The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) comprises a series of letters and numbers representing, in code, the World Make Identifier, Marque, Model, Class, Body, Engine, Transmission, Steering, Model Change, Assembly Plant and Serial Number applicable to each individual vehicle (effective from November 1998). This number should be quoted in full when communicating with your dealer. The VIN number can be found on the VIN plate, stamped into the top of right hand front suspension mounting (inside the engine compartment) and on a plate visible through the bottom left hand corner of the windscreen.

Road Springs and Dampers are dependent on vehicle specification. Road Springs can be identified by a colour code - painted on the coils of the spring. Dampers can be identified by a colour code - painted on the damper body, they are not handed.

Refer to the relevant page in the EPC for the latest applicable part numbers.

When a new vehicle is supplied the key number can be found stamped onto a tag attached to the key ring. The key number should be entered on the vehicle Security Information card by the owner.

The key number can be used to order vehicle specific locks. If the key number is not available then non-specific keys and locks must be ordered, in this case complete vehicle sets will be required to enable one key to fit all the vehicle locks. Alternatively multiple keys will be required for the vehicle. MG Rover use the following suffixes to identify specific and non-specific locks.

Affected Range
All vehicles fitted with Lucas 5AS Security ECU’s.

Problem
Security ECU Programming – Parts Change.
The introduction of a new non-programmed ECU may initially cause part ordering confusion. Technicians may also be unfamiliar with the correct programming technique.

Cause
Previously, many pre-programmed ECU’s were required to cover a variety of models and territories resulting in parts ordering and stocking problems.

Action
Two new ‘non-programmed’ ECU’s have been introduced allowing many model versions and territories to be programmed from the same ECU.
The new ECU can only be fitted to vehicles having the latest Lucas 5AS security ECU.

Identification of vehicles having Lucas 5AS ECU is as follows
• Check the vehicle has a Lucas 5AS ECU fitted
• The latest Lucas 5AS ECU has two connectors, one grey 26 way and one white 12 way (the white connector is unused on some models).

Confirmation that the ECU has been programmed

If the ECU has not been successfully programmed a 'Not Market Programmed' warning will sound when the vehicle ignition is turned on. This warning consists of the following:
A few seconds of the usual engine immobilised 'two-tone' chime, followed by a few seconds of silence and then a repeat of the chime etc. This will sound regardless of immobiliser cancellation with remote.
When the ECU has been programmed to the relevant market the warning chime will cease.

Re-programming
If an error occurs during programming, the same ECU may be re-programmed more than once.

Parts information
Please refer to the EPC for the latest part numbers applicable to ECU 433 MHz (identification code 'A'), ECU 315 MHz (identification code 'B')
For vehicles prior to the introduction of the Lucas 5AS Security ECU, part numbers remain unchanged.

Warranty claims
Refer to the original cause of ECU failure and apply warranty claim as appropriate.