CLIP 3119640 - Caterpillar

Replacing the Electronic Control Module
Ensure that replacement of the ECM is necessary prior to replacement of the ECM. The ECM is seldom the cause of a diagnostic code. Always check that the proper ground and power are available to the ECM. Before replacing ECM, contact your dealership for possible consultation with Caterpillar®.Note: Corrupted configuration software or the wrong software may cause an ECM to report diagnostic codes incorrectly. Prior to replacing the existing ECM, flash the suspect ECM with a correct flash file. Flashing the software prior to replacement will verify that the failure is not related to corrupted software. See Troubleshooting, "ECM Software - Install".Note: Prior to replacing the ECM, download an ECM replacement file. This file will be used to transfer saved configurations to the replacement ECM. The file will also be used to transfer over saved calibration values for some sensors and solenoids.Note: New electronic control modules are available either programmed for a particular machine or the ECM is not programmed. An ECM that has not been programmed must be programmed by using the Cat® ET. See Troubleshooting, "ECM Software - Install ". See item 6 to determine whether the ECM has been programmed.Procedure
Note: Prior to starting this process, download an ECM replacement file for the suspected ECM. This file will help in the transfer of saved configurations for the suspected ECM and calibration values for solenoids and linkage sensors.
Turn the key start switch and the disconnect switch to the OFF position.
Disconnect the machine harness from the ECM.
Remove the ECM.
Ensure that the replacement ECM has the correct part number.
Connect the machine harness to the ECM.
Determine whether the ECM has been programmed. Connect the Cat ET to the service tool connector. The Cat ET communicates to the ECM. The Cat ET will indicate whether the ECM has been programmed. An ECM that has not been programmed must be programmed by using the WinFlash software which is contained in the Cat ET. See Troubleshooting, "ECM Software - Install".The ET will provide access to the ECM, if the ECM has already been programmed.