Remove the Engine Control Module

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Audi Q7, 2014 Audi Q7, and 2013 Audi Q7. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

-- Read the adaptation values for the fuel injector and ash content before removing the Engine Control Module -J623-. Use a Vehicle Diagnostic Tester to do this.

The injector adaptation values of the faulty ECM can be stored as a file in the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester with Guided Fault Finding or Guided Functions.

-- Turn off the ignition after saving the file and remove the key.

NOTE:

If the injector adaptation values from the faulty ECM are no longer readable, they must be manually entered and adapted in the new ECM.

-- Remove ignition key.

-- Remove front rubber seal on plenum chamber.

-- Unclip the plenum chamber cover on the right side and lift it up slightly.

-- Grasp under plenum chamber cover and unclip ECM -1- from bracket.

Fig 1: Identifying Engine Control Module (ECM) -J623- -1- And GND Wire Nut -2-

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

NOTE:

Ignore -2-.

Some ECMs are not equipped with a protective housing. The removal and installation of the protective housing depends on the engine and transmission combination.

Additional steps only if a protective housing is installed:

The ECM -1- is secured in a protective housing -5- with retaining tabs -2- and shear bolts -3 and 4- to make it harder to access it.

Fig 2: Identifying Engine Control Module (ECM) Components

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

The threads of the shear bolts -4- (that are not screwed into the ECM) are coated with a locking compound. For this reason, the threads must be heated with the heat gun to remove both bolts.

The threads of both shear bolts -3-, that are screwed into the ECM, are not coated with a locking compound. The threads in the ECM housing must not be heated and do not require to be heated (unintentional heating of the ECM).

Fig 3: Identifying Engine Control Module (ECM) Components

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Set the adjustment on the heat gun as shown in the illustration, with the temperature potentiometer -2- set to maximum heat and the two-stage airflow switch -3- set to level 3.

Fig 4: Identifying Controls For Heat Gun

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

WARNING:

By heating the threads, the retaining tabs, shear bolts and parts of the metal housing become very hot. Do not burn yourself on this! Make sure that only the threads are heated as much as possible, and not any of the surrounding parts. Possibly cover these parts.

-- Warm threads on connector-side shear bolts for approximately 25 to 30 seconds.

Fig 5: Directing Heat Gun Nozzle

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Remove shear bolts with locking pliers (see direction of arrow).

-- The shear bolts installed in the ECM do not need to be heated for removal. They can be removed without heat.

Fig 6: Identifying Locking Pliers And Shear Bolt

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

-- Separate the protective housing from the control module connectors.

-- Disengage the connectors from the ECM and disconnect the connector.

-- Remove the old Engine Control Module -J623- and install the new one.