option but once tuned the tune can be loaded into any future ECU generations as technology advances 😉
There was a capacitor on that Bosch unit that looked like it was blown. (Look at the lower right side... rather large one with a visible crack/burn mark below the black component at @12:34.) That seems to be a simple surface mounted cap which should be pretty easy to replace.
I concur with this comment - lots of failed computer motherboards come back to bad caps and relatively easy to replace. Might be the one component in this ceramic circuit board that can be replaced!
I fixed a Mercedes S500 trans linkage problem with a paper clip once.. we must always look outside the box... very nice videos to watch.. I love hearing educated people talk..
I've done a lot of work on diesels and now aerospace vehicles. Judging from this video alone, I would suggest making a custom vibration mount for your ECUs . Seeing how the ECU is custom made with bespoke manufacturing, they seem to be very sensitive to vibration. The wiring in the ECU is likely getting broken from work hardening under the high vibration stresses, and the eventually snapping. The way you explained in the intro where the car started the first time, but then failed after the second time is a common fault in electrical transformers with internal wire fractures. The Transformer will work when it's cold, but as soon as it's hot from working a bit, the broken wire expands from the heat and stops working. But as soon as it cools off, it contracts and starts completing a circuit again.
I have seen that type of breakage in coil packs, on a few early model distributerless engines. Was a really bad design flaw, in Cadillac and Buick engines that caused the coil packs to fail like that. Would see it with one car that would not start when the car was cold, and another when the other car was hot. Same basic symptoms, different triggers, same test procedure as with the Ferrari’s duel ECM only with coils.
I think Haltech is making replacement ECUs. Basically, an ECU is a series of circuits sending signals in a low tech kinda way. You need an actual computer, like a Raspberry pi, with emulation software that can learn whatever sequence a car is using and replicate it. Should be fairly easy if you can dump an ECU’s code 👨💻 We do it for everything else. How hard could it be?
About jump starters: It really is amazing what lithium cells are capable of when you pack them tightly enough. While professionals will want to carry around something the size of a large microwave oven to jumpstart a handful of cars every workday, I, as an individual, can now keep something the size of a housebrick in my trunk to bail myself or somebody else out anytime anywhere. Mine isn't as nice as the Apex and doesn't have as much crank current, but it's the same idea. Biggest engine I've started with mine so far is 3.5L. These things are wonderful little tools for the backyard tinker.
You know, in the age of custom PCB design I'm surprised that no one has just gone back and reverse engineered the ECU board and come out with a drop in place upgrade that's been built to modern specs.
It is indeed lovely to see. I fear that a lot of people think that specialized craftmanship is a dying trade, but they're just looking at the past and thinking about steam engines and watchmaking. Here we have modern, up to date specialists, Specialized ECU Repair, Gruber Motors, Rossmann Group, etc Keep up the great work folks! :-D
Im really glad bmw went to siemens for the obd2 ecus. I have heard nothing but frustration about the newer bosch units. Can't wait to see the market flooded with dirt cheap ferarri 360s that have failed ecus with no parts avaliable.
Media blasting. I did media blasting for about 7 years and got very good at it. I also gained a shedload of perspective on what media blasting could do. I think it may be the solution to your problem I think I'd start with a small blasting cabinet and some fine garnet media. Keep in mind that for something like this, lower pressure and greater media volume is the place to start. Slowly turn up your pressure and lower your media volume until you have the effect you want.
@@SpecializedECURepair Nicely put together tech, the first ones I saw were built by someone I knew who worked at a local ECU repairer (UK company called Camco88) more than 25 years ago but they weren't anywhere near as nicely built as yours, they eventually bought some commercial stuff too. Bit later on I got involved in an automotive diagnostics company and built a couple of rigs myself to simulate cars to demonstrate and test code readers, I also helped a couple of guys who specialised in certain makes/models of car to built their own ECU test rigs so they could diagnose ECUs and other modules/components 'off vehicle'. There are commercial ones (always have been) because ECU and car manufacturers need to be able to test and develop equipment so specialised test gear companies like Genrad have been in the market for a long time and manufacture some seriously advanced gear for ECU test/development work but it comes with a serious (Like don't ask if you have a weak heart) price tag too. They occasionally pop up at industrial clearance and bankruptcy auctions and sell for pennies because nobody really seems to know what they are...
Yes. Did you not see the bit where they showed these ECUs are not repairable? machine assembled using unconventional techniques. It's the equivalent of wire wrapping done by a machine. Absolutely no chance of human repair.
@@Partyczka Its probably doable but at the moment it's likely a custom rewire job, which is more expensive than a 2nd hand ecu. I'll bet someone will build an off the shelf replacement though when enough people need replacements.
We have used Specialized for Porsche repair when Porsche the company could not fix issues. There is no other company that does what they do. Jose is a dream to work with.
Really great Video! I am myself an electronic & IT professional and i would guess it will be not that easy at it seems to be on the first glance. The original computers are on a ceramic substrate for good reasons, there is not only vibrations but a lot of heat!! Almost every Ferrari is a very tight package, very big engine in a small body. I would guess if they had used a classic open pin package, like the old 7 series that we could see here, the computers would not make it till end of the month. The CAM and engine-sensors are easy to manage today, but building a package that will work 10-20+ years is something very different. Wish you all best!
The BEST answer is to make it so they run off of 1 or 2 Speeduinos. With the right support anyone can make one and anyone can program. While that's open source, cheap - free, someone can make some money making and programming so it's plug and play for mechanics who don't have time and the inept who are incapable.
As long as the car doesn't have any sort of VVTI system Speeduino is a great shout, also dont think it can do anything with transmissions. Its rare to find someone that can do mechanics, wire and map an ecu
@@ryanharveywhite I'm sure a program could be mapped for a transmission with either an Arduino or something Arduino like, to emulate a TCU. It would probably be based on the needs of the transmission. Ferrari 360 technology or anything that old was not advanced so far as computers go.
