Re: urQ dead on CA 280

[steveb@newkla.kla.com]

> A couple of monmths back, someone on the Bay area posted about an urQ dying
> while going South on the 280 (I think it was).  The dealer estimated
> several thousand dollars to replace most of the electrics.  I'm curious
> (since I also own that model) to know what the problem turned out to be.
> 
... that was Gerry Haney.  I helped him to confirm that all of the parts 
that ABPA called bad were.  The coil driver, hall sender on the distributor
were definiely bad.  In the F/TCU there was a huge Zener that apparently 
shorted out, but He has had the Zener replaced and the unit appears to be
functional.  He is waiting for me to try out his ECU in my car before he
buys the distributor and coil driver.  The electronic module that sounds
the "bell" when you open the door with the keys in the ignition had failed
also (an electrolytic cap had disgorged itself).  

I am convinced that the source of the problem was the battery ground cable.
I don't know if the thing got corroded or there was some case of excessive
heating, but the current carrying capacity of the ground cable was severely
compromised, and my theory is that the battery was no longer an effective
part of the charging circuit which allowed the alternator to apply excessive
voltage to the system.

It will be interesting to hear what Gerry believes the problem to be.  BTW
Gerry, I've been meaning to call you ... when is a good evening for you 
to either drop by or have me come by to pick up your box?  Friday is possible
or one of the days this weekend would be good.  

Steve Buchholz
s_buchho@kla.com
San Jose, CA (USA)