* Note: This article only covers removing a computer in a 1996+ MkIII Jetta / Golf with a non-soldered chip. Older A3 GTI's & Jetta's have a soldered in chip which must be sent to the chip manufacturer to be installed, or you can try your luck doing it yourself, but that isn't recommended!
Time Required: 15-25 minutes.
Tools Needed: Phillips screwdriver, one large and one small flathead screwdriver, Torx screwdriver set, pliers, 10mm wrench.
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1. The first thing you'll need to do is get your ECU number off of your computer so you can order the correct chip for your car. (I think it's the one in the red square!) You'll have to remove the plastic leaf cover before you can even see these numbers (Proceed to the next step.) |
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2. Once you have the hood open, you will need to remove the plastic leaf cover underneath the wipers on the passenger side of the car. There really is no easy way of removing the grommets. I used a small flat screwdriver and needle-nose pliers. The grommets can be removed by simply unscrewing them on the later model GTI's. |
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3. Here's another picture of the plastic cover and the rubber molding removed. |
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4. Once you have the plastic cover off, you will need a 10mm wrench to get the computer out. There are two bolts that hold the computer in place. |
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5. Here is bolt #1. |
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6. Here is bolt #2. Next, you will need to remove the bracket on the computer. There are two Phillips head screws that hold the bracket on right where the wiring harness usually is. |
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7. Once you get the computer out, you will need to remove the wiring harness. To do this, grab the side of the wiring harness with the flared ends and pull those ends sideways away from computer. The wiring harness will unsnap. Note: If your computer is already socketed ('96 and newer), you need to open up the computer next. You will need a set of Torx screwdrivers. There are 4 screws you will need to remove to open up the computer. If you computer is not socketed ('95 and older), you will have to send the entire unit to the dealer where you purchased your chip to have them desolder your old chip and install the new one. You could try this on your own, but we don't recommend it! :) |
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8. Remove the four Torx screws to access the computer. |
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9. Gently slide the computer out of it's plastic case... You do have your grounding strap on, right?!?! A static charge can wipeout your computer, so be careful! |
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10. The actual chip you will be removing is highlighted in the red square. Gently pry a corner of the chip out with a small screw driver, and insert the new chip (it should only fit in one way because one of the corners is flat.) Make sure you are well grounded when working with the ECU! Now you will obviously reverse these procedures to reinstall the computer. Note: When reinstalling the plastic cover under the windshield, push the plastic pins back into place instead of screwing them back in (It took me quite a while to figure that out!) WARNING! Don't drive like a maniac right away, give the car a chance to 'learn' the new computer settings... then go like a bat-out-of-hell! |