BIG CAVIOT; the electrical and thermal automotive environment is brutal. None of the hobbyist boards or most of the processor themselves will operate or potentially survive under the hood of a running car.
It might be worth while for them to send the software, signal descriptions and pin outs to companies that make aftermarket ECMs. Technically they don't have to duplicate the Bosch ECM only build one that can run the engine. Maybe a single ECM for the whole engine. Which might be fairly easy for an experienced company. You have to software you just need to create the electronics.
@@elchucapablas that's only short term it's part of China's plan to take over the world out to cause as much disruption to the world's industries so they come out on top
I said the same thing....every ECU basically does the same thing: uses various inputs to determine various outputs: ie cam position, and when to fire the fuel injector and spark plugs. Sure some vehicles may have more inputs/sensors than others but seriously, they aren't that much different. Holley makes a stand alone ecu that works with LS engines and their throttle body. B is for Build uses them all the time. The ferrari/bosch ecu though makes me think they designed it that way on purpose: so it cannot be repaired. Kind of like how apple designed their phones......
Imagine if Apple made a jump pack. It would cost 4x as much as similar non apple units, and use two year old technology. But the Apple "fantecs" would say it was revolutionary!
Impressive diagnostic/fix. It'd be great if someone could build a replacement or modify an existing ECU to get around the dwindling numbers of ECUs and escalating costs. I'm sure mechanically the 360's have lots of life in them beyond the crappy ECU design. (Even with the myriad of other issues.)
Love the video really improved my understanding of how engine computer systems work.. why can't the whole ECU just be virtualized just like a virtual machine on a computer?
I love the fact that a expensive super car is no longer supported by the factory and finding the ECU is next to impossible, but I can go down to the auto parts store and pick up any part I desire for my 1998 beater.
Sam, I don't have a BMW or Ferrari and probably will never have one. BUT I sure do enjoy your channel and its content! Many hours of quality content that this old Vet can dream about. Thank You!
This is great content man, that video of the bench setup with the clicking was so satisfying! It makes you wonder why Ferrari wouldn't use a standard PCB instead of this micro proprietary one with the janky side solders. No doubt the Ferrari Engineers know better than I do but I can't see any real practical benefit there. It also raises the question, why did the first one fail? Seeing that these computers are located in the engine compartment, I'd make the generalized hypothesis that heat was a factor. Perhaps some preventative measures could be in order to be on the safe side?
BOSCH does crap like this all the time. Ferarri just gives BOSCH the specs they need and BOSCH modifies their ECU de jure. BOSCH stops making them after the car run is EOL... collectors be damned.
@@jarnom85 I thought the same thing at first. But it won't fly in states that do the OBDII test and not the sniffer test. Sure, you can make the emissions equipment function at some rudimentary level, but I don't know of any aftermarket ECU that will duplicate the OBDII requirements. The first thing that test looks for is the information on the VIN, year / make / model of car, etc. They will fail it immediately when that information does not show up. The aftermarket also will not do all of the necessary monitoring and reporting on the various sensors that are required. A lot of states have exempted all pre-OBDII vehicles from inspection, so if your car is 1995 or older, you might skate on that aspect of it. Cheers.
Yes, Sir! The contents of this video reminded me of the way Louis explains things, and the nature of work done does indeed look similar. Also what Sam is saying - does resonate in a significant way with Louis' fight for the right to repair.
That ECU testing bench is by far the best porn I've ever seen. Really damn awesome! By far very educational as well, Sam. Thank you for sharing this video!
Nothing - these are not PCBs in the normal sense, and there is no soldering. Instead, the bare silicon dies are glued to a ceramic substrate and gold or aluminium wires are fusion bonded directly to the die. You would need a wire-bonding machine and a way to remove (and replace) the protective silicon coating. If the failure is with any of the chips, you will be entirely out of luck - everything will be custom.
Yeah this looks like a design that was not meant to be serviced at all... I imagine that in the future someone with enough knowhow/computer learning will be able to emulate/recreate the exact function of this or any ECU from scratch using modern parts at least that is what I feel like the best solution will be.
Here's a thought... I did with a Rover years ago using CVH etc parts... Convert almost everything to pre ECU ... Actual cable throttle and standard relays etc ... and use an easily available basic ECU maybe the BMW or make your own... Also extend the cables so the electronics are not in the engine bay .. heat and vibration with extreme miniaturisation is the enemy. Regards Mark.
There should be a TH-cam channel that finds all these small workshops and crafts men and women that can fix and repair anything and highlight there unique talents and skills
Hey Sam, I'm an electronics design engineer with a lot of embedded electronics experience. I'm working with an independent sports car specialist in London to tackle this problem (we already repair several other types of car electronics modules). I have a bag of 6 of these ecus with the same fault! I have repaired one (found a definite fault), but awaiting testing on a car to verify if it's actually now working. I'll keep you updated! These problems need an engineering approach, I just diagnosed and fixed a fault on an early 2000s Ferrari dealer diagnostic tool "SD2". It was totally dead, parts were actually only a few £ ($). The unit is 3k, used, to replace. We are now increasingly tackling these challenges where owners often have no other options. Cheers, Sean
Sam, I will buy this car from you right now. I am not kidding.
Yesssss!!!!
Buy it! It’s a beautiful car.
Do it
Your track record with Ferrari's isn't good my friend. Let Wizard buy this first.
😂😂😂
Frustratingly you spent the entire time advocating for the right to repair without actually mentioning the words "right to repair". It is and as it should be, a movement that is gaining strength.
I literally work on the cars laying on the ground in a barn so I'm 10000% for the r right to repair; there's nobody stopping anyone from repairing these issues; it's just that the engineering of the original part wasn't made to last the test of time.
