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Engine Control Module With Metal Anti-Theft Housing, Replacing






Engine Control Module with Metal Anti-Theft Housing, Replacing

Removing ECMs without metal anti-theft housing. Refer to => [ Engine Control Module without Metal Anti-Theft Housing, Replacing ] Engine Control Module Without Metal Anti-Theft Housing, Replacing.

Removing

- Connect tester (VAS 5051) and select vehicle system "01 - Engine Electronics". Ignition must be switched on for this.

tester (VAS 5051) 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 Engine Control Module (ECM), the ECM - 1 - is screwed 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

Work sequence

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, also make sure that only 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 Engine Control Module (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 Engine Control Module

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 Engine Control Module (ECM) in "Guided Troubleshooting " below subject heading "ECM, replacing".

Use tester (VAS 5051) to do so.