Socketing an EPROM ECU

canucatchdis · 07-29-2007, 01:44 PM

For everyone who wants to install your DSM link chip yourself. This is very tricky and if you don't have an extra set of hands or the correct tools to do it, it could be the last of your ECU. So take your time and proceed with caution.

Tools needed

Fine tip soldering iron
Solder roll (a spool of solder)
Side cutters
Needle nose pliers

Nice tools to have
Solder sucker
circuit board holder

Step 1
Locate the Chip that will be removed to allow the DSM link socket.
Be aware of which way the notch in the chip is facing. Use the pictures provided if you forgot to look earlier

Step 2
Use side cutters to remove the old chip

Step 3
Use soldering iron to heat up remaining solder "pegs"
Use needle nose pliers to grab and pull the pegs
Use extreme caution for if you pull too soon it could ruin the fine circuitry and if you leave the heat on too long it can melt and ruin the board

See picture of done process

Step 4

Heat up remaining solder and use the solder sucker have nice clean holes
It sometimes helps to use a little bit of solder from the spool, put some on the solder tip and then hold that to the board. It will help bridge the gap and more evenly displace heat

Step 5

Insert chip socket into clean holes

Step 6

Solder in the pegs of the chip socket

Step 7

Insert DSM link chip and be sure to observe which end the notch is located, it matters.

steve · 09-12-2007, 09:43 AM

Nice write up. Since this is really about socketing your ECU, I'll ask to have the title changed if you don't mind.

Cutting off the legs is quick and dirty. If your a first timer it will improve your odds of not damaging the circuit board which is a high risk on 2G ECUs.

It does however leave you without a factory EPROM in the case that you need to debug a problem or wish to sell your ECU later.

IMHO, If your sending your ECU out to be socketed make sure they aren't cutting the chip out and that you get your original EPROM back in one piece.

Steve