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Check Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) Power Supply Relay -J271- and Activation



Check Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) Power Supply Relay -J271-and Activation

Special Tools and Equipment







- VAG1526A hand multimeter
- VAG1594A connector test kit
- VAG1598/31 test box


NOTE: The Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) voltage supply relay -J271- supplies voltage to the ignition coils with power output stages and the Engine Control Module (ECM) at pin 121.


Test requirement:
- Ignition switched off.

Test sequence







- Remove engine cover (arrows).







- Disconnect the 4-pin harness connector -1- at one ignition coil -2-.


NOTE: For further testing, connect the multimeter to harness connector in place of an ignition coil.







- Connect multimeter for voltage measurement as follows.

Harness connector Terminal Measure to
1 Engine Ground (GND)

- Switch ignition on.
- Specified value: approx. battery voltage

- Switch ignition off.

If specified value is not obtained:
- Remove rubber seal for plenum chamber cover.







- Remove plenum chamber cover -1- toward front (arrows).







- Pry off both covers -3- using a screwdriver.
- Loosen hex-nuts -4- by several turns.
- Loosen wiper arm -2- from wiper axle by lightly tilting.
- Remove hex nuts completely and remove wiper arms.
- Disconnect securing clips -1- and remove cowl grill -5-.







- Remove cover for E-box, plenum chamber (arrows).







- Pry off Engine Control Module (ECM) retaining bracket (arrows) using a screwdriver and set control module aside.
- If installed, unclip Transmission Control Module (TCM) retaining bracket and set control module aside.







- Disconnect voltage supply relay -3-.







- Check the following wire connection for open circuit according to wiring diagram:

Relay carrier in E-box, plenum chamber, position 3 Harness connector at ignition coils
Terminal Terminal

8 1

- Specified value: Wire resistance max 1.5 Ohm

- If necessary, repair wire connection.

If no malfunctions are found in wires:
- Check voltage supply of Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) voltage supply relay -J271-.
- Check activation of Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) voltage supply relay -J271-.

Checking voltage supply







- Connect multimeter for voltage measurement as follows.

Relay carrier in E-box, plenum chamber, position 3 Measure to
Terminal

1 Engine Ground (GND)
2 Engine Ground (GND)

- Specified value: approx. battery voltage

If specified value is not obtained:
- Check wire connections for open circuit according to wiring diagram.
- Specified value: Wire resistance max 1.5 Ohm

Checking activation







- Connect multimeter for voltage measurement as follows.

Relay carrier in E-box, plenum chamber, position 3 Measure to
Terminal

4 B+

- Switch ignition on.
- Specified value: approx. battery voltage

- Switch ignition off.

If specified value is not obtained:
- Connect test box to wiring harness of Engine Control Module (ECM); ECM is not connected. Test Box, Connecting For Wiring Test







- Check the following wire connection for open circuit according to wiring diagram:

Relay carrier in E-box, plenum chamber, position 3 Test box Socket
Terminal

4 23

- Specified value: Wire resistance max 1.5 Ohm

- Also check the wire for short circuit to B+ and Ground (GND).
- Specified value: Infinite Ohm (no continuity)

- If necessary, repair wire connection.

If no malfunctions are detected:
- Replace Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) voltage supply relay -J271-.