CARDONE PROTECH #4: Is That ECM Really Bad? Checks To Perform BEFORE You Replace It!

#cardone #motorage #automotiverepair #electronics #ecm #pcm #ohmslaw #voltage #resistance #current #amps #ohms #voltagedrop #testingelectricalcircuits
You’ve completed all the steps on the troubleshooting flow chart you found in your service information system of choice. You’re at the last line and it reads - “Replace ECM”.
Does that make you nervous?
ECMs aren’t cheap and if you’re wrong, then what? Worse, what if you plug in and program the new one and something happens to it because you missed something in the initial checks?
If that describes you, then you need to watch this video!
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Due to factors beyond the control of Endeavor Business Media, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information or improper use of this information. Endeavor Business Media assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Endeavor Business Media recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Endeavor Business Media, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Endeavor Business Media.
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[@richard1835]

Great diagnostic video. Thank you Pete. Just had a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a no charge condition and after testing the computer wires going to the field circuit I determined the ECM had lost control of a brand new alternator. Alternator voltage has to be regulated on most of todays vehicles and Chrysler decided to integrate the voltage regulator into the ECM so when the old alternator failed it took out the voltage Regulator in the ECM. I have been watching your videos for many years and some of my diagnostic skills come directly from your teaching. I appreciate your hard work in helping up and coming technicians get ready for the tasks that lay ahead in diagnostic troubleshooting. Thumbs up Thank you

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Thank you for those kind words!

[@mperhaps]

@@MotorAgeMagazine Hi Pete, I used the paper clip method of pulling my OBD I codes and I put the paper clip in the wrong two slots and turned the ignition on. Could this have ruined my ECM 2 weeks later? If I did damage the ECM wouldn't it have been immediate? The truck turns over but doesn't start. It has plenty of fuel pressure and it is giving me Codes 15 and 32 1993 Chevy 5.0 1500K Thank you for your time.

[@Bulletz4Breakfast13]

​@@mperhaps I'm no master like Pete Meier but it sounds like you have have taken out some sort of module or voltage regulator in the ECM. Have you tested the components on the circuit? What P codes do you have (DTC) There should be some electrical faults possibly voltage reads that are off related to injection since yours is cranking trying to start. Your fuel pressure is good but is the electronics to trigger injectors properly signalling the injectors? I have no clue what your normal baseline is but I'm sure there's a factory diagram or repair manual that can tell you what's out of operational spec and where to look.

[@8power0]

NOW THESE NEW CARDONE DIAGNOSTIC TECH TIP VIDEOS ARE THE BIGGEST HELP ON THIS CHANNEL I HAVE SEEN SO FAR ,,,,,,,,,, I GUESS WITH A GOOD FILMING CREW AND SOME WILL THOUGHT OUT ITINERARY THINGS ARE LOOKING UP . THANKS FOR YOUR TIME !!!

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Thank you! Glad you liked it. Oh, BTW - I'm the filming crew (and writer, director, producer, gaffer.... LOL)

[@balam8743]

I thought I had a great understanding of automotive wiring, but I just learned the proper way to diagnose the ECM. Thank you!

[@brianburnssailorslife5383]

Sir, you are the kind of expert I love to learn from. I'm a DIY guy and love the analytical analysis and could only hope to be 1/2 the trouble shooter you are.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Good information. I've replaced bad pcm's and intermittent pcm's. As you said, VERIFY Powers, Grounds, and other circuits connected to the pcm are working correctly. I once saw a replaced pcm burned out because the other shop failed to test the connection to the A/C compressor clutch. The vehicle was a GM Van, and the diode at the compressor clutch connector had one leg broken. When the clutch was turned off, the voltage spike burned out the driver in the pcm. I replaced the diode, VERIFIED manually no spike at turn off and installed the new replacement pcm. It worked as designed.

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Powerful tutorial - it’s always easy to learn how to do something and WHY when it’s taught by a great communicator . You’re the best ! Thanks !

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Thank you!

