I've just changed our hot-wire system after the ECU failed, I'm changing the whole lot as I have got it now. It's a complete system from a car that runs and it does the same thing you have described, annoying isn't it?
I think it's because the car is missing a few sensors, road speed, gearbox resister, ac input etc so the ECU is unsure as to the operating condition of the engine.
If you have a Haynes manual thry running through the diagnostic checks for the EFi system that are listed in the supliment.
BTW can anyone recomend a plug-in diagnostic reader that isn't going to cost an arm & a leg for the Lucas Hot-Wire system?