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Aston Martin DB7 3.2 1999 - Control Module Fault - Fixed #

Posted by Craig Hewison on November 6, 2013, 4:56 pm

Year of Manufacture *: 1999
Engine Size and Code *: 3200 Supercharged
( Optional ) ECU Type: Window Module

Hi guys,

Although this was a window module on an Aston i reckon it should apply to all control units.

Inoperative n/s door electric window, did all relevant wiring checks etc and concluded a faulty module, swapped with the o/s and the fault followed it so confirming my diagnosis. At £400 for a new modified module, modified so that you have to buy the regulator with it at an additional £800, we tried looking at other options.

To cut a long story short these are a common problem and second hand ones are as rare as hens teeth, a couple of electronic companies looked at it and couldn't repair it so we resigned to having to buy a new one. When ringing aston to order it, the chap on the phone recommended something outrageous "i know this sounds daft but i had the same issue and i was told to put it in the oven for half an hour, i did and it started working again, what have you got to lose?"

What indeed?!?! Anywho, last night we put it in the oven for 40mins at 80 degrees and this morning refitted it……….. IT ONLY WENT AND BLOODY WORKED!!!!!!

I have been trying to think how this could have worked and the only thing i can come up with is, either it evaporated any moisture off, or it softened the solder and in effect improved the joint? Who knows!

I don't know if anybody else has come across this but i reckon it could be worth a try for a few more control units. What have you got to lose?!?

thanks
Craig

Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**

Posted by Ed Kaps <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/ukautotalk11/info/user=UKAT5536' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 6, 2013, 5:55 pm, in reply to "Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**"
Edward Kaps

Craig---love it
What gas mark was that?

Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**

Posted by Craig Hewison <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/ukautotalk11/info/user=ukat3409' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 6, 2013, 6:03 pm, in reply to "Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**"

Not sure Ed but make sure you turn it over half way through

lol

Craig

Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**

Posted by Jim Power <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/ukautotalk11/info/user=ukat3202' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 6, 2013, 6:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**"
James Power

I have a friend who is in to all things computer wise, repairs, building etc.

He told me about the "oven trick" some time back.

I got the impression it was well known and well used in his world.

jim power

Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**

Posted by andyhyoung <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/ukautotalk11/info/user=UKAT5148' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 6, 2013, 6:22 pm, in reply to "Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**"
Andrew Young

I think you will find this window module has the same Motorola Hc 901 microprocessor that is fitted to Volvo S 80 window control modules and VW golf 4 comfort modules.When they fail,I carefully run a hot air gun over the micro to see if its function resumes.The micro can then be replaced.It is a very common device.

Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**

Posted by Pete Mutlow <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/ukautotalk11/info/user=UKAT1569' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 6, 2013, 10:24 pm, in reply to "Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**"
Peter Mutlow

Well done Craig! I wonder if the electricity used is charged under sundries or parts. And don't forget the time is chargeable whilst hovering over the oven!

Regards

Pete M

Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**

Posted by Craig Hewison <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/ukautotalk11/info/user=ukat3409' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 7, 2013, 9:27 am, in reply to "Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**"

Hi Andrew, it sounds like you have some experience with electronics. Is the microprocessor readily available to buy then and is it a plug and play or does it need programming so it knows what job it has to do?

Thanks
Craig

Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**

Posted by sean savage <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/ukautotalk11/info/user=UKAT5559' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 7, 2013, 3:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**"
Sean Savage

Full 12 months warranty offered i hope and a free sponge cake

Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**

Posted by andyhyoung <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/ukautotalk11/info/user=UKAT5148' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 7, 2013, 5:03 pm, in reply to "Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**"
Andrew Young

The micro is easily available,but you need to transfer the info from the old processor into the new one.

Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**

Posted by Craig Hewison <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/ukautotalk11/info/user=ukat3409' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 7, 2013, 6:23 pm, in reply to "Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**"

"The micro is easily available,but you need to transfer the info from the old processor into the new one."

Is this a difficult job? electronics are something that definitely tickles my taste buds.

Thanks
Craig

Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**

Posted by James Eardley <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/ukautotalk11/info/user=ukat3143' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 9, 2013, 4:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**"

Hi Craig

Sames as Ed... Absolutely love it, fantastic fix mate

If it goes down again and you 'got nothing to lose', give me a call I may be able to help you out.
I owe your dad a favour for helping me out when you was on holiday... (again) lol

James

Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**

Posted by Matt Booth <iframe src='https://members.boardhost.com/ukautotalk11/info/user=ukat3028' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 14, 2013, 10:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Aston Martin DB7 Control Module Fault **FIXED**"
Matthew Booth

By putting it in the oven you are trying to replicate a reflow. I have done this to fix various faults on laptops - usually the graphics chip requires a reflow. Whilst it generally works for a bit it is a definitely hit and miss. Bear in mind that some components don't like too much heat and if you get it too hot all the surface mount components will fall of the board.

Glad it worked for you though, especially on such a rare unit.

Matt

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