Bad ECM Tester
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
That’s exactly my thought lmao cause they seem to go bad more than I’d like to see
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
I do follow the diag trees, the book has helped a lot. I misspoke though, it doesn’t guess but some of the final questions at the tree are like;
“Is the resistance between the wire less than 0.5 ohms?”
Yes: Replace ECM
No: Find short in wire
So if I run tests to double check there is no short in the wire and resistance between wires is less than 0.5 ohms, it has to be the ECM, yes. But I just like to double check things so like I said in another reply, I can confidently assure my diag was right by my own word. So I just wish I could some how double check the ecm. There is not visible damage when they go. It just doesn’t work right anymore.
Also the Harley I’m working at unfortunately doesn’t have some specific specialty tools which are usually provided, which include breakout boxes or their wires to test electrical stuff easier. The other techs and are trying to get them to buy them
“Is the resistance between the wire less than 0.5 ohms?”
Yes: Replace ECM
No: Find short in wire
So if I run tests to double check there is no short in the wire and resistance between wires is less than 0.5 ohms, it has to be the ECM, yes. But I just like to double check things so like I said in another reply, I can confidently assure my diag was right by my own word. So I just wish I could some how double check the ecm. There is not visible damage when they go. It just doesn’t work right anymore.
Also the Harley I’m working at unfortunately doesn’t have some specific specialty tools which are usually provided, which include breakout boxes or their wires to test electrical stuff easier. The other techs and are trying to get them to buy them
Last edited by OGBlackout; Aug 29, 2021 at 06:54 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 196
Likes: 91
From: Hamburg
I made another experience with my 92 Eglide and the official electric manual. They describe o lot of procedures to check the self canceling turning module. I did them all and the diagnosis was that I've to replace the module. I wouldn't believe that and did some voltage drop measurements. And voilŕ: It was just a short circuit in one case of the turn signal lamps.
Nearly 30 years old stuff - but I bet it's the same thing still today.
Nearly 30 years old stuff - but I bet it's the same thing still today.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
I meant to answer that other reply! Yes I was told from the master tech at my shop that voltage drop checks are important and a good way to find stubborn issues. Sometimes it’s the old tricks that end up working the best
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,471
Likes: 6,342
From: pacific northwest
I do follow the diag trees, the book has helped a lot. I misspoke though, it doesn’t guess but some of the final questions at the tree are like;
“Is the resistance between the wire less than 0.5 ohms?”
Yes: Replace ECM
No: Find short in wire
So if I run tests to double check there is no short in the wire and resistance between wires is less than 0.5 ohms, it has to be the ECM, yes. But I just like to double check things so like I said in another reply, I can confidently assure my diag was right by my own word. So I just wish I could some how double check the ecm. There is not visible damage when they go. It just doesn’t work right anymore.
Also the Harley I’m working at unfortunately doesn’t have some specific specialty tools which are usually provided, which include breakout boxes or their wires to test electrical stuff easier. The other techs and are trying to get them to buy them
“Is the resistance between the wire less than 0.5 ohms?”
Yes: Replace ECM
No: Find short in wire
So if I run tests to double check there is no short in the wire and resistance between wires is less than 0.5 ohms, it has to be the ECM, yes. But I just like to double check things so like I said in another reply, I can confidently assure my diag was right by my own word. So I just wish I could some how double check the ecm. There is not visible damage when they go. It just doesn’t work right anymore.
Also the Harley I’m working at unfortunately doesn’t have some specific specialty tools which are usually provided, which include breakout boxes or their wires to test electrical stuff easier. The other techs and are trying to get them to buy them
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
I would say not very common but not rare either, some where in between. I just see a lot of them because you want to bring it to a dealer to swap for a new one, needs to be calibrated and all that fun stuff. It’s more common on bikes with a lot of wiring done by themselves or from “a buddy” that short out and end up frying a connection on the ecm
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,224
Likes: 3,049
From: St.Louis Mo.
Every service manual takes you down the road to the problem, but there are many branches off of that road. You have to be smart enough to make the right choice on the part. Even my scanner for the auto leads to many things a problem can be. Sounds like you are very detailed in your diag. of the problem. I wish there were more techs like yourself. Keep up the good work.
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