1996 850 ECC dead...bad connection at fuse box #31

[Ben850]

I am speaking of my '96 Turbo Wagon.
I would be happy to get a blinking light at least, but there seems to be no power at the units.
I have swapped out three different ECC units so far. They were all salvage, but I was hoping the odds would be with me by then.

I have swapped the ignition switch,
three different power stage,
all the "J" overload relays,
the relay and the sensor at the fan,
The fan.

I wanted to try other diagnostic options. I have the Bluetooth ELM-327 OBD-II with a Samsung Galaxy 5.0 reader using the torque Pro app. It is useful, but not for ECC.

I enjoy the OBD I in my '93 for diagnostics. The flash codes are user interactive and somewhat fun.

So after reading a few threads I built my own LED flash code reader from the simplest schematic imaginable. I was a little bored and got creative with it. I built a reusable tool that stores cleanly and untangled.

Simple Schematic. Two parts. Switch and LED.

LED_code_reader.gif (16.06 KiB) Viewed 1472 times

I thought of ease of operation, self contained and conveniently storable. I was inspired by looking around for something to repurpose.

The next photos should be self explanatory.

I said I was bored.

I thought through the process of events pretty well.

Paperclip cut in three pieces for leads.

Put your orders in now. I use deodorant often.

Put it in your overnight bag.

Checking Monotronic.

It works.

I like the simple things.

So it was good for checking my Monotronic ECU, and clearing the code. I only had one for rear O2 which I had replaced in May.
Unfortunately it still couldn't help me with the ECC as it will not power up.
I will look for another at the yards if we have a warm day like it was Yesterday again, but that isn't likely for a while.

In the mean time, I have a stack of new parts to take my time with over the winter. Rear calipers, four slotted rotors, Akebono pads all around, silicone coolant and turbo hoses, e-brakes, Bougicord wires, and more.
I am glad I gave as much attention to the Sedan. This will be the second Michigan winter for us.

In the mean time, I've got my head in wiring diagrams and schematics.

I am not really trying to sell these units. I was just hoping someone may be inspired to make something I can copy.
Have Fun.

[rmmagow]

What does this do above and beyond OBD2? If your ECC would power up, would it be able to flash the ECC codes. eg 1-1-1, 2-2-1 etc for troubleshooting ECC blinky lights? I've got a 98 V70 that blinks its ECC lights at turn on time. Still works but I know something is wrong.

[Ben850]

What does this do above and beyond OBD2? If your ECC would power up, would it be able to flash the ECC codes. eg 1-1-1, 2-2-1 etc for troubleshooting ECC blinky lights? I've got a 98 V70 that blinks its ECC lights at turn on time. Still works but I know something is wrong.

It reads the specific trouble codes as in the 1-1-1 style of the OBD I under the hood used in '93 to '95 850. Not the blinking you get on your actual ECC unit in the dash, which only lets you know something is wrong.

[erikv11]

What happens if you rotate the little dial at the bottom?

[Ben850]

"What happens if you rotate the little dial at the bottom?"

It does the same thing as my present ECC unit.

[erikv11]

You can mount it in the ECC slot until you get that one sorted out!

[abscate]

...the small dial will cover up the smell of the driver...

[Ben850]

...the small dial will cover up the smell of the driver...

You know too much about me!

I have given some thought to this thing I have found.

[taxi]

I recently replaced my ECC unit due to bad dials, and on my way out of the junk yard I dropped the thing in the pavement, when I got back to work I slammed it into a door. Then I managed to put it in the car and it worked! I actually didn't think it would physically fit in the car because it had some new shapes now.. But it did, and apparently it cannot be broken by man.
I just wanted to give you my individual experience and my belief that your ECC simply is not getting volts, because you should at least get 1-1-1 from it. I would start by suspecting the ignition switch.
Have a good weekend!

[Ben850]

I recently replaced my ECC unit due to bad dials, and on my way out of the junk yard I dropped the thing in the pavement, when I got back to work I slammed it into a door. Then I managed to put it in the car and it worked! I actually didn't think it would physically fit in the car because it had some new shapes now.. But it did, and apparently it cannot be broken by man.
I just wanted to give you my individual experience and my belief that your ECC simply is not getting volts, because you should at least get 1-1-1 from it. I would start by suspecting the ignition switch.
Have a good weekend!

I would like to do many of those things to the ones I have. There is a power issue, failsafe that needs to be determined.
It may be a frayed wire imbedded in a harness. I will find out!