[@romanjaspe4172]

Thanks so much Pete

[@anthonyvestal9156]

Thank-you for your demos they are vary helpful

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

Thanks a lot for your work.

[@Tony-rl2fr]

Excellent presentation, thank you! 🇺🇲

[@juergenscholl2843]

Thank you for the video. Your t-shaped "cheat device" does not look home grown. Is there a place to order this kind of connecters? Again, thank you for your dedication to professional education sir!

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

It's part of a kit I got from www.AESWave.com

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

These are great videos 👊🏻

[@cheapers1952]

I will have two comments or one is through the years I've used breakout boxes (OTC) and (Rotundra) they make life much simpler

[@nedhirdouiri]

One more thing.. we have to make sure that the head light is dropping enough courant.. with a led light you may not find the voltage drop you looking for.. another thing.. make sure that the power you're checking is not coming from another module.. in that case you have to choose the right head light (resistance) to protect this module

[@frontlinemedia4270]

Does the ECM get constant voltage? If you are getting a slightly fluctuation, say 13.6 to 11.6, what does that mean?

[@jeffersonbancolita6787]

proper test probe should be look in service information.. specially when back probing the wire in the module.

[@johntaylor1947]

I would not use a headlight bulb to do the test headlights draw a lot of amperage and could blow a fuse. The ECM battery power circuit on my GM is only a 2 amp fuse. I would use a turn Sigle incandescent bulb.

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

Yes, use a load whose current draw is appropriate to the given fuse. Large loads for large currents, small loads for small currents.

[@foscamvision3220]

"I checked the spec for the 1157 bulb....and here is what the actual bulb draws: 1157 - High element: 12.8V, 2.10A." I copy this info from another site. So even an old turn style bulb draws a little over 2 amps.

[@cheapers1952]

Second comment k 900 Kia Year 2015 5.0 multiple misfires not being caused by the ignition but actually being caused by the high pressure fuel injection multiple operations with multiple computers problem slowly getting more frequent and then totally consistent mileage approximately 80,000 miles turns out main ground harness for the fuel injection computer is bolted down snug but over a totally painted area the rest here will be pretty simple once the ground was removed sanded the body all problems gone immediately the complexity is running multiple computers back to the ECM and working with them fortunately for me it only took an hour and a half total time and for what it's worth sharing here the ground is located close to the firewall near the strut Tower on the driver side near all the computers located in that area

[@johntucky4185]

It would help the novice if you explained what 'ECM' means and what it does.

[@kathylewis7543]

I live by the capital of NY no one here is a real mechanic I have to learn on my own no one knows electrical they are just part replaces I'm looking to get out of this area to people who have some critical thinking and can converse about anything they just don't have a clue! Time for me to take a class too.

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

I think you might want to check out Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics (a channel here on KZbin), which I think is around the NY/NJ area.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Not sure how far it is to Mahopac from you, but my "partner in crime" G. Jerry Truglia, owns the Auto Clinic there and is VERY good. At the least, he knows a lot of shops in the state and may be able to point you to one close by.

[@californiadreamin8423]

@@MotorAgeMagazine Hello Pete. That was an awesome video. My head hurts 😊 so I’ll have to watch the video at least twice more …plus the lead up videos…. because I’ve been on the receiving end of 3 blown ecu’s . The car has become a project but I’m retired now and determined to sort it. I watched your partner in crimes videos years ago , and exchanged a few emails, when this first happened….in Paris, but I can’t exactly drive over for advice !! I only drive pre ecu diesels now because although rough round the edges, they keep going. I finally feel there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

@@californiadreamin8423 Thanks for the comment!

[@californiadreamin8423]

@@MotorAgeMagazine I’m starting to make notes from your videos…..it helps to make it sink in.

[@nickayivor8432]

SUBSTANTIAL Sir Pete Meier Motor Age Sharing what you know with us. Thank you very much helpful video Take care and have a great day SUBSTANTIAL Sir Pete Meier Motor Age From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