[John]

I did not know you could flash codes that way, it will be interesting to see what shows up thanks.

[John]

I remember Leon mentioned that during a conversation back in 2010, as Jon posted.

I’ve always turned the key ….then held back till most christmas lights go off.

[Art]

Harry you’ll have 2 lights (check engine I believe) lights on when you turn key to on. It will go through it’s sequence and one will go out. That’s when it’s safe to start. Just takes a few seconds.

[Archived]

I get two codes a 32 and 53 now I will try to find a list in the manual and see what they mean

[Chas]

I have found that a 53 code is EEPROM write or nonvolatile checksum fail. ? now I just got to figure what that means the 32 code was an open circuit with the check engine light. after checking out the dash I found there were missing bulbs in the check engine light and fuel light as well as tag light. this is were I feel stupid I should have noticed something was wrong with some of the lights but like Jon said these lights are very important and I would suggest that they be part of any pre trip inspection. It will be a top priority for me from now on. now to find out what the 53 message means. thanks everyone for pointing me in the right direction.

[Dick]

53 indicates a non-volatile flash memory error in the ECM. If that happens in a memory area that is critical for execution, the ECM shuts down. Some non-volatile memory errors happen when updating statistics only and are ignored by the ECM.

Sometimes the ECM memory can be cleared and reflashed eliminating the bad cell. It can also brick the ECM. I believe there are some shops that can replace faulty flash memory. Otherwise, a new/used ECM is required.

Found one place that advertised ECM memory replacement for $500.

http://www.dieselcontrolservice.com/index.php/detroit-diesel-ecm-services/detroit-diesel/ddec-iii-and-ddec-iv-non-volatile-memory-replacement/

Non-volatile flash memory is a silicon memory technology that is rewritable and stores information even when powered off. Down-side is that a single cell can only be overwritten so many times before it fails. All the SSD drives in laptop or phones use similar technology. New SSD drives use fancy algorithms to limit rewriting the same cell too many times. But they all count on the device being obsolete before the memory failures occur.

Gerald

[Ron]

Greens: Thanks for the observation about SSD’s. I didn’t realize there was a “life” to them.

[Archived]

Thanks for the web site for the ECM. It is always scary trying to find a trustworthy repair shop in a different state. I thank everyone for the information so I can be better prepared to answer questions when a repairman shows up. I know no one here in Navada but do check out all the reviews and I don’t know if driving the coach to another facility would do more harm. Thankfully I do have time.

[Archived]

Before calling a “shop” offering to change out memory chips in the transmission ECM, I would call Allison (that is if your transmission is an Allison) and see what they say.

I had an issue with my speed sensors on the transmission and worked with Allison , which included paying mileage (I was 100 miles away from their local distro/tech center). Swapping out the sensors didnt initially work out, so the tech said I needed a new ECM. I drove the 100 miles, Allison handed me a $2500 box without even a CC for deposit, to bring back to the tech who was going to meet me later that night. Swapped out the ECM and that wasnt the problem. They took it back and never charged me for that unit. The tech and I then reran the wiring from one sensor to my original ECM and all worked out fine.

Sure the overall road side repair cost me $10000 but it was worth dealing direct with Allison, especially since the closest allison certified service shop wouldnt drive 20 miles to come out and work on my coach and wanted me to drive up I95 with only first gear or tow my coach to them and then couldnt actually give me a time frame of when they could even look at it (oh and I couldnt stay in the coach while it was there).

[Archived]

Thanks for the info Glen, I’d not heard about this before but will follow it from now on.

Harry

[Archived]

I’m pretty sure the light flashing procedure doesn’t give TCM fault codes, only engine faults. So if that’s the case, the memory error pertains to the engine ECM.

I would try to pull the trans codes as well. I think there is a procedure with the shift pad.

I would also install the CEL bulb and pull codes again, as there could be more that should be showing through the amber CEL flashing.

Is there a working bulb in the “Check Trans” spot?

[Archived]

There is a bulb in the trans. I have gone through all the lights and replaced missing ones and now will check all gauges.

[Harry]

I located a repair shop in Pahrump Navada called Top Notch Repair, in addition to repairing Motor Homes, Buses and Semi Tractors, they restore classic cars and do fabrication. Very experienced with Detroit Motors and Allison Trans. The bad news is I will need to have a new ECM or rebuilt one, with the diagnostic computer hooked up to the It was not showing any information. ECM will be ordered and I will update on cost.

Thanks Everyone