Thinking of testing an ECU with multimeter? If so, the following guide is for you. This guide will show you how to test ECM with a multimeter easily and quickly. And you will also get a PDF, where you will see the diagnosing process of a bad ECU with a multimeter.
A faulty engine control unit can bring various issues to your car, such as sudden shut-off, car won’t start, and poor engine performance. So, when you notice these issues in your car, you should test the ECM properly and quickly.
What Is An Engine Control Unit And How Does It Work
An engine control unit (ECU), also known as the engine control module (ECM). ECU is an electronic device that controls vehicles’ electrical features to ensure optimal engine performance. Whether you are driving a car or a truck, an ECU is essential for your vehicle.
An engine control unit (ECU) monitors most of the sensors in the engine bay to bring out the highest performance of your vehicle’s engine. ECU computers collect data from several sensors, and with data, ECU regulates the car’s operating system.
What Is A Multimeter
A multimeter is a tool that is used to measure electrical values such as principally voltage (volts), current (amps) and resistance (ohms), and more. The multimeter is also known as a volt-ohm meter. Multimeters make simple everyday testing so easy.
The multimeter is most commonly used for measuring the battery voltage and diagnosing faulty components and complex diagnostics. There are two types of multimeter: analog multimeter and digital multimeter. Knowing what a multimeter is and how it works is always helpful before knowing how to test ECU with a multimeter.
How To Test ECU With Multimeter
To test ECU with a multimeter, you have to have a compatible and working multimeter. A compatible ECU will always help you to diagnose an ECU properly. A Range of multimeter gadgets also will be required to test ECU.
Here are the four steps on how you can test ECU with a multimeter:
Step 1: Setup Multimeter
Step 2: Visual Inspection
Step 3: Start Testing With A Multimeter
Step 4: Record The Reading
Step 1: Setup Multimeter
First thing you need to do when you are testing an ECU with a multimeter that properly set up the multimeter. So, bring your multimeter and set-up for the circuit and ensure you use the circuit with the best range available multimeter gadgets.
Another thing you should keep in mind is that when you set up the multimeter, use the current breakers with one of the leads to keep your multimeter safe and avoid any accidents.
Step 2: Visual Inspection
No matter what you do to your engine control unit (ECU), whether you reflash your car ECU or test the ECU with a multimeter, you have to conduct a visual inspection around the ECU computer.
A visual inspection will also help you to detect any external error in the ECU. This also helps you avoid any difficult issues around the engine control unit computer.
Step 3: Start Testing With A Multimeter
When you start testing the ECU with multimeter you will need to test every component on it. First, you have to test the fuse and relay with your multimeter. After testing the fuse and relay, you will need to perform the amperage draw.
Put the multimeters positive lead to the battery ground post, and then you need to touch the multimeters positive lead fleetingly to the proper terminal of the module’s harness connector. Make sure the power to the component; otherwise, you won’t find circuit reading. Now you need to turn the key on and see the driver supply; if the driver supplies power, then move the meter’s negative lead over to the positive battery post precisely.
Step 4: Record The Reading
After you tested the ECU with your multimeter, now it is time for you to read the record of what you get from the ECU computer. The current reading on the multimeter should not be more than 1.2 amps because if the amps are more than that, that tells you there is anything wrong with the car computer.
Reminder: there is something that is a total failure in the ECU, and even the ECU itself can be a total failure when you test with a multimeter. Make sure the circuit is connected with a harness when you test the engine control module because if the harness is disconnected, you won’t get any results.
The following process of testing ECU with a multimeter is one way you can run a test. There are various ways you can test the engine control unit with a volt-ohm meter.
Caution To Test ECU With A Multimeter
There are cautions for you when you test your engine control unit with a multimeter, and you should know them properly, whether you test or replace your car ECU. So, let’s know the caution to test ECU with a multimeter.
- Gloves
Hand gloves are the first thing you should wear when you are planning to test the ECU with a meter. - Visual inspect
Looking around the engine control unit and observing there everything is well connected is necessary. - Make sure the multimeter is fine
The multimeter is the main component when testing the ECU, so; you should not leave it as it is. Multimeter should be working properly so that you get the correct test of your engine control unit. - The ignition key should be off
Turn off the ignition key when you test the ECU with a multimeter. - Do not unplug the ECUs
You should not unplug the engine control units when it powers up.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Is there a way to test an ECM?
There are various ways to test an engine control module (ECM). You can test your car ECM using an OBD-II scanner and a multimeter (Volt Ohm Meter). If you test your car ECU with an On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II), you will get codes on the OBD-II scanner, and those codes notify the issues in your engine control module.
Using a Volt Ohm Meter known as a multimeter, you will read the amps on the multimeter. With those codes, you will be able to diagnose the ECM properly. And both of the tools you as a car owner should have in your vehicle.
How can I test my ECU at home?
You can also test your car ECU at home and by yourself using on-board diagnostics 2 readers or a scanner. An OBD scanner is a device that can read your car data and memory and diagnose the error. OBD II readers are widely popular worldwide, and almost every car owner has them in their car.
You should also get an OBD-II scanner because this tool is so useful. When you plug the OBD-II reader into your car engine control unit computer, you will get a bunch of codes that you will need to fix if there is any error code.
How much does a multimeter cost?
The price of a multimeter depends on quality and precision. The price range of a multimeter is from $25 to $450. In the multimeter, there are variations such as digital multimeter and analog multimeter.
Nowadays, the digital multimeter is way more popular because of its efficiency and accurateness. You should also get a good quality digital multimeter. In any auto shop or many retail shops, you will get a multimeter easily.
What is ECU reference voltage?
The reference voltage is used for sensors and switches. Reference voltage always goes to the car computer or Engine control unit (ECU) computer. And the vehicle temperature is determined by the computer. The reference voltage was not available in the past, but now it’s a very essential and familiar use in the car.
Final Word
Testing an ECU cannot be so hard if you have a multimeter in your hand. And not only for testing an engine control unit, there are various components you can test with a multimeter (aka Volt Ohm Meter). So, it’s essential to have a multimeter in your car.
Also, using a multimeter is very easy and simple. You will not need to spend hundreds of dollars in any auto shop to test the ECU computer; if you have a compatible multimeter, you can do it by yourself at home.
You should not avoid maintaining the safety procedure to test the engine control unit, and you need to read the caution carefully. Follow the process of testing ECU step by step, and you will get the precise test result of your engine control unit computer.
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I’m Meraj Sarker. I am a Car Mechanic and a student of Automobile Restoration here in Florida, USA. I’ve been studying automotive for around 9 years now. So you can rely on my recommendation. For me, studying and getting knowledge about automobile it’s really fun and entertaining. I will help you to get solutions for your car through this website. If you need any help let me know.