ECMlink 1G No Start After AEM Wideband Install

[DallasM]

1G DSM 1990 Plymouth Laser RS. Just Installed a AEM UEGO Wideband. I threw the old O2 out since I'm running ECMlink V3 (brand new chip). Wired into pin 4 which is my O2 wire on my ECU harness, used my cigarette lighter as my 12v, and grounded my black wire to the walls of where the ECU sat.

When I tried to connect to my ECU to turn on narrowband sim there was no connection to the ECU (Firmware is updated) (key in the on pos). With no connection to the ECU I deleted my old ECMLink software and reinstalled. Still no connection.

After awhile of trying to figure it out I heard a repeating clicking sound next to the ECU, it was the MPI relay/metal box. Went to check it out and everything looks good on the relay and harness but still makes the repeated clicking sound with the key on.

My question is, how could this make my ECU not connect with my laptop? Did my MPI relay just randomly fry? Is my ECU bricked?

Car wont start? all for a simple wideband install.

 

[Vegas Smith]

Did you disconnect the battery and not reconnect correctly? Sometimes if the car is low on battery you'll get mpi clicking if I recall.

 

[DallasM]

Did you disconnect the battery and not reconnect correctly? Sometimes if the car is low on battery you'll get mpi clicking if I recall.

The battery is hooked up properly. Even made sure to put a battery tender on it! I'm beyond stumped on this.
also thanks for the reply

 

[steve]

I bet the CEL doesn't turn on either when you turn the key on?

The MPI relay clicking usually means there isn't enough voltage different across the coil to keep it activated. So either the battery voltage is low or that transistor in the ECU that provides the ground side it bad.

Time for a voltmeter check and inspect the ECU. You can post pictures if you want us to look over your shoulder.

 

[Nick903@]

1G DSM 1990 Plymouth Laser RS. Just Installed a AEM UEGO Wideband. I threw the old O2 out since I'm running ECMlink V3 (brand new chip). Wired into pin 4 which is my O2 wire on my ECU harness, used my cigarette lighter as my 12v, and grounded my black wire to the walls of where the ECU sat.

When I tried to connect to my ECU to turn on narrowband sim there was no connection to the ECU (Firmware is updated) (key in the on pos). With no connection to the ECU I deleted my old ECMLink software and reinstalled. Still no connection.

After awhile of trying to figure it out I heard a repeating clicking sound next to the ECU, it was the MPI relay/metal box. Went to check it out and everything looks good on the relay and harness but still makes the repeated clicking sound with the key on.

My question is, how could this make my ECU not connect with my laptop? Did my MPI relay just randomly fry? Is my ECU bricked?

Car wont start? all for a simple wideband install.

Back track your wiring sometimes I noticed when I’m positive I’m doing something 100% right tend to have been my work that caused the issue if u have to snip the wires u wired up then see what that does that will 100% tell u if it’s ur wiring or not that caused ur issue in the get go I like to double check my work even tho I know in my head it’s done right even if it’s the most simplest things… even the most simplest give off a bad head ache good luck

 

[DallasM]

I bet the CEL doesn't turn on either when you turn the key on?

The MPI relay clicking usually means there isn't enough voltage different across the coil to keep it activated. So either the battery voltage is low or that transistor in the ECU that provides the ground side it bad.

Time for a voltmeter check and inspect the ECU. You can post pictures if you want us to look over your shoulder.

Check engine light stays on. Going to start checking pins today. Looked at the ecu and it looks great! but ill post a some pictures later today to see if you guys can notice anything. Thanks!

 

[DallasM]

Back track your wiring sometimes I noticed when I’m positive I’m doing something 100% right tend to have been my work that caused the issue if u have to snip the wires u wired up then see what that does that will 100% tell u if it’s ur wiring or not that caused ur issue in the get go I like to double check my work even tho I know in my head it’s done right even if it’s the most simplest things… even the most simplest give off a bad head ache good luck

Will do. Thank you!

 

[DallasM]

I bet the CEL doesn't turn on either when you turn the key on?

The MPI relay clicking usually means there isn't enough voltage different across the coil to keep it activated. So either the battery voltage is low or that transistor in the ECU that provides the ground side it bad.

