Electrostatic Discharge Damage (ESD)

Electronic components used in the control systems are often designed to carry very low voltage. Electronic components are susceptible to damage caused by electrostatic discharge. Less than 100 volts of static electricity can cause damage to some electronic components. By comparison, it takes as much as 4, 000 volts for a person to even feel the zap of a static discharge.

There are several ways for a person to become statically charged. The most common methods of charging are by friction and by induction. An example of charging by friction is a person sliding across a car seat.

Charging by induction occurs when a person with well insulated shoes stands near a highly charged object and momentarily touches ground. Charges of the same polarity are drained off leaving the person highly charged with the opposite polarity. Static charges can cause damage, therefore, it is important to use care when handling and testing electronic components.

NOTE: To prevent possible Electrostatic Discharge damage, follow these guidelines:

Do not touch the control module connector pins or soldered components on the control module circuit board.
Do not open the replacement part package until the part is ready to be installed.
Before removing the part from the package, ground the package to a known good ground on the vehicle.
If the part has been handled while sliding across the seat, or while sitting down from a standing position, or while walking a distance, touch a known good ground before installing The part.

NOTE: To prevent internal ECM damage, the ignition must be in the "OFF" position in order to disconnect or reconnect power to the ECM (for example: battery cable, ECM pigtail, ECM fuse, jumper cables, etc.).

IMPORTANT: When replacing the production ECM with a service ECM, it is important to transfer the broadcast code and production ECM number to the service ECM label. This will allow positive identification of ECM parts throughout the service life of the vehicle. Do not record this information on the metal ECM cover.

IMPORTANT: The ignition should always be in the "OFF" position in order to install or remove the ECM connectors.

Service of the ECM should normally consist of either replacement of the ECM or EEPROM programming. If the diagnostic procedures call for the ECM to be replaced, the ECM should be checked first to ensure it is the correct part. If it is, remove the faulty ECM and install the new service ECM.

The service ECM EEPROM will not be programmed. DTC P0601 indicates the check sum error.