@@Samcrac wow, you could not be more wrong sam. Manufacturers control the supply chain. And their protected by lobbyists. If you are living under a rock and somehow have not heard of the right to repair, check out Louis Rossman, who litteraly flies all over the country advocating for the right to repair items that you have bought and paid for.
This is extremely important
@@SteveBassen nothing you just said, is relevant in any way. Producing item's that are needlessly unserviceable has nothing to do with obsolescence and everything to do with taking advantage of people. An old 360 is very small example, and "manufacturers" dont have to support anything. This car, or any other, for that matter, is no better off because of this needless overcomplication. But whatever, im a mechanic, fuck you, you have no idea what this looks like when it is your occupation. You want to live in a disposable world, have fun. Do your fucking homework before piping up.
Give me a break. Right to Repair is an important issue that deserves more public discourse, but it’s not at all relevant to this particular vehicle or its issues. Frankly it makes me wonder if the original commenter even understands what Right to Repair is all about.
I used to work on ECUs for John Deere, and the best answer for dying ECUs is to use a programmable aftermarket ECU. I usually recommend Megasquirt, the streetracers' favorite.
I looked in to using a Megasquirt on an E30, but it was a big project and not worth it. This technology has to come further or Derek's kids will have to be computer experts to have a "Vice Grip Garage 2030" type deal.
megasquirts are for the most budget conscious but nerdy folks. less nerdy might go Link ECU
Not very applicable to these cars. Even a fueltech or AEM cant really control these well or the way they should, and the Ferrari software is easy to manipulate nowadays. Computers rarely go bad either and theyr ALL OVER ebay for sub $700...this dude is just too stupid to realize that they arent $2500+ like he said.... this is actually only an issue with pre 2002 cars also
I've worked in the automotive field for 35 years. One of the earliest safety lessons I learned was how to remove and install a battery. We disconnect NEGATIVE FIRST...and reattach it last. This not only reduces the chances of sparks...explosions...etc...BUT it is also easier on sensitive electronics...given the subject of this video...just saying.
Apple's version of a jumper pack would be a new car.
At least cost as much as one. And only be repaired at official Apple repair centers.
and the new car would come with less features than the old one....
@@muskokamike127 and in two years the battery would have less battery to save the battery from the battery
We already have those. They're called Teslas
I missed the times where these statement could be considered trolling…
While now they are just understated facts…
This planet sucks…
Great vid..... Jose...we need more people and companies like you
Thanks a lot for the kind words!
@@SpecializedECURepair Wow. I am impressed. You have my respect. Wasn't the original computer simply surface mount technology? I never heard you say that.
Jose you have an outstanding,super high quality, much in need company!
@@jackonthefarm5540 Stay tuned because we're going to make a separate video explaining more details to answer these questions
@@SpecializedECURepair You may have no interest in agricultural tractors, but "Right to Repair" for farmers is a big issue.
If Apple made a jump pack, it would cost 3X as much as everyone else's, have proprietary charger cord, and be obsolete in 3 years.
Nah. Forced update would cut jump battery by half so it would last 1.5 years, BUT Apple will be more than happy to fix it at any Genius Bar for only $800.
@@AdamIsUrqed Battery charger lead would break ; 0
apple jump pack would be 22volts and only work on their own brand cars
But it would look good. Still no headphone jack, though.
And would have a cracked screen and a sketchy charger cord
Congrats on getting it fixed, it seems like it's been 1 year in the making, good it know there is companies that fix ECUs. Shout out to Jose.
That ECU repair is amazing. I’m absolutely astonished.
Can you please bring this car to Carmax for an appraisal and record the whole thing?
With a chicken in the seat too!
That would be hilarious
Next video. First Ferrari with a built in pizza oven.
I can get behind this!
@@beastumfan Have stepmom do a hidden camera sale of the 360! Maybe Sam can give her instructions to her with an in ear like a spy movie! Yeah I'm fantasizing lol..
The clicking is the ECU failing its power on self test or getting a brown out and rebooting constantly. It might be serviceable if it's a passive component at fault but no chance of getting a replacement chip on board die. It's a super reliable method of construction but obnoxious for servicing. A lot of newer ECUs are even worse.
How much worse can it get?
Exactly what I thought when I saw it chattering. A solenoid load likes to do that, everything powers up and the solenoid current starts to build, which draws down the weak supply which resets the controller, releases the solenoid, and starts the whole thing over again.
I was hoping to see a separate regulator circuit that you could bypass, but it looks like it is all integrated. If you can identify the regulator or pass transistor, clip a lead or cut a track to isolate then substitute an external regulator.
It looks like a sharp meter probe might poke through the gel for testing.
After saying all that, I should add I have had very little luck doing any repairs on those ceramic modules.
This is how right to repair dies, when computer manufacturers go to this bonded board system that can only be worked on by a percisin multi million dollar robot. doing away with the current standard PCB board setup that anyone with a steady hand and a soldering iron could work on.
@@Qballl resin potted and cryptographically locked.
@@rvoisey I mean doesn't seem much worse in terms of repair as both are not repairable
Not just Ferrari, welcome to the world of obsolete vehicle software.
Well, if you have a computer the software will always be available as it's just data. The hardware is the issue.....just look at Ford not being able to get chips for 10's of thousands of brand new trucks......
@@muskokamike127 Software doesn’t last forever, especially cheaply written software. Corruption is going to set in over time.
@@jonathanteymouri7112 no, that’s milk…
Software stay, it’s bitrot on the memory chips rhe issue…
@Mr Snrub Mitsubishi is the Japanese equivalent of Chrysler
@Mr Snrub yet the 2007 Delica D:5 remained unchanged until the 2019 refresh
Great series! I really like your approach to DIY your cars and find smart solutions to keep costs down. Also the documentation on how ECUs can be tested and fixed is just great! Keep on going!
