Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Dielectric grease and ECM connectors

[Gordon Maney]

Examining the connector for the ECM I wondered whether I should use dielectric grease on it at time of assembly. Do you use dielectric grease on these connectors, and on other engine related connectors?

 

[darkhorse]

I've had mine in & out several times during CaTCHER testing. No grease & no problems.

 

[Gordon Maney]

I've had mine in & out several times during CaTCHER testing. No grease & no problems.

What is CaTCHER testing?

I took mine out because I am taking it to the Cummins dealer to be tested. They said on the phone they could do that. This one came from them in 2007, it is a recon unit.

I am not getting the right voltage for the lift pump from it, and am interested to see if the unit tests OK in that respect, so I could know if it was in the wiring.

 

[darkhorse]

CaTCHER is the name of the software programs in the Smarty.

 

[JLandry]

I am not getting the right voltage for the lift pump from it, and am interested to see if the unit tests OK in that respect, so I could know if it was in the wiring.

Gordon,



You can easily test the truck's wiring harness whether or not you send the ECM for testing...



Disconnect the lift pump connector at the lift pump.



Using an Ohmmeter, measure the resistance of the Black/White wire at the lift pump connector and a good engine ground. The resistance should be below 5 Ohms. If higher, then the lift pump ground circuit is faulty.



Measure the resistance between the Yellow/White wire at the lift pump connector and pin 15 and pin 35 of the ECM connector (measure to one ECM connector pin at a time). The resistance should be below 5 Ohms. If higher, then the lift pump feed circuit is faulty.



Measure the resistance between a good engine ground and ECM connector pin 15, pin 35, and the Yellow/White wire pin at the lift pump connector (one at a time). If the resistance is LOWER than 5 Ohms in any of these checks, then one of the wires is shorted to ground.



I know you've seen this already, but the lift pump circuit can be seen here:



Lift pump circuit



John L.

 

[Gordon Maney]

Gordon,

You can easily test the truck's wiring harness whether or not you send the ECM for testing...

Disconnect the lift pump connector at the lift pump.

Using an Ohmmeter, measure the resistance of the Black/White wire at the lift pump connector and a good engine ground. The resistance should be below 5 Ohms. If higher, then the lift pump ground circuit is faulty.

Measure the resistance between the Yellow/White wire at the lift pump connector and pin 15 and pin 35 of the ECM connector (measure to one ECM connector pin at a time). The resistance should be below 5 Ohms. If higher, then the lift pump feed circuit is faulty.

Measure the resistance between a good engine ground and ECM connector pin 15, pin 35, and the Yellow/White wire pin at the lift pump connector (one at a time). If the resistance is LOWER than 5 Ohms in any of these checks, then one of the wires is shorted to ground.

I know you've seen this already, but the lift pump circuit can be seen here:

Lift pump circuit

John L.

Thank you, I will do these things.

For your interest, I had the Cummins dealer tell me they could connect my ECM to their computer to check it. Further clarification was that they could see if the ECM could communicate. More clarification on their part admitted they could not tell if he ECM worked right, they could only see if it would communicate. They could not detect any functional problem.

This largely useless test would have cost me $125, so I declined. That price was with the ECM off the truck.

 

[JLandry]

For your interest, I had the Cummins dealer tell me they could connect my ECM to their computer to check it. Further clarification was that they could see if the ECM could communicate. More clarification on their part admitted they could not tell if he ECM worked right, they could only see if it would communicate. They could not detect any functional problem.

That's exactly what I suspected. I'm glad you found out the truth before you wasted any money.

I'm sure Auto Computer Exchange could test and repair it... if you dare to use them. I just checked their BBB rating... "F"!

John L.

 

[Gordon Maney]

That's exactly what I suspected. I'm glad you found out the truth before you wasted any money.

I'm sure Auto Computer Exchange could test and repair it... if you dare to use them. I just checked their BBB rating... "F"!

John L.

If you needed a computer, where do you feel you could buy one with confidence?

Right near here there is a new location for Midwest Fuel Injection. Where would you buy a VP44?

 

[darkhorse]

I used them & got flawless service & a perfectly functional ECM. Several other TDR members have had a good experience with them too.

 

[JLandry]

If you needed a computer, where do you feel you could buy one with confidence?

I've purchased both an ECM and PCM from Auto Computer Exchange in the past and had zero problems. I wasn't in any hurry when I placed the order so I didn't rush them. Both computers were programmed properly and worked perfectly. The ECM looked like the cover had been pried open (probably to repair a component), resealed, and then glass bead blasted. It definitely didn't look like new... but it wasn't. The PCM looked untouched and like new.



Auto Computer Exchange sells through eBay, so I'd buy what you need there because you'll have eBay on your side if something goes wrong and there's the threat of leaving negative feedback if they don't perform.

Right near here there is a new location for Midwest Fuel Injection. Where would you buy a VP44?

I've never done business with MWFI, but folks here rave about them. Based on everything I've read, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a VP44 from them.



John L.

 

[Gordon Maney]

I used them & got flawless service & a perfectly functional ECM. Several other TDR members have had a good experience with them too.

... by them, you are meaning Midwest Fuel Injection?

 

[darkhorse]

No, I mean Auto Computer Exchange.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

No, I mean Auto Computer Exchange.

Based upon random reports, and my own direct experience with them. I'd grudgingly trust them, but ONLY pay thru PayPal for as the intermediary in case of dispute - PayPal has save my butt and $$$ on several bad Ebay experiences...

 

[darkhorse]

Based upon random reports, and my own direct experience with them. I'd grudgingly trust them, but ONLY pay thru PayPal for as the intermediary in case of dispute - PayPal has save my butt and $$$ on several bad Ebay experiences...

After reading the BBB report & doing a little Google search on them, I'd say Gary's advice is good. They do have a spotty reputation, some very good & some the other way with little in the middle.