Evo Security System and ECU swaps
Evo Security System and ECU swaps
It has been reported that it's impossible to swap Evo ECUs due to the Evo's anti-theft security system. A solution to this problem might become available to some folks in California after Mar 29, 2003. That's the day that a new CARB regulation goes into effect (180 days after it was approved). You can read the entire regulation at http://www.arb.ca.gov/regact/cmvsip/fro.PDF, but I will highlight the relevant portions below.
Definitions:
“Covered person” means: (1) any person or entity engaged in the business of service or repair of motor vehicles who is licensed or registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair, pursuant to Section 9884.6 of the Business and Professions Code, to conduct that business in California; (2) any commercial business or government entity that repairs or services its own California motor vehicle fleet(s); (3) tool and equipment companies; or (4) any person or entity engaged in the manufacture or remanufacture of emission-related motor vehicle parts for California motor vehicles.
“Initialization” or “reinitialization” means the process of resetting a vehicle security system by means of an ignition key or access code(s).
Section §1969, subsection (d):
It seems to me that a company such as Vishnu Tuning, which is registered in California and which repairs or services its own "fleet" of California vehicles (which now includes an Evo), should qualify as a "covered person" and has a right to buy from Mitsubishi, at a fair and reasonable cost, the equipment necessary to facilitate an Evo ECU swap.
Definitions:
“Covered person” means: (1) any person or entity engaged in the business of service or repair of motor vehicles who is licensed or registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair, pursuant to Section 9884.6 of the Business and Professions Code, to conduct that business in California; (2) any commercial business or government entity that repairs or services its own California motor vehicle fleet(s); (3) tool and equipment companies; or (4) any person or entity engaged in the manufacture or remanufacture of emission-related motor vehicle parts for California motor vehicles.
“Initialization” or “reinitialization” means the process of resetting a vehicle security system by means of an ignition key or access code(s).
Section §1969, subsection (d):
Code:
(3) On-Board Computer Initialization Procedures.
(A) Consistent with the requirements of subsection (h) below, motor
vehicle manufacturers shall provide to all covered persons
computer or anti-theft system initialization information and/or
related tools necessary for:
(i) The proper installation of on-board computers on motor
vehicles that employ integral vehicle security systems; or
(ii) The repair or replacement of any other emission-related part.
(B) A motor vehicle manufacturer may request Executive Officer
approval to be excused from the requirements above for some or
all model year vehicles through the 2007 model year. The
Executive Officer shall approve the request upon him or her
finding that the motor vehicle manufacturer has demonstrated
that:
(i) The availability of such information to covered persons would
significantly increase the risk of vehicle theft, and
(ii) It will make available to covered persons reasonable
alternative means to install computers, or to otherwise repair
or replace an emission-related part, at a fair, reasonable, and
nondiscriminatory price and that such alternative means do
not place covered persons, as a class, at a competitive
disadvantage to franchised dealerships in their ability to
service and repair vehicles.
(C) The approval is conditional and subject to audit under paragraph
(j) below and possible rescission if the conditions set forth in
paragraph (d)(3)(B) fail to be satisfied.
(4) The information required by this subsection shall be made available for
purchase no later than 180 days after the effective date of these
regulations or January 1, 2003, whichever is later, for vehicle models
introduced into commerce on or before these dates. For all new
vehicle models for which production commences after the effective
date of these regulations, motor vehicle manufacturers shall make
available for purchase the required information no later than 180 days
after the start of vehicle introduction into commerce or concurrently
with its availability of the information to franchised dealerships,
whichever occurs first.
Last edited by Señor Info; Mar 19, 2003 at 12:13 PM.



