Checking for fault codes

Checking for fault codes - the easy way.

The ECCS control module is located under the passenger side kick panel.

The ECU has a window on one side to view a red LED and green LED light. A red flash is worth 10, and a green flash is worth 1. So, If the red light flashes 3 times, followed by the green flashing 4 times, the code would be "34".

The ECU has FIVE modes of operation. For diagnostic codes, we need to MODE THREE. Heres how to do it:

1. Make sure the screw next to the viewing window is turned clockwise on the ECU.
2. Turn the ignition on.
3. Both LEDs will flash once, pause, twice, pause, three times, pause, etc up to five flashed and then repeat the process. After it has flashed 3 times (MODE 3) turn the screw all the way anticlockwise. MODE 3 is now selected.
4. The LEDs will now flash the codes as described previously. Code 55 is "functioning normally".
5. When your done, turn the screw back clockwise and the ECU will reset itself automatically.

All done!! Click HERE for a list of the errors the ECCS codes represent.

*** A SPECIAL NOTE TO SR20 OWNERS ****

To my suprise, I recently discovered that the SR20 ECU's only have ONE red light (not one green, one red like the older RB20 or CA18 engines). As far as I understand the procedure for diagnosing it is exactly the same (flashes once, twice, three time etc for mode selection) except with the fault codes are displayed, it will do several long flashes for the 10's then several quick flashes for the 1's. I.e. 3 long flashes followed by 4 short flashes = code 34 (detonation code).

Any SR20 owners who find this isnt the case when using the diagnosing feature of the ECU, please feel free to email me and correct me on the proper procedure. - Thanks. Dave.

*** A SPECIAL NOTE TO THE NICS RB20 OWNERS ***

I recently played with a sick NICS RB20 engine and got to play with the ECU. Looks very similar to the CA18 one I thought (althought I didnt compare them side by side). The good news is the procedure and ECCS codes are pretty much the same for this ECU. Note that code 44 is "all clear" (i think).