1. Home
  2. News
  3. Continental Simos PCR2.1

Continental Simos PCR2.1

You have ECUs and you have ECUs that need some extra explanation. An ECU that definitely belongs in this second group is the Continental Simos PCR2.1. This engine control unit, which was used in various 3 and 4 cylinder engines of VAG between 2001 and 2008, is very often mistakenly seen as the prime suspect in the event of a malfunction, but the defect often turns out to be elsewhere in the car. High time for an overview of the common malfunctions that are often (wrongly) attributed to this ECU!

Which malfunctions can often be attributed to the Simos PCR2.1?

  • Ground connection issues
  • Error Codes 16946 / P0562 / 001378 - System Voltage Too Low

Which malfunctions can possibly be caused by this VAG ECU?

  • Fault in the 5 volt circuit. But watch out! This fault can also be caused by another component or by a short circuit in the wiring harness. This is often accompanied by one of the following error codes:
    - P0103 / 16487 - Mass Air Flow MAF Circuit High- P0122 / 16506 - Throttle Position Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low Input
    - P0193 / 16577 - Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor "A" Circuit High
    - P0341 / 16725 - Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
    - P0408 / 16792 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Sensor B Circuit High
  • Error Code P2146 / 008518 - Fuel Injector Group A Circuit/Open. But watch out! This fault can also be caused by a worn wire harness near the engine.

Which interferences are likely to be caused by another component?

  • This ECU is regularly sent in with error codes related to the control of the cylinders. In almost all cases, replacing the injector of the affected cylinder solves the problem. This concerns one of the following error codes:
    - P0201 / 16585 - Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Malfunction
    - P0202 / 16586 - Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit Malfunction
    - P0203 / 16587 – Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Malfunction
    - P0204 / 16588 - Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit Malfunction
  • Another error that the ECU is often sent in for is Error Code P0606 / 16990 – ECM Processor Fault. In many cases, replacing the injectors also proves to be the solution. Also check with this error code whether the wiring harness is twisted at the height of the injector. A poor contact at the injector can also trigger this P0606 trouble code.
  • For error codes P2146 / 18578 & P2147 / 18579 - Fuel Injector Group A Circuit/Open, the same applies as for error code P0606, because the wiring is also the culprit here. In many cases, these error codes will be read when the wiring of the injectors rubs against the engine / starter motor. Should the trouble codes still show up after fixing this problem, then replacing the injector will be the solution.
  • The wiring harness is in any case a sensitive component in the VAG cars from this period. The error codes below are probably also caused by a worn wire harness:
    - P0113 / 16497 - IAT Sensor 1 Circuit High Input
    - P0237 / 16621 - Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor A Circuit Low
    - P0238 / 16622 - Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor A Circuit High
    - P1592 / 18000 - Altitude Sensor / Boost Pressure Sensor: Implausible Correlation

Now that we have made this list, it is hopefully a little clearer which problems and error codes are really related to this Volkswagen / VAG ECU and which problems you should look further into. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to answer them for you. Our team of product specialists will be happy to help you!