ECM 2.3 has a 16-pin control wiring harness running from the board to the motor. Put the multimeters positive lead to the battery ground post, and then you need to touch the multimeters positive lead fleetingly to the proper terminal of the modules harness connector. First, check for proper high-voltage and ground at the five-pin connector at the motor. Basically, there are three different tests that can be done using a megohmmeter. Whenever your vehicles check engine light comes on there will be fault codes attached to it that will indicate to the driver what the possible issue might be. If you find any corrosion or burnt components on your unit then a replacement is required and further diagnosis will need to be done to determine the cause of the burnt unit or corrosion. The current reading on the multimeter should not be more than 1.2 amps because if the amps are more than that, that tells you there is anything wrong with the car computer. Now, connect the remaining two black probes of the C and D to the end of the extension cable. Check the bearings to make sure they can spin freely. Condenser Fan Motors ; Contactors and Relays ; Cuber . Now connect the red probe of Circuit Tester E to the red wire. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. But if you want to test your car ECU computer, you have to have some specialized knowledge and experience of testing an ECM computer. You might have to test for these kinds of issues too. And not only for testing an engine control unit, there are various components you can test with a multimeter (aka Volt Ohm Meter). Energize the circuit, and the amperage value appears on the display. Once a diagnosis has been made and you have concluded the ECM is malfunctioning, your next step is to decide how to move forward; to decide whether your ECU ( Electronic Control unit needs to be repaired or replaced altogether. U015500 Communication with the instrument cluster has a malfunction The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. So, lets get started. One of my career paths started as a general handyman, so I also have a lot of experience with home improvement I love to share. Be on the lookout for dirt, metal shavings, and oil. If the motor does not run, remove the 16 pin plug from the IFC board. I reset and test my ECM after every new major install and so should you. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'caralso_com-leader-3','ezslot_14',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-caralso_com-leader-3-0');After you test all of these output units, you see output units are not getting the proper signal, which means your car computer is bad or not working correctly. Using a Scanner and Process of Elimination. Onboard Diagnostic (OBD) is an engine code scanner that can access vehicle data. Analyzing an error code is not always an exact science but is an important starting point when diagnosing your vehicle as it can help you diagnose the right issue for example identifying that the issue was the control modules and not the electrical system . if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'caralso_com-box-3','ezslot_6',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-caralso_com-box-3-0');You better remember, ECM Computer, car computer, Engine control module computer are the same, people say what they are accustomed to. A good and properly charged battery should read at least 12.6 volts with the engine off, or 13.7 volts with the engine running. Tech Tip 1: Don't automatically assume the ECM motor has failed. Tech Tip 6: Always pull the connector and not the wires. How to Test a Single Phase Motor with a Multimeter (Guide), How to Test a Starter with a Multimeter (5-Step Guide), Can I Connect Red and Black Wires Together (Guide). Turn on the multimeter and set it to read voltage. It does this by analyzing the data it receives from individual sensors and transmitting that data to a variety of actuators that will adjust the way they perform based on the communicated information. A25408 "The Electronic steering lock has a malfunction. In General, to test the motor, first, you need to set the multimeter to resistance mode. These Videos are all part of our Training Series on HVACR Service, Installation, Preventative Maintenance, General Knowledge, and Tips. I thought testing and replacing the ECM computer was a hard work and demanded a professional mechanic (and wasted a lot of money, of course). Whatever the reason, youve got yourself a faulty motor. Acid/Oil Test Kits ; Air Cooled Condensers . Thats why if you dont have enough knowledge or experience, you should leave the testing ECM to a professional.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'caralso_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_19',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-caralso_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0'); The average cost to replace ECM is around $1000 before taxes and fees; a new engine control module (ECM) costs you $700 to $900, and labor costs between $85 to $150. A compatible ECU will always help you to diagnose an ECU properly. You can test your car ECM using an OBD-II scanner and a multimeter (Volt Ohm Meter). 2280 The power supply at the input of the control unit combustion engine has a malfunction, ESM Electronic Selector Module If your car engine computer needs to be repaired instead of replaced then that will also add to the amount of labor required. Privacy Policy. Confirm there are no limits, rollouts, or safeties tripped. How Much Does it Cost to Replace Your Engine Control Module? Getting your unit reprogrammed costs significantly less than having your unit replaced or repair costs so knowing when a replacement is necessary is important when looking to cut costs. Its important to remember that this test will only work on vehicles with computers that dont require programming which would rule out all newer model vehicles. You can even test ECU with a multimeter which is not so hard. Also, using a multimeter is very easy and simple. Once you have determined the codes you want to use process of elimination to deduce whether the computer is at fault. 