Hello all, first post from me and hoping that some technical whiz out there can help.

Freelander 2 (2008). Car diagnosed with faulty ABS ECU. Rather than pay the £1300+ for a new one went for second -hand. (That might be my first mistake)

Although there is a LR Dealer here (Falkland Islands) the mechanics are not LR trained so have a few problems when issues get too technical.

Anyway they fitted the replacement today but were unable to write any software to it. Message read:"Routine completed and failed. Different vehicle ID Number (from the Vehicle configuration) already stored."

They think that it holds details of the car it came from and are unable to overwrite it...so old part went back in and now I have a useless? (and expensive) piece of metal that at the moment is only good as an ornament.

Can second-hand parts not be fitted to Freelander 2s?

If so, does anyone know how to wipe the memory stored in the ECU?

Really hoping someone can help me here.

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

Russ

The immo is based on info from ABS and engine ECU.
Indeed, the old car's VIN is coded on the second hand ABS's ECU.

If they have the dealer/LR tools and interface (meaning SDD - Symptom Driven Diagnostic), there is a procedure there that implies the exchange of the ABS unit. They need engineering access mode in order to run the procedure. Meaning they need to contact the factory for an access code.

Follow the "Replace ABS module" (or something) procedure step by step and it will work. Again, they need to be in engineering mode of SDD.

Otherwise, you'll need a tool that speak over CAN bus and instruct the new ABS module to learn the VIN of your car. Slim chance to find such tool.

Alex, many thanks for your reply which I'm sure if they follow will sort the problem out.

They have a diagnostic tool which I saw today (it looks like a rugidized laptop) and is the size of a large laptop. I'm presuming this is Land Rover Issue as they are a dealership. (Falklands 4x4)

Just so that I can pass on the information correctly, could I ask you to be a little more specific?

For me, what does IMMO mean?

For them, can I confirm that:

1. There should be an "Exchange/Replace ABS Unit" option on the SDD?

2. They require an "Engineering Access" code form Land Rover to do this?

3. Follow the "Replace ABS Module" to the Letter?

Once they've tried, I'll get back to you and let you know how it went. I'll also somehow get some beers to you for your amazing help.

Regards and thanks very much again.

Russ

Immo = immobilizer, the system that prevents the car to start if the security procedure (key in / authorization) is incorrect / malfunctioning.

The rest, you've got them right.


Although is for another car on the same "family", the option should be the same as in the picture below.

Click image to enlarge

Thanks again Alex.

I'll pass this information on and see what happens.

With best regards

Russ

Where would a lot of people be without Alex. He really is a credit to this forum.

Having said that, I rarely understand a bloody thing he says - way above my head.  Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Ditto, on both counts!

Couldn't agree more. Well done Alex

I had exactly this on my wife's Peugeot a couple of years ago and the unit had to be introduced to the system by a Peugeot dealer, the independents couldn't handle it. Good luck. 3 x FL1 2 manual + 1 auto
5 x FL2 4 manual + 1 auto
Now Discovery Sport P250 MHEV SE

Do you think like I do the makers do this so you have no alternative to pay top price at their dealers by making the diagnostic and reset equipment too expensive for the average garage to afford, or want to pay out for for the amount of that type of vehicle they service??

They cant refuse the information I know but by making it available by saying you need this equipment of ours to access it etc and its 20 grand, its almost as good as??

Hi Alex, I've passed your wisdom on, but as you can see below I think they've tried this. Having spoken to them it was the inability to overwrite the details already stored. Have they missed something? Do they have to zero everything before they attempt it?

Before I drop it back to them (more expense!) I want to make sure they know exactly what they need to do.

"Hi Russ

I can confirm that we do have a access code and SDD diagnostics.
I'm sure we ran the same thing as has been explained but I'm happy to have another go.
Could you drop the vehicle down...and we will give it a try."

Once again, many thanks in advance.

From my knowledge, the procedure implies the followings:
- the car's ABS ECU - the defective one - should be in place
- the diagnostic session is initiated and the tool collects some information
- the the diagnostic session is saved
- the hardware work is performed - physically exchange the modules, installing the new one
- the diagnostic tool is started again and the old session is loaded
- the final software exchange procedure is performed.

From what are you telling, they not quite performed the events in this order...

Alex, as before I'm very grateful for this.

I will pass the information on and let you know how it goes.

Best Regards

Russ

Don't know about ABS module, but I have changed modules and had new door modules showing 0000000000's for VIN and used seat modules showing different VIN to car they were fitted to and worked (did show DTC for incorrect VIN but functioned none the less). Even after flash programming the VIN didn't change although my GAP IID does not have SDD function that the master (Alex) has pointed out. 2014 SE Loire Blue SD4 Auto (MY15)
Gone - 2011 GS Baltic Blue, Retrofit Electric Leather, Side Steps, 19"SC's, Roof Rails, TT Sat Nav Mod, Retrofit Premium Audio, Retro fit 2013 Xenons with DRL & Sig Strip (Clutch at 47k)
Gone - 2007 GS Narvik Black, Privacy Glass, 19" SC's, Side Steps,Roof Rails, Roof Spoiler, Lamp Guards, Retrofit Electric Leather (Clutch at 115k)
Gone - 2007 SE Santorini Black (Clutch at 120k)
BT IID (best money ever spent on a car)

Hello Alex,

I would like u to give me some more specific details about the same problem with a freelander 2.
The landrover dealer cant reset the ABS module that i bought second hand. So they can t replace the old one.

Thank you,