Somerset V6-181 3.0L (1986)
circuit is faulty, or could be "ON" at all times.
Important Points:
A.
This procedure will not test all ECM functions. It will determine if a vehicle circuit has caused the ECMs QDR to fail.
B.
Since the largest cause of QDR failure is faulty vehicle circuits, it is advisable that this procedure be used whenever ECM replacement is
indicated, especially if the damaged ECM exhibits characteristics of a damaged QDR such as:
1.
CEL/SES with no codes stored.
2.
Engine will not start and/or ECM will not flash Code 12.
3.
Flickering, intermittent, or dim CEL/SES.
4.
Output (such as TCC) is inoperative, or "ON" at all times.
5.
Engine misfires, surges or stalls.
6.
"Scan" tool is erratic or inoperative.
The following procedure will not only tell which QDR is damaged, but in most cases, will indicate the specific circuit that most probably caused the
damage to the ECM.
Required Tools:
1.
Digital Multimeter (DVM) J-34029-A or equivalent (must have impedance of at least 10 megohm).
Checking Control Module For Bad Solder Joints
Some control module's may have problems due to cracked solder joints on the circuit board. These internal control module problems can cause the
following symptoms:
^
Failure to start or vehicle is stalling.
^
The "CHECK ENGINE" "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" or "MALFUNCTION INDICATOR" light will flash or light up, but no trouble codes
will be present.
^
Vehicle instrument panel displays may be inoperative.
^
The control module may or may not communicate with the scanner.
^
Other intermittent driveability problems.
Incorrect PROM or MEMCAL removal and replacement can create solder joint problems or aggravate an existing condition. See PROM or
MEMCAL INSTALLATION for proper procedures.
If a solder joint problem results in a "hard" failure, normal test procedures will usually pinpoint a faulty control module. Many symptoms caused by poor
solder joints in the control module result in intermittent problems, but they may be hard to duplicate during troubleshooting. Control module's with
solder joint problems are sensitive to heat and vibration. You can check for these internal control module problems in either, or both, of the following
ways:
^
Remove the control module from its mounting bracket and extend it on the harness so that you can expose it to the vehicle heater ducts.
Alternatively, use flexible ducting to route air from the heater to the control module location. Then run the engine and operate the heater at
the "MAX HEAT" position. This exposes the control module to approximately 140°F.
^
With the engine running, tap on the control module several times with your hand or finger tips to simulate vehicle vibration.
If the engine stumbles or stalls, the "CHECK ENGINE" "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" or "MALFUNCTION INDICATOR" light flashes, or any of the
previous symptoms occur, the control module may have bad solder joints on the circuit board.
