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Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed.

 
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AFN Pilot



Joined: 07/26/2008
Posts: 21
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1996 Volkswagen Golf
Free account, no CAN development support

Post26-07-2008, 12:50    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

Hello everyone, first of all!

I recently got a Golf III TDI with a 110 horsepower AFN engine.

When I bought the car, the turbo hose was broken, and it was also rusty.
"Replaced the hose - it runs like a rocket, and it's incredibly loud! After driving for two days..."
The entire rear of the car is black.

I then started looking for one and also compared it to original AFN models.
and potential risks associated with microchips.

Judgment:
It's actually performing really well, so it's definitely been chipped, but I think it's probably just some cheap, low-quality tuning.

"I've already checked, and there's no power box installed."

The car currently has a boost pressure of 1.1-1.2 bar. It should normally be around 0.9 bar, I think. Am I mistaken?

Today, I took apart the control unit, but I'm not really sure what I'm seeing.
Okay, here's the translation:

"I'm not familiar with engine control units (ECUs) yet, so maybe someone else can help."
Can you tell me if a chip is installed or not? I've attached a photo. And if so, how can I...?
I can remove it myself most easily.

Thank you in advance.
Best regards, Chris.

Control unit image:
icon_smile_thumb_up.gif" color="red">Bitte keine Links zu externen Dateihostern! a) nerven die zusätzlich notwendigen Klicks, b) Wartezeit, Werbebanner/Werbepopups und notwendige Registrierungen, c) ist nach einiger Zeit die Datei weg und das Thema für andere Leser nutzlos!

Bitte nutze 'Attachment hinzufügen' bzw. das Upload Forum hier.

/img523/6748/dscn5172yb1.jpg" class="responsive" alt="http://img523.
" color="red">Bitte keine Links zu externen Dateihostern! a) nerven die zusätzlich notwendigen Klicks, b) Wartezeit, Werbebanner/Werbepopups und notwendige Registrierungen, c) ist nach einiger Zeit die Datei weg und das Thema für andere Leser nutzlos!

Bitte nutze 'Attachment hinzufügen' bzw. das Upload Forum hier.

/img523/6748/dscn5172yb1.jpg" onLoad="imgResize(this);" onMouseOver="imgCursor(this);" onClick="imgOpenResized(this);">


Translated on 02-10-2026, 3:05.
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Wiesel
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Post26-07-2008, 13:48    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

Let's just say that without a (memory) chip, the car wouldn't move even a single meter, because...
Processor doesn't know what to do icon_wink.gif.
The EPROM memory chips in the MSA15 (which is what this is) are the two 32-pin chips.
top right. Unfortunately, it's hard to read exactly what it says, but it seems like...
They don't have a Bosch part number. I'm guessing it might be M27C1001 10C?
The question mark indicates the temperature resistance: 1 = 0..70°C, 3 = -40..125°C, 6 = -40..85°C.

If you're good at soldering SMD components, you can populate empty EPROMs with the appropriate temperature resistance.
If you have a Bosch system (Bosch only uses the 3-series) and the ability to program it, you can do that.
Reconfigure the STG (I can send you the original dataset).

Best regards, Micha.
Touran 5T1 / DFGA / TGV; Fabia 6Y5 / BNV / GGV


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AFN Pilot



Joined: 07/26/2008
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1996 Volkswagen Golf
Free account, no CAN development support

Post26-07-2008, 18:45    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

Hello!

Thank you for the answer, but unfortunately, I can barely read what's written on the two [items].
save, I also thought it might depend on the brand, since otherwise everything is Bosch and Philips.

The question is, I actually want a chip, but a good one – one that also works well.
"It delivers the performance it promises, which isn't exactly difficult! Just a small amount of soot. The engine is really extreme."
The point isn't to push yourself too hard!

I'm looking for a skilled soldering expert who can work on delicate items. Do you have two original ones?
memory?

How would it look if it were simply and better programmed?
or does it require different types of memory?

Best regards, Chris.


Translated on 02-10-2026, 3:10.
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Wiesel
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Post26-07-2008, 19:19    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

AFN Pilot wrote:
I know a good soldering expert who does delicate work like that. Do you have two original memory chips?

Based on your writing style, I would guess you are from Austria icon_smile.gif.
In that case, the shipping costs would exceed the value of the goods.
If I were in your position, I would look for a tuner nearby who could remap the engine control unit (ECU) in that way.
modified to match your preferences, or ask Rainer what he thinks.
The renovation and the adapted software require ( contact ).

Best regards, Micha.
Touran 5T1 / DFGA / TGV; Fabia 6Y5 / BNV / GGV


Translated on 02-10-2026, 3:12.
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AFN Pilot



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1996 Volkswagen Golf
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Post27-07-2008, 9:46    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

Okay, thank you.
Since I'm not very familiar with microchips, I wanted to ask:

I already have two other storage devices installed, so does that mean I can only install one more?
I would need to reprogram it to match my preferences. Or do I need to use something else for that?
install?

How much boost can you safely apply to the VTG turbocharger for extended periods?

best regards, chris


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johu



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Post27-07-2008, 9:57    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

Are EEPROMs not usually socketed after a tuner has removed them for reprogramming?
VW Sharan \'97 AFN 460tkm


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AFN Pilot



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1996 Volkswagen Golf
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Post27-07-2008, 9:58    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

Sorry for the silly question, but what does that mean in English? ^^...