4 0 obj For me, studying and getting knowledge about automobile its really fun and entertaining. It is not intended to be technical advice and should not be treated as such, since situations, conditions, experience and skills are unique and vary widely. The engine control unit (ECM) controls some of the main parts of your cars operating system: Fuel injection, idle speed, and ignition timing. Components that used to be controlled manually are now controlled by sophisticated computers. If these checks don't resolve the problem, or if the fault code reveals a motor problem, then it's time for some additional diagnostics. So you can rely on my recommendation. X]@u;v\(}%VH?!}v}P'!pK\R+=Z;+&(xe d. Cookie Notice If your ECM is faulty then it will often throw codes for modules that are not faulty or will continue to throw codes for a faulty part even after that part is replaced. And after you put the replacement unit in your vehicle and communicate, that is a certain indication that tells your cars unit that it needs to be replaced. You can conduct a test with a multimeter using the following three steps. One of the most important functions of an ECM is its ability to alert the driver when there is an issue with the vehicle. To check the purple wire for current, use your ignition key and turn it to the run setting, turn the heater power to full power and set the multimeter to DC power. When an Onboard Diagnostic (OBD or OBD II) scanner shows you codes, you need to understand those codes to fix issues in your car. With this method, we are going to check whether the motor circuit is closed or open with a simple continuity test. In input process elimination, The battery has a major role. If removing the filter corrects the problem, clean or replace with a less restrictive filter. There is a signal fault or the message is faulty. By following these ways, you can test ECM computer. In this case, you might have to replace the motor. On the other hand, Output contains the Spark Plugs, the Starter, and the Injector. Make sure you do this by pulling on the metal connectorsNOT the wires. The service requires full cookie support in order to view this website. C427 Implausible Data was received from the electronic ignition switch, ESP Electronic Stability Program The same way that wear and tear on mechanics happens over a period of time, strain can also as efficiently as possible. Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering The gauges on the instrument cluster stay where they were when power is lost. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Remember that ECM motors have high voltage going to them at all times and are turned on and off by low voltage commands), the testers are listed below: So, you never know when you may have to test your motor. However, according to each test, the solutions may vary. After 1996 automobile manufacturers began using Onboard Diagnostics II (OBD2), a diagnostics system in the vehicle. However, for this process, you need some DIY skills. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The world's top supplier of programmed OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Engine Control Modules (ECM), Injection Control Modules (IDM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Transmission Control Modules (TCM), Engine Control Units and all other car control units. <> Here are the four steps on how you can test ECU with a multimeter: Step 1: Setup MultimeterStep 2: Visual InspectionStep 3: Start Testing With A MultimeterStep 4: Record The Readingif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'caralso_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',149,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-caralso_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'caralso_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',149,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-caralso_com-large-leaderboard-2-0_1');.large-leaderboard-2-multi-149{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Installing a new control on a failed motor will result in the new control also failing. You can also test your car ECU at home and by yourself using on-board diagnostics 2 readers or a scanner. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. " 3XZV\BU](x_li9C\IcM>4)hq%|\66d@[cc{95W j4/4Ih 7lmuakk$5:'oz3Fl_{@'ri@X0plsl1|F4'9k;YlJn7B]KOl3iK"c>c"(t=wU6qb>k\)\a2W GKG+~I$}5m:\gM+^b)v}D~24`}-EJR,zEj+oH=Hz/,JW! In order to find a suitable replacement, you need to locate the part number on your original unit and find a replacement with a part number that matches. And you can test the car computer at home.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'caralso_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-caralso_com-medrectangle-3-0'); When an auto repair shop costs you high for engine control module testing, learning how to test your car computer will save you money and time. To do that, you have to connect Cs red probe to the black wire and Ds red probe to the red wire. I show you where the test voltage goes and how to. However, if you dont get such a reading, there might be an issue with your motor. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Link the red probe to the red wire. OBD or OBD II Code Scanner OBD II Code Scanner As a car owner, you should know what an OBD code scanner is. (2). I am having issues with my Mercedes Benz C300 where the Vehicle starts up fine in cooler temperatures but it seems that as soon as it heats up and gets hot the car will shut itself down completely leaving no power to the dash/ instrument cluster, windows. Nowadays, the digital multimeter is way more popular because of its efficiency and accurateness. Please enable JavaScript on your browser and try again. And an ECM computer is an expensive part of your car. Now check the voltage of the multimeter. This is the process for Circuit Tester A. Connector pin outs. Both of these motors will have a high voltage harness as well. Test for continuity by placing the probes onto the terminals of the motor. Make sure you go through the diagnostic steps completely before replacing the motor. The best way for a deduction to be made is by making sure that all the sensors and actuators are functioning properly; we need to ensure that the sensors are supplying the correct amount of power to the ECM and that all components are able to receive the correct signals that the computer provides. This kind of situation happens because of the excessive axial or radial load. Electrical engineering is my passion, and Ive been in the industry for over 20 years.