Engine Control Module With Metal Anti-Theft Housing
Engine Control Module with Metal Anti-Theft Housing
Removing
- Connect tester (VAS5051) and select vehicle system "01 - Engine Electronics". Ignition must be switched on for this.
tester (VAS5051) display will indicate the control module identification and coding - 2 -.
- Always allow display of control module identification first and print it out.
- Switch ignition off.
- Pull off plenum chamber cover rubber seal in direction of arrow.
- Remove cover - 1 - toward front.
- Pry off both covers - 3 - using a screwdriver.
- Loosen hex-nuts - 4 - several turns.
- Loosen wiper arm - 2 - by lightly tilting from wiper axle.
- 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).
- Using a screwdriver, carefully pry off retaining bracket (arrow).
• Item - 1 - in illustration shows Engine Control Module (ECM) with antitheft housing.
To restrict accessibility (for theft prevention) to the harness connectors and the (ECM), the (ECM) - 1 - is installed to a metal anti-theft housing - 4 - via a locking mechanism - 2 - and snap-off screws - 3 -.
The threads of the snap-off screws are coated with a locking compound to make it more difficult to remove the snap-off screws.
To disconnect the harness connectors from the (ECM) (e.g. when connecting a test box or when replacing the (ECM)), the (ECM) must be removed from the metal anti-theft housing. This procedure is described as follows.
The following equipment is required:
• Heat gun - 1 - (from Wiring Harness Repair Kit (VAS1978))
• Adapter nozzle - 2 - (also from Wiring Harness Repair Kit (VAS1978))
• Standard locking pliers
Procedure:
CAUTION!
The following work steps must be adhered to exactly to avoid damage (burning) of wires, harness connectors, insulation and control modules! Observe operating instructions of heat gun.
- "Fold" (ECM) with anti-theft housing in direction of engine compartment so that locking mechanism (item - 2 - in illustration) becomes visible and place a clean rag below (ECM) with anti-theft housing.
- Adjust heat gun as shown in illustration, i.e. temperature adjustment - 2 - to maximum heat output and two-stage switch for air mass - 3 - to position 3.
• Next, use a heat gun to heat the threads of the locking mechanism into which the snap-off screws are screwed into. This step loosens the locking compound on the threads of the snap-off screws for easier removal.
CAUTION!
By heating the locking mechanism threads, the snap-off screws and parts of the metal anti-theft housing will also become very hot. Be careful not to get burned! If possible, make sure that the threads and no other parts in the vicinity become heated. If necessary, cover them.
- Guide nozzle - 1 - of heat gun to locking mechanism threads so that nozzle "encloses" threads. It is OK to let nozzle make contact at upper end of metal anti-theft housing.
- Switch on heat gun and heat up threads for approx. 20 to 25 seconds.
- Next, using locking pliers - 1 -, grab screw head - 2 - and remove snap-off screw by turning in direction of arrow.
Procedure for the second snap-off screw is exactly the same. Be very careful since the control module connector is in close proximity.
- Guide nozzle - 1 - of heat gun to locking mechanism threads again so that nozzle "encloses" threads. It is OK to let nozzle make contact at upper end of metal anti-theft housing.
- Switch on heat gun and heat up threads for approx. 20 to 25 seconds.
- Next, using locking pliers - 1 -, grab screw head - 2 - and remove snap-off screw by turning in direction of arrow.
The (ECM) can now be removed from the metal anti-theft housing.
- Disengage connectors from (ECM) and disconnect connectors.
- Remove old (ECM) and insert new one.
Installing
Installation is reverse of removal, noting the following:
After repairs are complete, the metal anti-theft housing must be reinstalled. Use new snap-off screws.
After connecting a new (ECM), the following work steps must be performed:
- Activate (ECM) in "Guided Troubleshooting" below subject heading "Engine Control Module (ECM), replacing".
Use tester (VAS5051) to do so.