Adam Rhodes

Hi I have a Audi A3 s line 1,9 2003 that someone reversed the polarity on damaging ECU and componants so I have gone out and bought clocks,ECU, ignition, d/side footwell board and now I am going crazy trying to find the anti theft and tow control unit along with gateway control module . Please please help me locate where they are so I can get my baby back on the road.

I think my problem goes deeper than just the ECU after fitting two different ones now. I have tracked down a donor vehicle with matching numbers and soon to be able to renew all components. The annoying part is she starts first time every time but just dies seconds after. And have been getting no Life from the clocks . I have tried a few ECU repair places and been quoted 5-600 and like I said I think it's more than just the ECU. I will call the ECU repair and find out . Cheers Adam 54

I tried fitting just a replacement ECU and if anyone is ever in the same position you do need the clocks and if possible the ignition+ door lock and keys I'm afraid ☹️ I spent a couple of hours making sure it was fitted correctly and got a multimeter to test the feed and I am pretty certain in a case of reverse polarity it doesn't just fry the ECU but also the clocks as no illumination. The car trys to start every time but stalls after a second 😕

He was in a van reving the nuts off as he gave me the thumbs up and it was in heavy sleet and snow but the leads I still have are seriously melted and the red one nearly black where it goes into the one clip? I too have never seen cables do that but I have never seen anyone stupid enough to put the cables the wrong way either?? I have just received a new ECU through the post and going to fit it tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up about the alternator being fried. If she runs tomorrow I will take the one from my 4 door A3 and move my insurance ect over to the s line. I have missed her something crazy. She should fly through the mot as hardly moved since the last one

It surprised me that the serial numbers on the ECU are identical to my original one except the last three didgets? I am hoping that the car will run ok and I will have to have the fobs reprogrammed ? This is what I am hoping for but what actually happens will be another thing I'm sure lol No venture no gain and for under 50 quid it's not a expensive lesson

I just got the new ECU today I will let you know how I get on. With luck I will finally hear my s line prrrrr again and I can get rid of the other A3 then

I have just been offered the correct ECU for the car for just 35 quid but I thought I would have to get clocks locks fob and ECU from the same car?! If I get this one can it be reprogrammed does anyone know? I know they can reprogam the keys to a different frequency but not sure where the clocks come in to it all

There's another bolt behind the bumper and I am pretty sure they have those rubber pegs that holds them secure?

Have you tried to rewire it yourself? Just replace each damaged cable individually ? I had issues with mine from someone trying to change the stereo and made a right mess and if the stereo was on the automatic transmission didn't shift up or would slip down gears. A hour with a soldering iron and some shrink plastic and it's back to perfect. If you have a Haynes manual you can see what each wire goes to and you should be able to pin point the problem quickly

Can just be corrosion on the contact's also if you ever have issues with your turbo detach from exhaust and spray as much Mr muscle oven cleaner into and down the exhaust and simply re attache and start the engine and it will completely de coke everything and return performance

It's a design fault with the a3s the way the water pump for the back window is situated means when the jet's get slightly blocked the pipe can leak or jump off all together so when you spray the back window and nothing happens it's because the water has soaked all the wiring and for the pump, wiper motor and the central locking servo for the boot and when one fails it won't work at all. Fix this issue and the central locking and alarm will work correctly

I have similar issues with my A3 2006 if I have the stereo on loud the automatic transmission either slips out of gear or just doesn't change up at all?? I can't seem to get a straight answer what's causing this either?

May have to change the suspension springs and check out the breaks ? Other than that all good

I can do the work myself swapping clocks locks and ECU but I don't want to do it all and find out it doesn't work 😫 Or worse I end up trashing the automatic ECU and end up with two undrivable Audi A3's ?! Also I will be putting all leather interior and carbon fibre parts on the grey s line and all other upgrades and extras. I have tried to speak with Audi mechanics and they refused to say either way and to get the original ECU and clocks fixed would be more than the car is worth. Please advise as I am struggling at the moment and i know that there is truth in green cars been unlucky as I have never had as many issues with a vehicle in my life and I once owned a rover lol

I need to know if I can use the ECU clocks locks and keys from a automatic to repair a manual Audi A3 of the same size? Desperately need any assistance in this matter