You should apply the required settings for the multimeter before connecting it with 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. Module cost from these online stores are as little as $100.00 and even the rarest modules like cummins diesel control modules are sold at a fraction of the price when compared to the dealership. A new ECU needs to be programmed into your vehicle because the ECU computer needs to be programmed for your cars model and make. If you test your car ECU with an On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II), you will get codes on the OBD-II scanner, and those codes notify the issues in your engine control module.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'caralso_com-leader-3','ezslot_17',154,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-caralso_com-leader-3-0'); Using a Volt Ohm Meter known as a multimeter, you will read the amps on the multimeter. Energize the circuit, and the amperage value appears on the display. An engine control unit (ECU), also known as the engine control module (ECM). 2,128. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Thinking of testing an ECU with multimeter? Acid/Oil Test Kits ; Air Cooled Condensers . Sometimes, these readings can be smaller than 170 ohms like when there is an internal short circuit, the readings can be smaller than 170 ohms. Dealership grade equipment is also used to program these units so there is no reduction in engine performance. Connect both of the black probes to the black wire. Test any type of Electronically Commutated Motor on the market with the technician-invented SUPCO TradeFox ECMPRO Universal Tester. 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. The price of a multimeter depends on quality and precision. An OBD scanner is a device that can read your car data and memory and diagnose the error. When you plug the OBD-II reader into your car engine control unit computer, you will get a bunch of codes that you will need to fix if there is any error code. (Really? You can also test your car ECU at home and by yourself using on-board diagnostics 2 readers or a scanner. The 3 wire speed sensor is externally powered, so you will need a power source of some form. Regular ECM tests will help your car to run properly on the road. On the 120VAC systems, there should be a jumper between terminals one and two. *****TECHS**** Find your nearest SUPCO distributor here: http://bit.ly/2ZB0cd8Learn more: https://www.supco.com/web/supco_live/products/ECMPRO.htmlThis product update video contains general technical information provided for educational use only. Mechanical problems such as faulty ball bearing can trouble the operation of your motor. Tech Tip 1: Don't automatically assume the ECM motor has failed. If they can't, lubricate them. Link the red probe to the red wire. Tech Tip 5: If a check of the control module indicates replacement is required, then also check the motor module. And an ECM computer is an expensive part of your car. Reconnecting a connector the wrong way could damage the motor. Loose or broken low-voltage wires can potentially cause intermittent problems. and our Basically, there are three different tests that can be done using a megohmmeter. With this method, we are going to check whether the motor circuit is closed or open with a simple continuity test. And the vehicle temperature is determined by the computer. Then, we will compare it to the originally designed values of the motor winding. After reading this post, I could check my ECM (thank God my car just had bad spark plugs). There are various ways to test an engine control module (ECM). ECM 2.3 has a 16-pin control wiring harness running from the board to the motor. 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: You can also buy an ECM motor tester on Amazon to test the module (plug the applicable plug into the low voltage section of the module and clip the leads to 24v somewhere, then turn the tester on. This also helps you avoid any difficult issues around the engine control unit computer. I am a Car Mechanic and a student of Automobile Restoration here in Florida, USA. So, lets know the caution to test ECU with a multimeter. There are also other ways to test ECM computer or car computer, some of which are a simple swap, checking the battery, and the Elimination process. Look on the outside of the motor for other potential problems, like holes or smoke points. After a certain amount of years companies may stop manufacturing new control modules resulting in a limited supply of those modules leading to used vehicles being used to facilitate an ECM replacement. Here are five useful ways to test ECM computer: As a car owner, you should know what an OBD code scanner is. If there is a problem with the engine computer then it will not process the data correctly and it will affect the way the outputs function. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Here are five useful ways to test ECM computer: OBD or OBD II code scanner Visual Inspection Car Battery Check A Swap Process of Elimination 1. OBD or OBD II Code Scanner OBD II Code Scanner As a car owner, you should know what an OBD code scanner is. Ive been studying automotive for around 9 years now. For instance, if the motor does not pass the 1st test, the problem is in the wiring or the capacitors. When an Onboard Diagnostic (OBD or OBD II) scanner shows you codes, you need to understand those codes to fix issues in your car. It is solely up to the technician viewing this to determine if he/she has the proper safety training and experience needed to work on HVACR systems and components examined in this video. If the system is operating normally in each stage, then there is no problem. Check the diagram above and connect Circuit Tester C and D accordingly. A faulty motor can cause a lot of trouble. According to GE, an innovator in ECM technology, the wide range of the ECM motor, high efficiency, and programmability gives it a virtually unlimited range of performance characteristics. One of the most important functions of an ECM is its ability to alert the driver when there is an issue with the vehicle. Setting up your meter for a parasitic draw test. Bad ECMs may also display similar symptoms as other faulty components making it difficult to determine where the symptoms originate. Try not to hurry when you open up the ECU board. If you follow these steps correctly, then you should get the voltage of the power supply. Start the vehicle and wait for it to idle down to normal idle speed. