Cure 205 Code 54 Post FMIC Install
What are you going on about?
Code 54 - this is an error code the stock ECU generates to say that it isn't happy with the intercooling system. Click here for an article on how to check for 205 error codes.
FMIC - this is a replacement for the stock WTA intercooling system on the 205. This system is much more efficient as dispersing heat than the stock system, especially when the turbo is worked hard for a sustained period of time.
Note - properly fitting a FMIC to a 205 requires considerable effort, time and money to get the job done correctly...
Ok, big picture what has to be done?
The ECU is informed of an error by the water level sensor in the intercooler or from the intercooler water pump activation circuitry. A fault detected in either of these two areas causes the ECU to show a code 54 and the car slows down...
Therefore both these items need to be addressed:
Water level sensor - simply bridge the connections on the plug connecting to the intercooler
Pump - install 2 resistors as per the "How to..." below.
Note - I consider this to be the best method since you can remove the pump in it's entirety, unlike some other methods e.g. looping the output of the pump.
What are the benefits of this method over some others?
This method allows you to remove the intercooler system as a complete unit i.e. intercooler, pipe work and pump.
Also worth noting is that the electrical load placed on the car is less since the intercooler pump will not require powering...dependant upon voltage supplied this will save the alternator from producing ~3.5 Amps
Why all the fuss!?! It's easy on a 165 and 185!
The 205 is wired differently and the pump is not just simply connected to a relay and powered on and off like on the 165 and 185...
Ok, what is the circuit diagram so I can see what's going on a little better?
ORIGINAL WIRING |
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Note the resistance wire of 4.5Ω |
MODIFIED WIRING |
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The modified circuit, clearly showing that the pump and resistance wire has been replaced with two 1kΩ resistors. Note that this is not in direct proportion to the original resistances, but these values work great and clear the code 54... |
What tools do I need?
How did you get rid of that pesky code 54 on a 205?
The job took ~2 hours including pump removal...
Note this is applicable to a 205 with a 205 wiring loom, NOT
a 165/185 running a 205 ECU and loom
See below for the wiring for a 205 ECU in a 165 or 185
What if I don't want to chop the plug off my pump?
Some chopping is going to happen somewhere! Either remove the engine bay loom plug for the pump or the plug from the end of the pump...unless someone has a better idea?
What if I have been clever and put a 205 engine with loom and ECU in my 165 or 185?
Do not follow the solution for 205 owners above,
165 & 185 ECU WIRING |
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Note the addition of a relay and two 1kΩ resistors |
Any questions or comments then please feel free to e-mail me
Other jobs to do at the same time?
Thanks to Scotthaniel for the circuit diagram for 185 owners