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With Manufacturer's Scan Tool



Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) Power Supply Relay -J271-, Checking

Special tools and equipment







- V.A.G 1526 A
- V.A.G 1594 A
- V.A.G 1598/31

NOTE: The Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) Power Supply Relay -J271- supplies ignition coils with output stages as well as ECM on Pin 121 with power.

Test sequence







- Remove engine cover -arrows-.







- Disconnect 4-pin connector -1- from ignition coil -2-.







- Connect multimeter as follows to measure voltage.

Connector terminal Measure to
1 Engine ground (GND)

- Switch ignition on.
- Specified value: approx. battery voltage (B+)

If specified value is not obtained:
- Switch ignition off.







- Disconnect power supply relay -1- under cover on left bulkhead.

NOTE: To remove protective cover on vehicles with relay carrier on bulkhead, disconnect and lower. If necessary, disconnect connector from mass air flow sensor.







- Check for open circuit in following wiring according to wiring diagram:

Relay carrier under cover on left Connection of ignition coils.
bulkhead, terminal terminal

2 1

- Repair open circuit, if necessary.

If wiring is OK:
- Check voltage supply of Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) Power Supply Relay -J271-.
- Check activation of Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) Power Supply Relay -J271-.

Checking power supply
- Switch ignition off.







- Disconnect power supply relay -1- under cover on left bulkhead.

NOTE: To remove protective cover on vehicles with relay carrier on bulkhead, disconnect and lower. If necessary, disconnect connector from mass air flow sensor.







- To measure voltage connect multimeter as follows:

Relay carrier under cover on left Measure to
bulkhead, terminal

1 Engine ground (GND)
3 Engine ground (GND)

- Specified value: approx. battery voltage (B+)

If specified value is not obtained:
- Perform following tests, specified by below:







- Check Fuse S10 (in fuse carrier, location 10).







- Check Fuse S134 (110A) in main fuse box/battery.
- Check wiring from Battery + (30) through fuses S134 and S10 to Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) Power Supply Relay -J271- (under cover on left bulkhead).

Checking activation
- Switch ignition off.







- Disconnect power supply relay -1- under cover on left bulkhead.

NOTE: To remove protective cover on vehicles with relay carrier on bulkhead, disconnect and lower. If necessary, disconnect connector from mass air flow sensor.







- To measure voltage connect multimeter as follows:

Relay carrier under cover on left Measure to
bulkhead, terminal

5 Battery voltage (B+)

- Switch ignition on.
- Specified value: approx. battery voltage (B+)

If specified value is not obtained:
- Switch ignition off.
- Connect test box V.A.G 1598/31 to wiring harness for ECM; do not connect ECM. Electrical Testing Using VAG1598/31 Test Box







- Check following wire connections for open circuit and short circuit to Ground (GND) and B+:

Relay carrier under cover on left VAG 1598/31 Test Box
bulkhead, terminal Socket

5 21

- Repair open circuit, if necessary.

If no malfunction is detected:
- Replace the Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) Power Supply Relay -J271-.