That company doing the ECU work is simply amazing
Did that guy build the space shuttle?🤣
I was really hoping to see it driven, but man, this took so long and I hope it will work smoothly this time, so happy for you.
Congratulations Sam on finally getting the car running great again. I seriously going to look at the jump starter because my Schumacher just doesn't cut it.
That was a great video Sam, Jose is super clever. The new style key is really cool.
Glad you liked it. Thanks a lot
@@SpecializedECURepair I also used your services for my porsche 928 ECUs, you did a super job, very fairly priced, and fast. Car runs better than ever. Big recommend.
I wish I had the patience, persistence and determination of this guy. Nothing but respect for him.
Nice one Sam, really pleased for you that it's finally sorted and you can actually enjoy the car! Great service from the ECU guys too!
By the way, I've always wondered why you haven't invested in a two or four post car lift? It would make so many of the jobs you undertake so much easier, and you've got the space under your covered porch where the Ferrari has been living for the past year....
If the actual fault can be identified and narrowed down to one chip, and a packaged version of that chip is available, it would be possible to make a PCB with that chip, and patch it in using a wire-bonder. A wire bonder is a standard piece of equipment used in the semiconductor industry - they can sometimes be found surplus ebay, but you could probably rent time on one for a 1-off job.
You star Mike! You and the likes of Allen Millyard are amazing with your knowledge...
If you could get a packaged version of every chip, transistor, etc on the board, I’m assuming you could also just make your own 3rd party boards, flash them and sell them. Probably a more durable version at that.
I suspect it will be easier to just design and manufacture a replacement board made using standard techniques. Low volume PCB assembly is surprisingly affordable now. If a circuit diagram is available for this module it wouldn't be too hard. The only parts I would be concerned about are the processor (is it custom?) and the connectors, although it seems they are available as the test machines have mating connectors.
@@nicholasvinen the processor is probably so old it is extinct, you would prob have to make an emulator which by that point you mine as well by a new one and eat the cost
It's a bosch ECU and they've been using proprietary ICs since the analog days of their L-Jetronic control units. If one of those failed you'd hope that you could find one on a donor board!
This was a Really Good and Informative video…. I never knew you could reprogram an ECU to this magnitude….great job SAM 💪
Mega squirt with a canbus harness, you could make a adapter to current engine harness if I had the wire harness schematic and engine harness schematic easy
Look in TH-cam for molerpa Ferrari that guy fixed one with megasquirt
Speeduino
@@maxinnn1 interesting have to look this up
@@Samcrac that will be nice to see in the future if you also decide to use it
I won't lie, I haven't been following this project from the beginning. In fact I think it was one of the videos halfway through that turned me onto the channel, but I'm so happy to see the Ferrari start without a Christmas tree showing on the dash. I can't imagine how elated you must have felt. I can't wait to see the next entry in this journey, keep up the awesome videos!
It is rare that a ECU fails. I think I have replaced 2 ECU's that was actually the problem. I know so many mechanics have replaced them without actually knowing what the actual problem was.
The tech you are looking at in the Ferrari is "Direct Die Attach". The other module's tech is standard IC packaging (the dies are bonded out in those black square packages) and actually over a couple decades old. That is generic "Surface Mount Devices" (SMD) and specifically TQFP for the big chips. Unfortunately direct die requires some very expensive equipment and skill to service. That is in the domain of the actual chip manufacturers and in clean rooms. That is also a MultiChip and conformal coated Module. In a nutshell it is designed to be made - not serviced. It is incumbent on Ferrari to overbuild the module and maintain a 7-10 year supply after they discontinue using it to keep the service supply chain happy. (Note Tesla, is also pissing everyone off right now by not having adequate inventory for repairs.) Repair inventories of course have to be factored into the retail unit cost for the duration of the product lifecycle. You ramp production and service when you release the product and as it matures and the end is near quit producing the material and deplete what you can. It is also common practice to keep using the same design in other products as long as possible. This is generally pretty easy with engine computers. In fact I'd be surprised if that Bosch module (OEM'd by and programmed for Ferrari) was not used by anyone else. That would be terribly expensive.
All that said - I have to wonder if someone zapped the unit and its miss sensing an input. Moot point as there is precious little you can do to fix it at the component level.
Agree, I also think that the Bosch module could reasonably to be found in other cars from the period. NRE on a module like that is huge.
The BMW ECU is pretty standard Bosch for the period, and I agree it certainly shares it case and general internal architecture with others. Ferrari might have used DDA technology to 'save weight' or some other BS, at the expense of durability, serviceability, and, well, money (Who cares?! Ahh-Hahaha!). So maybe this configuration is unique to them. I could be wrong of course, but that's exactly the kind of thing Ferrari would do because they hate us and want us to SUFFAH!!
It's not "mis-sensing" an input. It's stuck in bootloop because the processor is browning out. Probably a dead capacitor.
@@Friend_of_the_One-Eyed_Ladies Knowing what goes on with faulty Apple Laptops it could easily be a faulty power circuit component. That being said Botch would have used the same ECU design in other vehicles and even for other manurfacturers
Why would something like that ever fail? It looks incredibly well protected. There are no moving parts.
All these type of BOSCH devices have the same issues, the bonding wires break and in some cases they can be repaired but very tricky. That ECU looks identical (physically) too the failed one in my Opel Vectra (GM CTS engine in US) that I had replaced by GM (Holden) for about $1500 Aus.
The BOSCH ABS units in the same era are notorious for the same type of fault and I had one repaired by a company in Australia that just does these units. Because these BOSCH units are so shit and used by heaps of car manufacturers they should have had a class action brought against them in my opinion.
