Re: urQ dead on CA 280

[R1chT@aol.com]

In a message dated 96-01-24 16:42:47 EST, you write:

> I'm curious
> (since I also own that model) to know what the problem turned out to be.

I was just wondering about this also.

>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.  

Boy! Sometimes I wish He (cap H) would help out with my car!

Mighty nice of that zener to give up it's life for the greater good. I'm
still surprised that the ECU survived though.

> (an electrolytic cap had disgorged itself).

Sure sounds like overvoltage to me.

>I am convinced that the source of the problem was the battery ground cable.

Given the higher probability of this happening to our cars now that the wires
are getting brittle and corroded, I've been contemplating adding extra
protection to the ECU, like maybe a big fat three terminal V regulator,
Perhaps also a SCR crowbar with a fuse, or a more modern equivalent. Seems
worth looking into more. I hope I don't procrastinate so long that I fry my
own ECU first!

Rich 
Concord NH
'83Q