Citroen Xsara ECU - how much?

[burriana]

Looking for a bit of advice please. A friend of mine has a Xsara Picasso and thinks she has got water damage to the ECU during all the really bad weather last month. The local garage has sucked their teeth and told her that the ECU has water damage and needs replacing plus, and this is the bit that got me thinking, a wiring loom, either whole or part.

Not knowing any more details than I have been given, does £1300 sound reasonable or over the top?

Alternatively, can anyone recommend a reliable garage who could do a fair and honest job without taking advantage of the owner's lack of mechanical knowledge. She is based in East Yorkshire.

Thanks for any help that may be forthcoming.

al

Here is Julie's message to me:

I've got a citroen xsara picasso and its packed up been told its got water in the ecu and needs a wiring loomor part of one and a new ecu;-(
didnt know if it was worth trying to get a second hand wiring loom or the other option is scrap it and get another car but wont have anything to part ex....
Been quoted £1300 from local garage for new ecu and second hand wiring loom if they can source one at moment no joy!
Its only done 95K and a 2004 plate. otherwise sound...
dont know whether to scrap the car and get poss £200 for it and cut my losses or spend money on it and use it for the next 3 months to give me time to get another car... needed to bounce off someone thats all.

[Old Merc]

I would send the ECU to one of the many ECU repairers,like "ECU Doctor",last time I got an exchange unit for about £300??.As for the wiring loom,cant comment,whats wrong with it?? provided its not burnt or damaged why change it?

[Kitchski]

This happened to mine before I got it (assuming it's the HDi?)

£1300 suggests its a brand new genuine jobbie - hardly worth it. Mine had a used one put in it, and there are plenty of people out there who know them well enough to supply a decent used one with all the bits needed (some need the keys to go with it).

Since it happened on mine, the previous owners (a hire taxi firm) put a bag around it and sealed it up. Apparently it's quite common.

[burriana]

Thank guys. I think the car has been towed to her local garage, who are the ones that are trying to get her to spend £1300 on a car that's only worth £1500. You are correct, just not worth spending £1300 on it and, I don't understand why they want to replace the wiring loom... apart from that's the easiest way to fix it!