Yes fix quite a few is a very common issue and even with BOSCH ABS computers as well. Fixing the bond wires is not impossible and can be done as done quite a few with good success rate.
His I think is due to he likely jumped it. Those BORSH computers hate spikes. I see regulators are powering on as computer is failing self test and reason for clicking on throttle body, it restarting. Easy test each voltage regulator and rail voltages. Likely he blew a passive or active component somewhere which is fixable or worst a ASIC chip which isn't fixable. No communications with computer is not a good sign and would be hard to troubleshoot beyond testing rail voltages as no obvious damage to narrow it down?
We were able to re-connect some of the bigger aluminium bond wires with a special solder on failed ECUs however I still walk away from this ECUs if I can 😀
Injectronics? Expensive mate. Do good work though
Does the circuit board covered with epoxy?
@@edmondhung6097 No, its a type of clear silicone that can be removed carefully with a toothpick from the spot you need to solder
I really appreciate the different content of this video, Jose has an interesting job and explained it very well. Keep up the good work!
I have repaired a few of these, it is not related to bad capacitors, but a single (GND) bonding wire, that will have a high voltage drop at bootup, due to the bad connection. It is easy to repair with a bonding station, but it can even be fixed with high precision soldering with aluminum soldering (not tin). Although it can be repaired, it is easier to buy a compatible ECU and reflash it. Some of the similar ECUs used on FIAT's and others are not always 100% compatible, but my experience is that the compatible ECUs used in Lancia ypsilon are always good for this, and very easy and cheap to source second hand.
Ferrari and others put the ECU'S right next to very hot engines on purpose.
It's built in obsolescence right there.
Heat shortens the life of electronics full stop.
Some ECU'S are behind the bulkhead (bad for getting flooded!) others are under a seat (probably the best environment) but cabling becomes much longer.
Perhaps a good reason not to buy a Ferrari after watching this great vid 👍👍
This is what scares me about the EPA going after Brent at PFI. Sooner or later the factory ECU will no longer be available. According to the EPA you are not allowed to replace the ECU. If we put companies out of business for messing with the ECU then there will be no aftermarket support to repair them.
@@ericjay71 It is ironic that the EPA's policy of forced obsolescence is a matter of fact very environmentally unfriendly. The longer a vehicle stays on the road the less there's a need for material resources to completely replace it.
Fantastic to watch the process on the bench.
If there's one thing I've learned from you Sam, it's that I will never, ever own a Ferrari!
Lambo all the way?
To be honest this issue is transversal to all manufactures of super cars from the 80s and 90s, good luck getting one reliable, even the japanese where having issues back then.
Nothing is for free in life
It's not a ferrari if it doesn't spend 8-24 hours in the workshop for every hour on the road
I knew that after checking my bank account, but glad to have Sam back it up with real world intel.
I've been an electronics engineer, since 1984, and one thing we were made very aware of was an erosion effect called "Silicon Degradation" which slowly destroys transistor based devices over time. It's caused by the electrons passing through the silicon substrate in the exact same way that water passing through rock, slowly, over time, wears it away. In daily use, the average silicon semiconductor, has a useable service life of between 10 & 20 years, before the silicon degradation is so bad that it junction resistances are so bad that it ceases to function properly.
Its a shame, but someday you'll see fully restored cars collecting dust because no ECU is available.
The irony is cars 40 years older will still be running ( and repairable ).
Oh yeah no doubts. But them "greenies" want you to pay more and more for new shit which lasts lesser time
Hopefully right to repair bill would change anything...
Just wait for the EV epidemic in 10 years
@@Terrafoxx barely, gas powered have way more opportunities to become viable solution.
I hope we have micro fabs so we can make our own microchips, mosfets, and more.
I am so pleased that your persistence along with the efforts of an amazing repair shop, has paid off! I figured that the 360 was just going to be a mark in the "loss" column...
José lifted this channel up a level with his expertise 👌
Hella better than watching Sam glue his Ferrari floor back together.
I loved the specialized ECU repair part, it was super educational, thanks!
Brilliant video Sam! I do not own a Ferrari - and the problem presented is not mine, but the theory behind it is very interesting. The way the gentleman from ECU repair explained it was very clear and logical, you can sense they love their work and are really, really great at it.
A very interesting topic - thanks for explaining!
ask louis rossman ;) 15:20 SMD repair is possible. you need a microscope, a hot air station and a steady hand. you will also need a schematic of the board too. its going to be difficult when the board is covered in treacle however.
I wonder if something like a Haltech would be able to easily take over with an adapter harness? Seems like the most straightforward solution.
Until the EPA gets involved, he wouldn't be able to pass emissions on an aftermarket ECU.
@@eldonerc2524 Haltech is an Aussie company, and here’s an Aussie solution: Just do it anyway. Tuned properly, the car should be as good if not better than stock. What’s the hassle?
@@rakeau > inspection place plugs equipment into obd2 port
>haltech reports "All good m8"
Could work...
@@tinncan Hmm. You’d think if they wanted to measure emissions they’d stick something up the tailpipe. Y’know. Where the emissions come out of.
@@tinncan 2nd aussie solution: Borrow some working factory ECU’s off of a mate, pass all the inspections, give your mate his ECU’s back so his car works again, and then whack in the aftermarket ecu 😁
Great episode! So knowledgeable. Love the way he broke down how the ecu function.
Generally don't get excited over Enzos.
But when you started her up and the idle smoothed out i almost had goose bumps for a moment.
As you said , cant wait to see the first ride vid.
Congrats and great job so far !
There are several generic ECU units out in the market.
I would suggest the following steps:
1. Get a copy of the technical reference for the Bosch device. What kind of CPU used etc. Don't be surprised if the ECU is a physically scaled down version of a VW Golf ECU :) . Maybe you could find a software compatible ECU from the same time period but in a bigger package?
