VW Amarok ECU Failure Causes Sudden Power Loss

Had a similar issue with a VW Tiguan 2012, I have some experience working on VWs and their control systems. The symptoms you describe match exactly what happened to my Tiguan. After multiple error codes and reduced engine performance, I initially thought it was an ECU problem too. However, the actual culprit was a faulty main relay affecting the engine control system. The fix was straightforward once properly diagnosed. Took it to a specialist workshop where they performed a complete diagnostic scan. The repair involved replacing the main relay, which restored normal engine performance and cleared all error codes. Total cost was 120€ including parts and labor, and the car was ready within a day. Before jumping to conclusions about ECU problems, could you share: Exact error codes from the scan, Does it happen only when the engine is warm, Any unusual sounds before power loss, Previous service history related to electrical components This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with the main relay. These symptoms can sometimes indicate other automotive electronics issues, so getting the right diagnosis is crucial for avoiding unnecessary repairs.

Latest service was 2 weeks ago at 72144km. The error codes from my scan are P0230 and P0627. The power loss happens out of nowhere, not specific to engine temperature. No unusual sounds before power loss occurs. Never had any electrical component repairs before. I was thinking of getting a second opinion on the vehicle electronics since the first workshop quoted 850€ for an ECU replacement. The engine performance issues are concerning, but that seems expensive for what might be a simpler fix like in your case.

Thanks for providing those details, as I mentioned from my Tiguan experience, those exact error codes (P0230 and P0627) typically point to fuel pump circuit issues rather than a complete ECU failure. After seeing your error codes, I am even more convinced your issue mirrors what happened with my car. Those codes specifically relate to the fuel pump control circuit, either high or low voltage problems in the system. The quoted 850€ for an ECU replacement seems unnecessary when the root cause is likely similar to what I experienced with the main relay. A thorough system reset and diagnostic check should be performed first before considering such an expensive ECU replacement. My recommendation would be: 1. Have the fuel pump relay checked, a common failure point in these models 2. Get the fuel pump circuit wiring inspected for damage 3. Test the fuel pump itself The automotive electronics in these cars are quite robust, but the supporting components like relays and wiring can cause similar symptoms when they fail. Based on your error codes and my experience, I would definitely get that second opinion focusing on the fuel system control components first. A complete diagnosis including system reset and relay replacement should cost significantly less than the quoted ECU repair, likely in the 150-200€ range.

Thanks for all this helpful information! After comparing our situations and error codes, I will definitely get that second opinion focused on the fuel pump circuit rather than rushing into the expensive ECU replacement. It makes perfect sense that the vehicle electronics could be showing these symptoms due to a faulty relay or fuel pump circuit issue rather than a complete ECU failure. I will take it to another workshop next week and specifically ask them to check: Fuel pump relay, Circuit wiring condition, Fuel pump operation, Full system reset Really glad I asked here before spending 850€ on an unnecessary ECU repair. Will update once I get the proper diagnosis and fix. The error codes matching your experience with the relay issue gives me hope this will be a much simpler and cheaper repair. Looking forward to getting my Amarok back to full power without replacing the entire engine control system. Thanks for helping narrow down the likely cause.