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Check Engine light, Code 53
I’ve been getting an occasional check engine light. Today I checked the code on it and unless I miscounted it is code 53. Nonvolatile checksum incorrect. What is the significance of this?
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12 Replies
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The ECM has encountered a memory fault when trying to store or read some data. Probably a bad EPROM cell. They can only be written so many times or there is some contamination (oil) on the motherboard.
Detroit can reprogram your ECM to try work around the bad cell. However, if the reprogram fails you’ll need a new ECM ($$).
If the memory fault is not impacting operation, I’d just live with it. Maybe get a used ECM as backup while traveling.
Here is an outfit that replaces faulty memory chips in ECMs. I have not used them.
Gerald
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Some things I’ve read online seem to indicate Detroit Diesel will do a free reprogram but if the fix doesn’t go as it should (nothing can go wrong, go wrong, go wrong…) you end up with a blank ecm and then you have to replace it. A poster on a truck diesel forum said the engine will run, that it’s just an inconvenience to see the light flash. So, what are the eventual consequences if I just put up with the occasional light for a Code 53? Will it shut everything down someday?
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send him a personal message.He is on BCM where you posted also.
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I’d NOT overreact and spend a couple of thousand dollars to get a new ECM. The ECM only reads the EPROM and uses normal RAM (random access memory) for normal operation. The error should not cause the engine to stop. It may not be able to update engine hours and fault statistics.
Gerald
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Thanks Gerald, your thoughts are reassuring … I’m going to keep an eye on it and keep track of how often it happens.
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When I went to finally make a deal on my 95/96 XL it was showing an EPROM reading. The salesman told me it was “Nothing, they all do that.” I insisted it be checked out and repaired before puchasing and wrote it into my offer.
The Detroit guy plugged in behind the driver’s seat and tried to “flash” the memory. While it was processing he explained that it the ECM would probably last for years with that error. It would likely “flash” fine but if it kicked out before finishing, the ECM would have to be replaced.
The salesman sat in a chair and chewed his fingernails. The ECM was about 90% done when the flash failed. The salesman got up and walked out of the coach without a word, although the slamming door said it all!
The Detroit guy said, “I am surprised it failed but I take it from the salesman’s reaction, they must be paying for the new one!” YEP!
Davy
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Well, the check engine light is on continuously and each time I check it, it’s the Code 53. But I do check just in case some different code shows up. The counter man at a Detroit Diesel facility told me “it’s probably just the ECM battery”. So I asked for a battery so I could change it, and he said “no, you can’t do it” but they would do it for $1,000. Scouting around on YouTube, I found out what battery is in the ECM (photo attached). Assuming I could actually find such battery, has anyone in the PC group ever changed their own ECM battery? Or is it more complicated than that?
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Kirby,
Here is your battery: https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/521-7PNS4
How is Linda at soldering?
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Kirby,
I had a similar problem years ago with my 97 Royals and Peter eventually had it fail. Read this post.
/threaddetails.asp?Category=General%20Discussions&ThreadID=5092
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Code 53 specifically indicates an error in writing or reading non-volatile memory (EEPROM) also sometimes called flash devices. These devices can only be written so many times before they fail. Sophisticated storage location algorithms can delay the failure. (Cross your fingers for all your solid state disc drives).
You should get a different error if the back up battery for the Real-Time Clock (RTC) goes bad.
Gerald
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Thanks, guys. John, thanks for that link — Linda would need extensive training, but she does type and spell well.
Tom, the link you sent is not clickable, but I will search further.
Gerald, fingers crossed.
Kirby
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Tom, I found the thread. Thanks.
Kirby
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