2. Attach a multi channel logic analyzer to the impressive simulator setup showed in the video.
3. Record the input/output events during different operating conditions.
4. Disassembly of the original software and analyze it's structure and workings.
5. Start to implement the functions required in a structured order on the generic ECU so they mimic the original ECU. Test, Test, Test -> until you have the full feature set implemented.
6. Test input/output when adding functions with a test script simulating different operating conditions.
7. By the way a multichannel oscilloscope interconnected with a test computer that links the analog signals with the logic signals could be handy.
This is a job for professionals. You can brake things in a spectacular way if you don't are really, really careful.
One of several generic ECUs in the market:
www.continental-automotive.com/en-gl/Trucks-Buses/Vehicle-Chassis-Body/Vehicle-Control/Generic-Vehicle-Control-Unit
Those wire bonded chips will also come in standard packages, just build a new if larger circuit board.
For all we know, Jose has the Ferrari program running on that bullet-proof BMW board!! xD
Hey, seems like once the ECUs are fixed research a way to keep them cooler.
Duct in out side air with inline minuture fans inside duct tubes.
I’d get haltech or motec to supply a standalone ecu and an adapter loom. Sounds like a perfect sponsored project.
@Stupid Liberals prob because the computer controls everything. For a race car sure but this street car ehh pass, I'd also just send this thing down the road.
@@philipparana9225 a stand alone unit controls everything you need it to, and since the problem is local to the ECU, stand alone is an easy, relatively cheap, solution. And not only is it not a "work around", its better in every way than the factory ECU.
The way those particular units are going a Haltech unit is a reasonable alternative.
Get a Ford coyote ecu and some tech can adapt the harness to the Ferrari. Make sure the sensors have the same voltage/ohms, etc. or use the Ford sensors.
For those thinking that having a new PCB made is expensive ( just the circuit board with no chips on it ), the cost is $2 for 5 100mm x 100mm sized boards.
As a former EE, I really enjoyed the technical aspect - better than the usual firing of the parts cannon and getting a replacement ECU.
Wow, that's amazing why Ferrari decided to use such circuit board technology on a road car. That's pretty crazy. I'd say the best option is using an aftermarket ECU like MaxxECU, Haltech, Link etc and then having it dyno tuned. Not necessarily the cheapest option but once tuned the tune can be loaded into any future ECU generations as technology advances 😉
I'm excited for you but still skeptical until I see a road test. It's almost unbelievable.
There was a capacitor on that Bosch unit that looked like it was blown. (Look at the lower right side... rather large one with a visible crack/burn mark below the black component at @12:34.) That seems to be a simple surface mounted cap which should be pretty easy to replace.
I concur with this comment - lots of failed computer motherboards come back to bad caps and relatively easy to replace. Might be the one component in this ceramic circuit board that can be replaced!
I fixed a Mercedes S500 trans linkage problem with a paper clip once.. we must always look outside the box... very nice videos to watch.. I love hearing educated people talk..
I've done a lot of work on diesels and now aerospace vehicles. Judging from this video alone, I would suggest making a custom vibration mount for your ECUs . Seeing how the ECU is custom made with bespoke manufacturing, they seem to be very sensitive to vibration. The wiring in the ECU is likely getting broken from work hardening under the high vibration stresses, and the eventually snapping.
The way you explained in the intro where the car started the first time, but then failed after the second time is a common fault in electrical transformers with internal wire fractures. The Transformer will work when it's cold, but as soon as it's hot from working a bit, the broken wire expands from the heat and stops working. But as soon as it cools off, it contracts and starts completing a circuit again.
I have seen that type of breakage in coil packs, on a few early model distributerless engines. Was a really bad design flaw, in Cadillac and Buick engines that caused the coil packs to fail like that. Would see it with one car that would not start when the car was cold, and another when the other car was hot. Same basic symptoms, different triggers, same test procedure as with the Ferrari’s duel ECM only with coils.
That was very cool seeing the ECU bench setup!
Finally you got the Ferrari 360 sorted out. We thought by now you would convert it into the world's most expensive chicken coop.
Until I see that car actually driving down the road, I'm NOT assuming its sorted out.
I think Haltech is making replacement ECUs. Basically, an ECU is a series of circuits sending signals in a low tech kinda way. You need an actual computer, like a Raspberry pi, with emulation software that can learn whatever sequence a car is using and replicate it. Should be fairly easy if you can dump an ECU’s code 👨💻 We do it for everything else. How hard could it be?
ask me how i know you dress in womens clothing and have a cs degree
About jump starters: It really is amazing what lithium cells are capable of when you pack them tightly enough. While professionals will want to carry around something the size of a large microwave oven to jumpstart a handful of cars every workday, I, as an individual, can now keep something the size of a housebrick in my trunk to bail myself or somebody else out anytime anywhere. Mine isn't as nice as the Apex and doesn't have as much crank current, but it's the same idea. Biggest engine I've started with mine so far is 3.5L. These things are wonderful little tools for the backyard tinker.
You know, in the age of custom PCB design I'm surprised that no one has just gone back and reverse engineered the ECU board and come out with a drop in place upgrade that's been built to modern specs.
It’s awesome that there is specialized craftsmanship still out there.
Thanks a lot for the kind words!
thank you very much for the compliment
It is indeed lovely to see. I fear that a lot of people think that specialized craftmanship is a dying trade, but they're just looking at the past and thinking about steam engines and watchmaking. Here we have modern, up to date specialists, Specialized ECU Repair, Gruber Motors, Rossmann Group, etc
Keep up the great work folks! :-D
It's a shame that Ferrari used experimental and unrepairable technology in the ECUs. Just shows their modern cars are not built to last.
@@kylegordon thanks so much for the encouragement Kyle!
That testing lab testing equipment for checking ECU's was really neat...
