Software Not Upgraded

Software Not Upgraded

As described in the diagnostic trouble code information, this trouble code is intended to monitor that the engine can supply the vehicle's brake servo with enough vacuum. Diagnostic trouble code ECM-9818 is practically always generated as the result of another diagnostic trouble code in the engine control module (ECM). If other diagnostic trouble codes have been stored that indicate a problem with the throttle unit or its throttle control, this indicates that there may have been a problem with the brake vacuum.

If another diagnostic trouble code is stored that indicates a problem with the air flow sensor, induction pipe pressure sensor and/or air pressure sensor, this should be fault traced first. This is because information from the sensor is used as a basis for the diagnosis. If ECM-1000, ECM-100A, ECM-1300, ECM-130A, ECM-1400, ECM-140A and/or ECM-150A are stored, these diagnostic trouble codes are to be fault traced first.

If other diagnostic trouble codes have been stored that indicate a problem with the throttle unit or its throttle control, this indicates that there may have been a problem with the brake vacuum. Any diagnostic trouble codes that are stored should be fault traced first. If ECM-903F, ECM-914F, ECM-9150, ECM-9160, ECM-9190 and/or ECM-91A7 are stored, fault trace these diagnostic trouble codes.

If ECM-9818 is stored together with ECM-980F, but none of the above diagnostic trouble codes are stored, use the trouble code's frozen values and the counter to determine the operating conditions when the fault was first detected and how often the fault occurred. The values show the problem's current status and how intermittent the problem is.

If the frozen values indicate that both diagnostic trouble codes were stored at about the same time, just after the engine started, when the air mass into the engine seems OK but the pressure in the induction pipe is the same as the air pressure around the vehicle, this is a fault detection and not a problem with vacuum supply to the brake system.

For markets where the upgraded software, released during 2006 or later, is available, the solution may be to load the upgraded software. This is because the software is not as sensitive and requires that both the air mass and the pressure must indicate low vacuum before the diagnostic trouble code is generated.

See Identifying upgraded software ECM/ETM. Identifying Upgraded Software ECM/ETM

For markets in which upgraded software is not available, check if there is any reason why the pressure sensor did not indicate that pressure in the induction pipe was much lower than air pressure when the diagnostic trouble code was generated.

- Check vacuum hoses and connections between the pressure sensor and induction pipe for clogs, condensation and dirt.

If diagnostic trouble code ECM-9818 is stored alone without any of the above diagnostic trouble codes, use the trouble code's frozen values plus the counter to determine the operating conditions when the fault was first detected and how often the fault occurred. The values show the problem's current status and how intermittent the problem is.

- Check whether there are any other indications that there could have been a poor brake vacuum.
- Check for air leaks between the throttle unit and the cylinder head.

For markets where upgraded software, released during year 2006 or later, is available, the solution may be to download the upgraded software. This is because the software is not as sensitive and requires that both the air mass and the pressure must indicate low vacuum before the diagnostic trouble code is generated.

See Identifying upgraded software ECM/ETM. Identifying Upgraded Software ECM/ETM

Other information
- Check for air leaks in the intake system
- See Identifying upgraded software ECM/ETM. Identifying Upgraded Software ECM/ETM
- Checking wiring and terminals

CAUTION: In order for Electronic throttle module (ETM) to reset any reconfigurations as well as delete internally stored problems, the following must be performed:
- Ignition off, wait three minutes so that the main relay / system relay releases the voltage feed to, among other, Electronic throttle module (ETM).
- Then turn on the ignition and turn it off again.
- Wait another three minutes. If the electric cooling fan is running, you have to wait another two minutes after the electric cooling fan has stopped, to make sure that Electronic throttle module (ETM) has been shut off correctly.

If this is not done correctly, diagnostic trouble codes may remain even after deleting diagnostic trouble codes and any reconfiguration may remain, despite the problem being fixed.

Continue: Refer to Fault-Tracing Information - Interrupted Fault. Fault-Tracing Information - Interrupted Fault