Aftermarket March 2023

MARCH 2023 AFTERMARKET 39 Matthew continued: “However, key to reliability when a service or repair part has to be replaced, is the quality of the component fitted, and that’s where workshops fitting HELLA components can assure their customers that they not only have the best in terms of OE quality, it’s also a cost-effective replacement solution. Alongside the requirement to ensure their vehicle’s reliability, because of the world’s collective responsibilities towards the environment and to reduce greenhouse gases, as well as being able to adhere to stricter MoT emissions tests, motorists also need to keep vehicles running as efficiently as possible to provide them with the best return in terms of fuel economy, which comes as a direct result of compliance with these emission targets.” This is where garages come in, as Matthew observed: “Workshops therefore have a huge part to play in ensuring these standards are met, so the onus is on them to fit replacement engine management parts of matching specifications to the OE components fitted by the vehicle manufacturers and with HELLA, they have just such a ACtronics quick guide: FoMoCo ESU 411 Looking at what is causing the most malfunctions with this unit, Technical Specialist at ACtronics Dean Bartram commented: “The FoMoCo, or Vistion, ESU-411 is an ECU from Ford. This ECU can be found in cars with 1.8L and 2.0L Duratec engines, such as the Focus II DA3 and the C-Max. You can also find them in certain types of Volvo, such as the C30. Although these engines have a decent reputation, some malfunctions can still occur, especially within the ECU. Fortunately, ACtronics now has a solution for these ECU defects. “We’re happy to tell you that the list of common failures for this type of ECU is not that long. Only two complaints occur regularly. One of these common complaints is a failing ignition control. Symptoms range from a single error to complete failure of the whole ignition system. This complaint is indeed a malfunction within the ECU itself and can be fixed. The second complaint we frequently hear about is a malfunctioning throttle body control system. Inputs from the throttle pedal no longer reach the throttle body which makes the throttle totally unresponsive. There are also known cases where the fault isn’t always present. In that case, the throttle appears to be responding well for a longer time, until the vehicle finally goes into limp mode. These are the main fault codes that appear when reading the ECU: P0403 – Exhaust Gas Recirculation Circuit Malfunction P0607 – Control Module Performance P1585 – Throttle Control Unit Malfunction P2008 – Intake Runner Control Circuit Open Bank 1 P2110 – Throttle Actuator Control System P2121 – Throttle / Pedal Position Sensor / Switch Circuit Range / Performance “It’s hugely important to make sure all other components are working properly first, before focussing on the ECU itself. EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valves for example tend to cause several complaints and electronically controlled throttle bodies are known for occasionally causing interferences, so it isn’t always the ECU that’s malfunctioning.” Tip: If fault code P2008 appears, check the solenoid of the intake runner first. This solenoid can be found on a vacuum hose which is located next to the intake manifold. Dean added: “However, if the problem really originates in the ECU itself, it’s wise to use the ACTRONICS repair service. We’ve found that the main processor causes all these problems and it’s that specific component that needs to be replaced. However, it’s not that easy to replace it for a new one. As many as 388 tiny contacts are holding the processor onto the PCB and de-soldering is made utterly impossible by the fact that many of those contacts are placed beneath the processor and therefore out of reach. So, it may come as no surprise we are using professional equipment for this job. This method also assures a high constant quality with an end product that’s on par with a new OEM component. So why choose anything else?” solution. Naturally, the correct diagnosis of the reason why an engine management component needs to be replaced is vital, but the replacement part’s suitability and conformity with OE performance standards should also be a fundamental consideration.” Matthew added: “As many will already be aware, HELLA is a trusted OE supplier of a multitude of electronic components, not only for engine management, but for chassis, comfort and safety systems as well. These products, which include air mass sensors, EGR valves, fuel feed units and pumps, cam and crankshaft sensors and ignition coils, plus speed and wheel speed sensors, also feature in its aftermarket programme. From its warehouse in Oxfordshire, HELLA supplies its customers with these and many other products, which are available for next day delivery and provide workshops with premium quality replacement components that are designed to fit first time, and perform to the same exacting standards as the vehicle’s original fitment.”