Just when you think Sam has hit a brick wall with his Ferrari, somebody comes through with a solution. 😊👍
Im really glad bmw went to siemens for the obd2 ecus. I have heard nothing but frustration about the newer bosch units.
Can't wait to see the market flooded with dirt cheap ferarri 360s that have failed ecus with no parts avaliable.
Media blasting. I did media blasting for about 7 years and got very good at it. I also gained a shedload of perspective on what media blasting could do.
I think it may be the solution to your problem I think I'd start with a small blasting cabinet and some fine garnet media. Keep in mind that for something like this, lower pressure and greater media volume is the place to start. Slowly turn up your pressure and lower your media volume until you have the effect you want.
Fantastic video! Had no idea interfaces like these were used to repair ECU's.
We have to build them ourselves by hand. We've got docens for different vehicles
@@SpecializedECURepair Nicely put together tech, the first ones I saw were built by someone I knew who worked at a local ECU repairer (UK company called Camco88) more than 25 years ago but they weren't anywhere near as nicely built as yours, they eventually bought some commercial stuff too.
Bit later on I got involved in an automotive diagnostics company and built a couple of rigs myself to simulate cars to demonstrate and test code readers, I also helped a couple of guys who specialised in certain makes/models of car to built their own ECU test rigs so they could diagnose ECUs and other modules/components 'off vehicle'.
There are commercial ones (always have been) because ECU and car manufacturers need to be able to test and develop equipment so specialised test gear companies like Genrad have been in the market for a long time and manufacture some seriously advanced gear for ECU test/development work but it comes with a serious (Like don't ask if you have a weak heart) price tag too.
They occasionally pop up at industrial clearance and bankruptcy auctions and sell for pennies because nobody really seems to know what they are...
I find it hilarious that Ferrari can't figure out how to make one ECU handle an eight cylinder engine. Like everybody else on the planet
Everybody except Vag group, just as an example and probably not the only ones either
It was common on the late 90s to have 2ecus on complex v8s and v12s
@@camilaitor1 like BMW
@@82_KID I was thinking about the bmw 850-850i, yes
@@82_KID new ones don’t have that issue
So the fix was to buy a replacement ECU and have it reflashed.
Yes. Did you not see the bit where they showed these ECUs are not repairable? machine assembled using unconventional techniques. It's the equivalent of wire wrapping done by a machine. Absolutely no chance of human repair.
@@6581punk But why we can't use a universal ecu? Buy a haltech or something and just do the wiring
@@Partyczka check out fueltech, they just did a ferrari on their standalone. it freaking rips!
@@Partyczka Its probably doable but at the moment it's likely a custom rewire job, which is more expensive than a 2nd hand ecu. I'll bet someone will build an off the shelf replacement though when enough people need replacements.
@@spwicks1980 Ferrari and Bosch would probably sue them!
We have used Specialized for Porsche repair when Porsche the company could not fix issues. There is no other company that does what they do. Jose is a dream to work with.
Really great Video! I am myself an electronic & IT professional and i would guess it will be not that easy at it seems to be on the first glance. The original computers are on a ceramic substrate for good reasons, there is not only vibrations but a lot of heat!! Almost every Ferrari is a very tight package, very big engine in a small body. I would guess if they had used a classic open pin package, like the old 7 series that we could see here, the computers would not make it till end of the month. The CAM and engine-sensors are easy to manage today, but building a package that will work 10-20+ years is something very different. Wish you all best!
The BEST answer is to make it so they run off of 1 or 2 Speeduinos. With the right support anyone can make one and anyone can program. While that's open source, cheap - free, someone can make some money making and programming so it's plug and play for mechanics who don't have time and the inept who are incapable.
As long as the car doesn't have any sort of VVTI system Speeduino is a great shout, also dont think it can do anything with transmissions. Its rare to find someone that can do mechanics, wire and map an ecu
@@ryanharveywhite I'm sure a program could be mapped for a transmission with either an Arduino or something Arduino like, to emulate a TCU. It would probably be based on the needs of the transmission. Ferrari 360 technology or anything that old was not advanced so far as computers go.
BIG CAVIOT; the electrical and thermal automotive environment is brutal. None of the hobbyist boards or most of the processor themselves will operate or potentially survive under the hood of a running car.
@@johnelectric933 True. Metal boxes and potting compound should deal with most of that. How many Ferraris are parked outside anyway?
Just mount a commodity tablet on the other side of the firewall and the adapter box inside. You could even troubleshoot from the tablet.
It might be worth while for them to send the software, signal descriptions and pin outs to companies that make aftermarket ECMs. Technically they don't have to duplicate the Bosch ECM only build one that can run the engine. Maybe a single ECM for the whole engine. Which might be fairly easy for an experienced company. You have to software you just need to create the electronics.
Good luck with the chip shortage lol
It would be an interesting FPGA project. As always though, it is having all the information on operation.
@@elchucapablas that's only short term it's part of China's plan to take over the world out to cause as much disruption to the world's industries so they come out on top
@@hutchison82 I hedged on that probability and married a Chinese woman.
I said the same thing....every ECU basically does the same thing: uses various inputs to determine various outputs: ie cam position, and when to fire the fuel injector and spark plugs. Sure some vehicles may have more inputs/sensors than others but seriously, they aren't that much different.
Holley makes a stand alone ecu that works with LS engines and their throttle body. B is for Build uses them all the time.
The ferrari/bosch ecu though makes me think they designed it that way on purpose: so it cannot be repaired. Kind of like how apple designed their phones......
Jose knows his job very well.Intelligent Guy great guy ✊💎
This sort of repair service is absolutely what the world needs instead of the rampant "single use" culture.
I just finished watching all of the videos for this project. All I got to say is WOW!! Specialized ECU Repair was amazing!