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. I show you where the test voltage goes and how to. On the other hand, if the motor does not pass the 2nd test, the problem is in the connector or the cable. If the motor hums but the belt doesn't move, the motor control board is the problem. How to Replace a PCM ECM ECU Module (Engine Computer) on 2005-2006 Ford Escape / Mercury Mariner / Mazda Tribute, Car Engine Computers No Longer the Brains, How to Replace a PCM ECM ECU (Engine Computer) on a 2001 Dodge RAM Truck Pick-up, How to Buy the Right Replacement Module for Your Chrysler PCM, The P0138 Trouble Code and How To Deal With It, 1999 Ford Truck (F-Series) 7.3L F81F-12A650-BF PCM ECM ECU Control Module (Engine Computer) Replacement, How to Choose the Best PCM for Your Ford Vehicle, 5 common Problems With Cars and How to Check Them, 2004 Jeep Liberty Problems To Keep In Mind. Also, using a multimeter is very easy and simple. With those codes, you will be able to diagnose the ECM properly. ECM 2.3 Troubleshooting: What is the motor doing or not doing? So, follow these steps. Another thing you should keep in mind is that when you set up the multimeter, use the current breakers with one of the leads to keep your multimeter safe and avoid any accidents. The primary purpose of the engine computer is to ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently. %PDF-1.5 When you get a reading that is equal to 1.7 times the power supply, that means the motor is working properly. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Observe the voltage reading on the multimeter. Since there is almost always a factor that contributes to ECM failure, addressing the underlying cause is a priority. For brushes/commutator, your best check is visual. Move the switch from side to side and, with a trigger switch taped so it remains on, press on the brushes and turn the commutator by hand. Then connect the black probe to the white wire. 1 0 obj Check the bearings to make sure they can spin freely. However, if you still have some doubts, feel free to go through the article one more time. A failing engine control module is not something that should be taken lightly, your vehicle will perform on reduced power, your plug wires could be causing a short to the ECM so be sure to check them! Also, since the motors run on high speed all the time, the noise levels are also high. 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. Testing ECM computers would be really easy if you use OBD II for testing. Manage Settings Confirm there are no limits, rollouts, or safeties tripped. (Really? While other components may normally display clear-cut symptoms when faulty, symptoms within your engine computer may not be as obvious. If there are any breaks on the checked circuit, the multimeters will start beeping. But, when it comes to other motors, you will have to find out the designed values according to the model. Set the meter function to the amps AC or DC setting as appropriate. Check the setting of the jumper pins or DIP switches on the manufacturer's control board. Reference voltage always goes to the car computer or Engine control unit (ECU) computer. Thats why without an ECU, the car cannot be running. Because OBD-I engine computers do not require programming upon installation, they will start and run your vehicle once installed. ), 3 Ways To Recondition A Car Battery That Wont Hold Charge. Testing Tachometer With A Multimeter ( 4 Step Guide) Step 1: Setting up the Multimeter In this first step, switch on your multimeter. And you will also get a PDF, where you will see the diagnosing process of a bad ECU with a multimeter.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'caralso_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_10',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-caralso_com-medrectangle-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'caralso_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',145,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-caralso_com-medrectangle-3-0_1');.medrectangle-3-multi-145{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:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. OBD scanner is used to check the car vehicle engine and communicate all the possible glitches in the vehicle. Make sure you do this by pulling on the metal connectorsNOT the wires. Afterward, compare the two values. Once more, this will differ based on the brand, model, and features of your vehicle. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. On the other hand, Output contains the Spark Plugs, the Starter, and the Injector. Should You Repair or Replace that HVAC Unit? Whether you are driving a car or a truck, an ECU is essential for your vehicle. Contact Us: (844) 289-0033 | After Hours Emergency Contact: (800) 217-4698 . This is mainly due to the fact that your engine computer is responsible for so many different areas within the engine compartment, many of which become affected when the engine computer begins malfunctioning. The gauges on the instrument cluster stay where they were when power is lost. In this HVACR Video, we go over the Troubleshooting of the ECM 3.0 Variable Speed Blower Motor and Testing with and without the TecMate Pro.