Hello, and need help with P38 DSE starting problem!

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Spooner

New Member
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62
Location
West Midlands,UK
First of all, hello to all :)

Right, I recently purchased 1998 Range Rover 2.5DSE for towing.

I planned to chip the ECU, and was asked by a tuner to check the software number on the chip itself...

So, I removed the ECU, and checked, re-installed the ECU about 30 mins later, and the engine will not start. The engine turns over but does not fire, and there are no fault messages on dash...it ran perfect before this :doh:

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

I would also like to know which is the best diagnostics tool to read faults and carry out programming

Many Thanks!
 
It sounds like your BECM has lost sync with your ECU - there are a number of ways to resolve - Black Box solutions do a Sync Mate, you can get the main dealer to do it on their Testbook or you may find an Independate who will come out and re-sync it :(

As for diagnostics tool - check out the Black Box Solutions website, there is also a 'deal' running at the moment for a cheap diag tool from them, check the recent posts.

I have a BBS Faultmate for my P38, this reads and clears faults, plus you can programe as well - that baby cost £570ish.

Put your location on, there may be someone close that can help you.

Also check the posts already on here about 'chipping' the oil burner - there is a wealth of information and it could save you quids.
 
Thanks for the reply.

How annoying then! After a few searches I guessed it was something to do with the ECU going out of Sync, but couldn't find anyone with issues after removing the ECU's.

Right, I'll try and find the threads regarding diagnostics tools :eek:

Thanks again
 
Actually. I just realised I am not getting engine light at all, even when I initially switch on the ignition....is this another side effect of the ECU being out of sync, or possibly another issue?
 
Ok, turns out the ECU plug was not sitting on the ECU correctly (tab on plug was already broken)

I now have the engine light back on when ignition is switched on, however it still won't start :(
 
Spooner said:
Ok, turns out the ECU plug was not sitting on the ECU correctly (tab on plug was already broken)

I now have the engine light back on when ignition is switched on, however it still won't start :(
Click to expand...

Try disconnecting both leads from battery. I hope you did this before removing ECU. Touch battery leads together to discharge residual current. Leave for half an hour then reconnect it and see what you get.
 
Last edited:
Hey Guys

Got all excited when my Blackbox re-sync tool came today, but I'm afraid it didn't solve the problem...it showed that the ECU was already in sync!


It has to be linked somehow to me removing the ECU and disconnecting the battery??

I charged it for quite a while yesterday, ready to test it after the re-sync today, but it just clicked and wouldn't even turn :mad:
 
Sounds like starter motor solenoid, I had exactly the same issue, though it had lost sync, mate turned up, got underneath and used a screwdriver to make the contacts across the solenoid, whilst I had the ignition key turned, she turned over and started - straight to the garage and replaced the starter motor.
 
Hmm connected a new battery and its turning over no problem.

No start though.

Sync didn't work... which number fuses/relays do I need to check?

I have already checked some, but will go over them again..
 
Hey Guys

Firstly, thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond and offer help.

I have messed with the wiring all morning and solved it...

problem? ECU plug is not sitting 100% correctly on ECU. It seems a tab or something off the one end of the plug is broken.

Literally, if you tap the top of the ECU the engine will cut out...
 
Another update..

It wasn't the ECU plug, but a break in one of the wire in the loom going into the ECU plug.

Took all day to find problem, then find the faulty wire. Now all fixed and running perfectly again.
 
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