How much is controlled by the ECU?

[TeeJayHoward]

Doing some planning for when the warranty runs out on my car, and I got to thinking about standalones. What all would I lose by switching my ECU? Keyless entry? A/C? Homelink? Any head unit issues?

Basically, does the ECU control anything EXCEPT for the engine in this car?

[Spuds]

Why would you want another ecu? Are you swapping out the engine?

[soundman98]

homelink is mirror-only, because i'm running a variant in my '02 ranger. also, have an aftermarket stereo in the brz, meaning the radio has nothing to do with it either.

why not piggyback the aftermarket ecu? and there's also tuning the ecu itself. personally, i don't see any reason to rip it out, plenty of other options out there.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by TeeJayHoward

Doing some planning for when the warranty runs out on my car, and I got to thinking about standalones. What all would I lose by switching my ECU? Keyless entry? A/C? Homelink? Any head unit issues?

Basically, does the ECU control anything EXCEPT for the engine in this car?

Welcome to the gang, there, TeeJayHoward -

Depending on what you want to do, you may be better off just tuning the ECU that came with the car.


humfrz

[TeeJayHoward]

Originally Posted by humfrz

Depending on what you want to do, you may be better off just tuning the ECU that came with the car.

I know that name... I don't suppose you used to have an NC MX-5, did you?

The plan is to swap in a different engine. I've got a standalone capable of running the BRZ's dashboard and whatever non-DI engine I want, but before I invest too heavily in the project mentally, I'd like to ensure that I won't lose my creature comforts. For example, the shift light and warning buzzer - Is that logic in the gauge cluster, or is it something in the ECU? What about the push-button start and all the security lockouts and all that - Do they require a certain code to be sent from the ECU in order to work, or is it contained in another module somewhere else in the car? Does THAT module require the stock ECU to be on the CANBUS?

Is a workshop manual available online where I can look up the answers to my questions myself?

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by TeeJayHoward

I know that name... I don't suppose you used to have an NC MX-5, did you?

The plan is to swap in a different engine. I've got a standalone capable of running the BRZ's dashboard and whatever non-DI engine I want, but before I invest too heavily in the project mentally, I'd like to ensure that I won't lose my creature comforts. For example, the shift light and warning buzzer - Is that logic in the gauge cluster, or is it something in the ECU? What about the push-button start and all the security lockouts and all that - Do they require a certain code to be sent from the ECU in order to work, or is it contained in another module somewhere else in the car? Does THAT module require the stock ECU to be on the CANBUS?

Is a workshop manual available online where I can look up the answers to my questions myself?

Yep, TeeJayHoward, you caught up with me -

As far as your questions, they are waaaay over my pay grade.

I'm sure someone will come along soon with some insight for you -


humfrz

[Tcoat]

The ECU controls most of the engine. There are also modules that control ABS, body functions (the car not yours) and transmission if an AT. Most of the common swaps have had workarounds developed to cover the majority of the module controlled comforts. Check out some of the engine swap threads.

[TeeJayHoward]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

There are also modules that control ABS, body functions (the car not yours) and transmission if an AT.

Excellent. This is exactly what I'm looking for. So the ABS is a different module. BCM is a different module. (Kinda expected that one, but good to get reassurance.) What about the immobilizer? Does the ABS module control the VSC as well? Do any of these modules require the factory ECU to operate? What are the part numbers for the various computers in the car?

[finch1750]

Spend some time reading swap threads to get details.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=92.

I'm not an expert but most of the issues are with canbus controlled parts, and not all standalones are equal in regards to staying fully functional.

[TeeJayHoward]

I've spent several days in the engine swap forum with no luck. Today, I found most of what I needed in this thread. The 2013 wiring workshop manual outlines all the different modules used.

Unfortunately, it IS a 2013 manual. Is anything like this available for the 2019 model year?

[sunami88]

Originally Posted by finch1750

in regards to staying fully functional.

...

[James H]

Originally Posted by TeeJayHoward

Doing some planning for when the warranty runs out on my car, and I got to thinking about standalones. What all would I lose by switching my ECU? Keyless entry? A/C? Homelink? Any head unit issues?

Basically, does the ECU control anything EXCEPT for the engine in this car?

The ECU actually controls more than you think. It controls your mind and your entire house through your wifi. The fact that you wrote this post is probably because your ECU wanted you do but you just don't realize it.... Your BRZ would have reached self awareness if it wasn't for that darn torque dip