Imagine if Apple made a jump pack. It would cost 4x as much as similar non apple units, and use two year old technology. But the Apple "fantecs" would say it was revolutionary!
Dont forget there charge you everytime you use it and only compataible with apple products
apple optimizes their technology better than anyone else for a smooth seamless experience compared to the competition
And the battery clamps would be sold separately
Impressive diagnostic/fix. It'd be great if someone could build a replacement or modify an existing ECU to get around the dwindling numbers of ECUs and escalating costs. I'm sure mechanically the 360's have lots of life in them beyond the crappy ECU design. (Even with the myriad of other issues.)
The only long-term solution for car enthusiasts is to manufacture new boards or come up with a generic solution, like the Microsquirt type equipment.
Love the video really improved my understanding of how engine computer systems work.. why can't the whole ECU just be virtualized just like a virtual machine on a computer?
It's probably possible as long as you're able to connect properly to the engine harnesses
I love the fact that a expensive super car is no longer supported by the factory and finding the ECU is next to impossible, but I can go down to the auto parts store and pick up any part I desire for my 1998 beater.
Sam, I don't have a BMW or Ferrari and probably will never have one. BUT I sure do enjoy your channel and its content! Many hours of quality content that this old Vet can dream about. Thank You!
This is great content man, that video of the bench setup with the clicking was so satisfying! It makes you wonder why Ferrari wouldn't use a standard PCB instead of this micro proprietary one with the janky side solders. No doubt the Ferrari Engineers know better than I do but I can't see any real practical benefit there. It also raises the question, why did the first one fail? Seeing that these computers are located in the engine compartment, I'd make the generalized hypothesis that heat was a factor. Perhaps some preventative measures could be in order to be on the safe side?
BOSCH does crap like this all the time. Ferarri just gives BOSCH the specs they need and BOSCH modifies their ECU de jure. BOSCH stops making them after the car run is EOL... collectors be damned.
Whats the over under on how many miles to heartache 100?
You should check with Anderson Dick from Fueltech, his 355 turbo is running on fuel tech and it seems to be doing great
The only problem with running a standalone ECU is that they don't have systems to run the emissions equipment.
@@vegatrunks Many of the standalone ECU can be programmed to run the emissions equipment. Its just matter of the software you put in to the ecu.
@@vegatrunks as long as you get a model with enough inputs and outputs you can just about anything
@@jarnom85 I thought the same thing at first. But it won't fly in states that do the OBDII test and not the sniffer test. Sure, you can make the emissions equipment function at some rudimentary level, but I don't know of any aftermarket ECU that will duplicate the OBDII requirements. The first thing that test looks for is the information on the VIN, year / make / model of car, etc. They will fail it immediately when that information does not show up. The aftermarket also will not do all of the necessary monitoring and reporting on the various sensors that are required. A lot of states have exempted all pre-OBDII vehicles from inspection, so if your car is 1995 or older, you might skate on that aspect of it. Cheers.
@@vegatrunks theres no emissions testing in Florida so it doesn’t matter for samcrac
That was a superb video. Extremely helpful for any car that is having eco issues Thank you, Sam
Jose What a clever man.
I hate electrics you can’t see it Smell it or taste it
That makes MAGIC to me
BRILLIANT EXPLANATIONS Thanks
Steve from UK
Time to contact Louis Rossmann. He'd love this.
Came here to say the same thing!
No he wouldn't because he'd not be able to test his work afterwards
Yes, Sir! The contents of this video reminded me of the way Louis explains things, and the nature of work done does indeed look similar. Also what Sam is saying - does resonate in a significant way with Louis' fight for the right to repair.
That ECU testing bench is by far the best porn I've ever seen. Really damn awesome! By far very educational as well, Sam. Thank you for sharing this video!
Sounds like the ECU's need to be replaced by micro form factor computers running an emulation of the ECU. Been done with other cars in the past...
In a few years open source MCU platforms like Speeduino will probably become viable drop in replacements
Jose seems to be excellent at his job. Genius level
that jump pax wold start a car easier with no battery than with a battery that's dead and sucking up juice
That test setup is amazing. So cool!
I wonder what Louis Rossmann could do with these?
Nothing - these are not PCBs in the normal sense, and there is no soldering. Instead, the bare silicon dies are glued to a ceramic substrate and gold or aluminium wires are fusion bonded directly to the die. You would need a wire-bonding machine and a way to remove (and replace) the protective silicon coating. If the failure is with any of the chips, you will be entirely out of luck - everything will be custom.
Yeah this looks like a design that was not meant to be serviced at all... I imagine that in the future someone with enough knowhow/computer learning will be able to emulate/recreate the exact function of this or any ECU from scratch using modern parts at least that is what I feel like the best solution will be.
@@ickipoo He may have some tricks up his sleeve. An iPhone 6 on each side running an app. To keep the Ferraris coming back.
Those guys are on their A game. Badass test bench!
Thanks so much Nicholas! That means a lot
Here's a thought...
I did with a Rover years ago using CVH etc parts...
Convert almost everything to pre ECU ... Actual cable throttle and standard relays etc ... and use an easily available basic ECU maybe the BMW or make your own... Also extend the cables so the electronics are not in the engine bay .. heat and vibration with extreme miniaturisation is the enemy.
Regards Mark.
Guys and specialists like Jonny in Kansas are just so valuable resources and genuinely great people.
Could the Fanttik manual override be used for electrolysis to clean parts in a suspended tank of water?
I would look into a standalone ECU option.
Fueltech, haltech, etc.
Your remote button is the same as 92/02 ford falcon in Australia.
That basic shape ended up being used for a number of manufacturers.
I love that setup of José's.
Shows why right to repair is so important.
There should be a TH-cam channel that finds all these small workshops and crafts men and women that can fix and repair anything and highlight there unique talents and skills
Very impressive. Amazing. These guys are so freaking smart.