Time for a voltmeter check and inspect the ECU. You can post pictures if you want us to look over your shoulder.

Didn't really know what to take pictures of but heres the ecu. I noticed this from the caps? ( I think they are the caps)
Guy who owned this car before me had it repaired in 2008. Should I get the caps replaced? Or is this old damage? So many questions!!

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[steve]

I know the guy that did the repairs and it looks like I might have missed the crap growing on the large diode lead and perhaps there was more hiding in the layers of the circuit board at didn't get baked out. Looks like Brad Chopp's old ECU, 15 years isn't bad, longer than a lot of those ECU's lasted the first time.

Not clear yet that the ECU is the cause here however the CEL doesn't normally stay on, it comes on for 5 seconds and turns off. If the clicking isn't also causing the CEL to flasing it might be the fuel pump side chattering. If the ECU code is corrupted from a bad update the ECU could be running aimlessly executing garbage.

 

[DallasM]

I know that guy the did the repairs and it looks like I might have missed the crap growing on the large diode lead and perhaps there was more hiding in the layers of the circuit board at didn't get baked out. Looks like Brad Chopp's old ECU, 15 years isn't bad, longer than a lot of those ECU's lasted the first time.

Not clear yet that the ECU is the cause here however the CEL doesn't normally stay on, it comes on for 5 seconds and turns off. If the clicking isn't also causing the CEL to flasing it might be the fuel pump side chattering. If the ECU code is corrupted from a bad update the ECU could be running aimlessly executing garbage.

How did you know?! right on the money. You worked on this ecu?
Don't know who Brad is, but he sounds like a rad guy.

So the mpi relay has 2 sides injectors/coils, and the fuel pump? I had someone turn the key to on and I didn't hear the fuel pump prime so I think we're getting closer to the problem.

And if this ecu is going crazy how would I fix that?

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[pauleyman]

How did you know?! right on the money. You worked on this ecu?
Don't know who Brad is, but he sounds like a rad guy.

So the mpi relay has 2 sides injectors/coils, and the fuel pump? I had someone turn the key to on and I didn't hear the fuel pump prime so I think we're getting closer to the problem.

It doesn't work that way. Fuel pump only runs if engine is turning.

And if this ecu is going crazy how would I fix that?

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[DallasM]

It doesn't work that way. Fuel pump only runs if engine is turning.

Hmmm, learn something new everyday! Thanks for the info.

 

[steve]

So the mpi relay has 2 sides injectors/coils, and the fuel pump? I had someone turn the key to on and I didn't hear the fuel pump prime so I think we're getting closer to the problem.

1G - 1G basic ECU MPI relay circuit function

The 1G DSM has two main circuits for the engine. The Multi Port Injection (MPI) circuit and the Ignition circuit. You must be registered to see element..The ECU is connected to both circuits but is powered from the MPI circuit and controls it. The MPI circuit also powers the MAF, CAS, ISC...

www.dsmtuners.com

 

[DallasM]

1G - 1G basic ECU MPI relay circuit function

The 1G DSM has two main circuits for the engine. The Multi Port Injection (MPI) circuit and the Ignition circuit. You must be registered to see element..The ECU is connected to both circuits but is powered from the MPI circuit and controls it. The MPI circuit also powers the MAF, CAS, ISC...

www.dsmtuners.com

This will help me out. Thanks Steve!!

 

[DallasM]

SOLVED:

My dsmlink chip was falling out when putting the ecu back into the car. I taped some foam to the case of the ecu to hold down the chip.

At the same time my mpi relay went bad so i got a new one and popped it in.

Good as new!

A Thank you to everyone who helped me on this!

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Thank you for putting this to "bed" with the conclusion and resolution! It is very much appreciated to have the "fix" at the end of a thread!

 

[steve]

My dsmlink chip was falling out when putting the ecu back into the car. I taped some foam to the case of the ecu to hold down the chip.

That ECU has a machine pin socket, things don't fall out of them, you have to gently pry them out. When I put the socket in it didn't have a DSMLink chip. If you added that it sounds like it didn't get pushed in far enough and seated in the pins.

If the ECU code is corrupted from a bad update the ECU could be running aimlessly executing garbage.

Not making good contact in the socket does the same thing.

Glad you got it working but you should reseat the DSMLink chip.