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johu



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Post27-07-2008, 10:02    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

A socket is essentially a holder for the EEPROM. A chip in a socket can be inserted and removed without soldering. This prevents it from being exposed to the thermal stress that occurs during soldering.
The tuner typically desolders the chip, programs it using an EEPROM writer, solders a socket onto the board, and then inserts the chip into the socket.

To my knowledge, it is possible to reprogram new engine control units without removing the chips. However, this is not the case with older units, such as the one from the AFN engine.
VW Sharan \'97 AFN 460tkm


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AFN Pilot



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1996 Volkswagen Golf
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Post27-07-2008, 10:09    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

Funny thing...

I also thought about the base like you mentioned! And the control unit doesn't look right either.
"The components were desoldered, etc. There was no sticker or anything else on it, I don't understand!" (referring to something on the pump).
I haven't found a Mobi box either... Where else could it be?


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Wiesel
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Post27-07-2008, 10:43    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

Bases are a weak point icon_exclaim.gif.
"There are indeed tuners that directly solder the modified datasets (in which case, they cannot be easily changed)."
(Read every single idiot's comment and sell them elsewhere).
The building blocks used are so-called OTP (One-Time Programmable) EPROMs.
time programmable; for cost reasons, the window for erasing data was omitted.
They definitely need to be replaced for a different dataset.
The EPROMs originally installed by Bosch typically have labels with the software number.
(1037xxxxxx) printed on it.

If the vehicle originates from Austria and the installed components have a "3" marking for temperature identification,
"Perhaps the building blocks are from me, and then I'll also know who created the software."
The person I suspect enjoys pushing the boundaries of what's feasible, but also...
not beyond that (so no smoke emitters, as long as the vehicle is in good condition).
If the box is still smoking like the Taiga drum, then:
- Something on the vehicle is not (anymore) working correctly (e.g., worn injectors, misadjusted MSW, loss of boost pressure, etc.).
- different hardware is being used that no longer matches the configuration used when the software was created.
was originally equipped with (e.g., .216 nozzles instead of .205, a downgrade to the smaller series loader, ...).
- Was this behavior something the customer specifically requested (there are some crazy people out there)?

Best regards, Micha.
Touran 5T1 / DFGA / TGV; Fabia 6Y5 / BNV / GGV


Translated on 02-10-2026, 3:18.
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AFN Pilot



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1996 Volkswagen Golf
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Post27-07-2008, 11:00    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

The vehicle is from Austria, Vorarlberg. It's a red Volkswagen Golf III TDI with 110 horsepower.


Fuel pump settings, boost pressure (1.1 bar) - everything is sealed and working correctly. The injectors are original VW parts.
"Number? I've already checked everything, it can't be that."

The only other option I have in this case would be to try a different control unit.
If it still ends up being a mess on the street, then the situation is clear.

As you described, these EPROMs are only programmable once.
"They won't last any longer. So, we'll have to put in new ones."

What do you say about the turbo boost pressure? How much can it be increased? The engine would benefit from more boost.
It will logically also get better, because everything will burn more efficiently with more oxygen.
"I would... besides the spray coming out, there's also a lot of diesel being added."


Translated on 02-10-2026, 3:21.
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Post27-07-2008, 20:44    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

The nozzles have never had a VW part number icon_cool.gif.
What you're referring to are the nozzle holder combinations.
(in which the nozzles are inserted).
When you change the nozzles, nothing changes about the number on the holder icon_wink.gif.
1.1 bar is slightly above the standard (0.95). Everyone has their own preference for the maximum.
own opinion - so, 'no comment'.
A different ECU with the original dataset is definitely the fastest.
Possibility to narrow down the cause. You just need to keep that in mind.
that the WFS needs to be adjusted (i.e., using VCDS or another tool).
(a suitable tester is required).
Touran 5T1 / DFGA / TGV; Fabia 6Y5 / BNV / GGV


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AFN Pilot



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Post28-07-2008, 18:08    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

Does anyone have an engine control unit (ECU) that I could try to use... with a chip or without, and if with a chip, one without a Russian icon_biggrin.gif?


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Wiesel
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Post28-07-2008, 19:34    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

No problem. MSTG with original dataset on socketed memory.
150€ + shipping to Austria (prepayment), and you can even keep it.

Best regards, Micha.
Touran 5T1 / DFGA / TGV; Fabia 6Y5 / BNV / GGV


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AFN Pilot



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1996 Volkswagen Golf
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Post29-07-2008, 17:58    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

"Hey Wiesel! Do you have an original engine control unit (ECU) without a chip for me?"

What do you mean by "annotated dataset"? Or, what benefits would I get from it? (Sorry, I haven't dealt with this topic before!) You want 150€ for it?

It works in this case, just plug it in and it's ready to go... ?


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Post30-07-2008, 6:39    Subject: Check Engine Chip: How to Tell if Installed. Quote

"Gesockelt" means that other datasets can be linked to it.
It will look like the picture.
However, you can only start driving after the WFS has been trained.

Best regards, Micha.



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Touran 5T1 / DFGA / TGV; Fabia 6Y5 / BNV / GGV


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