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How to Test an ECU with a Multimeter (4–Step Guide)

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BY: SAM ORLOVSKY

PUBLISHED ON: MARCH 5, 2024

7 MIN READ

ecu and multimeter pointer

Contents

Your car can break down and stop for many different reasons, diagnosing these issues is essential to
resolving them. The problem might well be in the ECU. But how do you check it?

To Test an ECU with a Multimeter, you need to follow 4 simple steps: 1. Setup the Multimeter, 2. Do a
Visual Inspection, 3. Connect and follow our testing guidelines, 4. Record the Reading.

Confused? Don’t worry, I will go into more detail about this below.

How to Test an ECU with a Multimeter

ecu and multimeter device

Video | Saud Automation

Here are 4 simple steps that you need to follow when testing your ECU with a multimeter:
Step 1: Setup the Multimeter

A multimeter is composed of 3 main parts:

– The display

– The Selection knob

– The Ports

The display of the multimeter has four digits and the ability to display a negative sign.

The selector knob allows the user to set the multimeter to read different values such as amperage (mA),
voltage (V), and resistance (Ω). We have to plug the two probes of the multimeter into the ports at the
bottom of the display of the device. There are two probes, a black probe, and a red probe.

The color probe plugs into the Com port (short for Common), the red probe usually plugs into the mAVΩ
port. This port can measure currents up to 200mA. Here V denotes voltage and Ω resistance. There is
also a 10A port, which is a special port that can measure more than 200mA.

Getting Started

Next, we set up the multimeter to measure the current (mA). To be able to measure the current, we
have to physically disconnect the current and put the meter in the line. The first step requires a piece of
wire, we will physically break the circuit to measure the current. Unplug the VCC wire going to the
resistor, add one to where it’s connected, then probe from the power pin on the power supply to the
resistor. This effectively shuts off the power to the circuit. In the second step, we’ll put the multimeter in
line so that it can measure the current as it flows through the multimeter into the circuit board.

Step 2: Visual Inspection

Attention: Please observe from both sides because just a small crack or signs of scorching can mean that
the ECU is faulty, or inoperable. If damaged, the meter will be checked to see if it is connected to the
ECU and that the test leads are properly connected to the port. After observing everything we can start
taking multimeter measurements.

ECU board

Step 3: Start Testing with A Multimeter

You need to test each component using your digital Multimeter. You should start by testing the fuse and
relay first and then perform the amperage draw. A test needs to be done to make sure that there is
enough power going to the engine computer and also test the voltage going through the sensor and the
fuses. Make sure there is power to the components when conducting the test. (1)

The testing process includes the following steps:

Leave the current on the A scale to measure AC.

Black test leads to COM port, red test leads to mAVΩ port.

Set switching of multimeter clock at scale A-250mA.

Turn off the power of the test circuit.

Connect the red probe in the direction of the (+) pole and the black probe in the (-) direction in the
direction of the current in the experiment. Connect the meter to the test circuit.

Power on the test circuit.

These are the steps to conduct an ECU test with a multimeter. Pay attention to the index scales to get
the best results for the test.
Step 4: Record the Reading

After conducting the ECU test, we will see the results appear on the multimeter screen. For a digital
multimeter, the result is easy to read. For analog, I will tell you the steps to read the measurement
results.

analog multimeter

Determine the correct scale on the multimeter. The multimeter has a hand located behind the glass,
which moves to point to the result. Usually, there will be three arcs printed on the background behind
the needle.

The Ω scale is used to measure resistance and is usually the largest arc at the top. On this scale, the
value 0 is to the right instead of the left like on other scales.

– The “DC” scale indicates the DC voltage reading.

– The “AC” scale indicates the AC voltage reading.

– The “dB” scale is the least used. You can see a short description of the “dB” scale at the end of this
section.

Write the voltage scale index. Look closely at the DC or AC voltage scale. There will be several rows of
numbers below the scale. Check the range you selected on the knob and look for the corresponding
symbol next to one of these rows. This is the row of numbers from which you will read the result.

Estimated value. The voltage scale on an analog multimeter works similarly to a regular gauge. The
resistance scale is built based on the logarithmic system, which means that the same distance will show
different changes in value depending on the position the needle is pointing at. (2)

After completing the steps, we will get the measurement result. If the measurement result exceeds 1.2
amps, the EUC is faulty, if the result is less than 1.2 amps, the ECU works normally.
Note: When performing an ECU test, the ignition must always be off for maximum testing effectiveness.

RELATED How to Use a Multimeter (Basic Guide for Beginners)

Caution for Testing an ECU with a Multimeter

There are a few things that you should beware of when you want to test ECU with a Multimeter. These
cautions will safeguard both your safety and the safety of the engine control unit and they are as
follows:

Gloves

When you plan to use a meter to test the ECU, the first thing you should do is put on hand gloves.

Examine Visually

It’s vital to have a look around the engine control unit and make sure everything is in working order.

Check the Multimeter

To get an accurate test of your engine control unit, make sure your multimeter is working properly and
is properly powered.

Ignition Key

When using a multimeter to test the ECU, make sure the ignition key is turned off.

ECU Connection

When the engine is turned on, do not unplug the engine control units. Pay attention when connecting
the ECU terminal.
RELATED How to Reset a Car’s ECU without Disconnecting the Battery (3 Methods)

Wrapping Up

Practicing measuring the ECU with a multimeter is a complicated and time-consuming process for the
novice or the inexperienced. This article will help you to solve this problem. The above-mentioned steps
are the most important details that you should pay attention to during the practice of testing the ECU
with a multimeter.

Before you go, we’ve listed a few multimeter testing guides below. You may want to check them or
bookmark them for later reading. Until our next learning guide!

How to Test Ignition Control Module with Multimeter

How to Read an Analog Multimeter

How to Test a Capacitor with a Multimeter

References

(1) computer – https://www.britannica.com/technology/computer

(2) logarithmic system – https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-to-solve-systems-of-logarithmic-

Video Reference
Exploring the ECU hardware and testing - Part 2 (fault finding and troubleshooting)

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About Sam Orlovsky

AvatarCertifications: B.E.E.

Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering

Lives In: Denver Colorado

Electrical engineering is my passion, and I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years. This gives me a
unique ability to give you expert home improvement and DIY recommendations. I’m not only an
electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. One of my career paths started
as a general handyman, so I also have a lot of experience with home improvement I love to share.

| Reach Me

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