70-pin CAT ECM Differences

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by tetemadi, Feb 27, 2020.

  1. tetemadi

    tetemadi Bobtail Member

    24
    2
    Jan 21, 2020
    0
    I've got a 2002 C-12 with a bad ecm, more information here: C-12 No Start

    I have purchased the equipment (CAT ET & J1939 DrewLinq Interface) to program ecm's, but haven't purchased an ecm for my truck. Can any 70-pin ecm be programmed to work for my truck if the appearance is similar to the original ecm? For example, can I take a C7 Acert ecm and reprogram it for my C12? I have the flash and config file that goes with the truck.

    I have read and researched about different protocols and on/off road ecm's, but haven't got a clear understanding.

    Picture of original ecm:
    [​IMG]
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    27,708
    145,156
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    CAT seems to use the same P/N module for multiple purposes (at least on heavy equipment). I'd say you'd be OK if the 2 ECM's use the same P/N (or possibly superceeded numbers).
     
  4. tnevin225

    tnevin225 Road Train Member

    1,166
    1,600
    Jan 1, 2014
    0
  5. tetemadi

    tetemadi Bobtail Member

    24
    2
    Jan 21, 2020
    0
    Any idea where I can find more information on interchangeable ecms?

    I sent it out to two different places, both said it's dead and unrepairable.
     
  6. Chubby Fly

    Chubby Fly Medium Load Member

    569
    796
    Nov 25, 2019
    0
    I had cat replace mine and program it for 2k just last year in one of my trucks. With warranty. Why keep having a headach over it for almost the same cost as 2 good steer tires
     
    pushbroom Thanks this.
  7. pushbroom

    pushbroom Road Train Member

    1,769
    7,204
    Sep 1, 2012
    0
    If your ecm died outta no where why wont a used one do the same thing?
     
  8. tetemadi

    tetemadi Bobtail Member

    24
    2
    Jan 21, 2020
    0
    This is a toy/project, I bought it for $6500. Trying to replace the ECM for around $1000-1200. I went to my local CAT dealer to get some info, for the hell of it he quoted me a new one. $2700 for ECM plus around $1000 to program.

    I bought it with a bad ECM, it could happen again. I know of another person that bought a similar running truck, his ECM randomly died within the first month of ownership. From what I've gathered it happen every 7-10 years.
     
  9. Chubby Fly

    Chubby Fly Medium Load Member

    569
    796
    Nov 25, 2019
    0
    3700 for ecm and program? Why so expensive at your cat dealer. I have receipt 2k included programming it and installing it. Someone needs to chime in on that one
     
  10. swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

    2,943
    4,371
    Jul 12, 2009
    BC canada
    0
    Just buy a used one from Vander hags or something. Generally cat ECMs are perty bulletproof. Should be able pick one up for $800 or so. Bolt on and go.
     
    spsauerland Thanks this.
  11. swaan

    swaan Road Train Member

    2,943
    4,371
    Jul 12, 2009
    BC canada
    0
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.