D7E Track-Type Tractor Power Train Systems Caterpillar

ECM Swap - Test

Usage:

D7E MDB

The Electronic Control Module (ECM) contains no moving parts. Replacement of the ECM can be costly. Replacement can also be a time consuming task. Most electronic failures occur in the wiring and connectors.

When troubleshooting indicates a Generator or Motor ECM failure, the two ECMs may be swapped to troubleshoot. Additionally, depending on the DTC logged, if the swap clears the DTC and no new DTCs are generated on either ECM, the ECMs can remain in place and the machine returned to operation without the need for ECM replacement. This is possible because the Generator ECM and Motor ECM do not have all the same pins populated, thus the failed pin/circuit may not be used after the ECMs are swapped. Proceed with the following steps to troubleshoot a suspected failed power control ECM.

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Illustration 1	g03875765
Visualization of the ECM swap process.

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Table 1
ECM Swap Procedures
Troubleshooting Test Steps	Values	Results
1. ECM Swap A. Go to Cat ET to download a Product Status Report. B. Attempt to clear any logged diagnostic codes and Events from the Generator and Motor ECMs. C. Go to the Cat ET Winflash screen and document the ECM serial number and location for the Generator Power Inverter and Electric Propulsion Control ECMs. D. Start a flash on the Generator ECM, and stop flash after the progress bar starts to show green. The procedure will blank the ECM to swap safely in a later step. E. Start a flash on the Motor ECM, and stop flash after the progress bar starts to show green. The procedure will blank the ECM to swap safely in a later step. F. On the Power Inverter, swap the two ECMs with each other. G. After swapping the ECMs, using documentation from Step C and Cat ET Winflash, verify the ECMs have changed locations by comparing the serial numbers to the location. H. Identify the ECM with the Generator serial number documented in Step C and flash with the latest Motor software. I. Identify the ECM with the Motor serial number documented in Step C and flash with the latest Generator software. J. After the latest software is installed, using documentation from Step C and Cat ET Winflash, verify that the ECM description is paired with the same location as in Step C. K. After the ECM swap is correctly verified, turn the key switch to the OFF position. L. Start the engine and operate the machine in the same manner as when the DTC activated.	The DTC is not active. No new DTCs or EIDs have been activated on the Generator ECM or Motor ECM.	OK -The DTC is not active. No new DTCs or EIDs have been activated on the Generator ECM or Motor ECM. The ECM swap has corrected the problem. STOP. NOT OK -The ECM swap has NOT corrected the problem or has generated a new problem on the other ECM. Refer to Test Step 2.
2. Interpreting Active DTC or EID Information	The DTC follows the ECM to the new location or a new DTC becomes active on the ECM in the new location.	OK - The DTC follows the ECM to the new location or a new DTC becomes active on the ECM in the new location. Repair: The original ECM (now in the new location) is likely causing the issue. Replace the original ECM. The activation of a new DTC or EID on the same ECM (Generator or Motor) as the original DTC indicates there is another problem. The problem may be due to a previous ECM swap that was successful in solving the original problem or may be unrelated and would need troubleshooting. NOT OK - The DTC is active on the new ECM in the original location or a new DTC becomes active on the original location. Repair: The ECM swap did not correct the issue. The problem does not appear to be related to the ECM.