vcc.ca
ELRT 1110: Automotive Electronic Control Module Repair
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Automotive Electronics Repair
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
This course focuses on diagnosing and repairing automotive Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and related modules. Students will learn to identify faults, inspect, test, and repair electronic components on various ECU circuits, interpret waveforms using oscilloscopes, analyze component failures, and apply previously learned surface-mount and through-hole rework skills in advanced module repair scenarios. The course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical skills to provide in-depth training in modern automotive electronics and control module repair techniques.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
ELRT 1003, ELRT 1004.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify and explain the function of key electronic components in automotive control modules, including sensors, actuators, power supply circuits, and communication interfaces.
- Diagnose common faults in automotive Electronic Control Units (ECUs) using appropriate test equipment.
- Interpret Module’s analog and digital waveforms using oscilloscopes to identify signal integrity issues and defective circuit elements.
- Apply previously acquired surface-mount and through-hole rework techniques to replace and reflow damaged or faulty components on ECU circuit boards.
- Analyze and diagnose failures in microcontrollers, memory chips, and other integrated circuits used in automotive control modules.
- Use diagnostic simulators to test ECU functionality and perform comprehensive bench testing.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Students may request formal recognition of prior learning attained through informal education, work, or other life experience. Assessment will include the following:
Actual repair reports, reprogramming records, or module service logs created and/or used by the applicant in their workplace which are judged equivalent to the curriculum documents required in the Automotive Module Repair course assignments.
A successful interview with the Electronics Programs’ Department Head or one of the department’s full-time faculty, focusing on diagnostic strategies, repair techniques, and safety procedures specific to automotive control modules (e.g., ECM, TCM, BCM).
An essay in which the applicant reflects on and analyzes their prior experience in relation to the themes, issues, and concepts of the course, such as module-level troubleshooting, firmware/software updates, circuit board repair, and system reintegration.
Actual repair reports, reprogramming records, or module service logs created and/or used by the applicant in their workplace which are judged equivalent to the curriculum documents required in the Automotive Module Repair course assignments.
A successful interview with the Electronics Programs’ Department Head or one of the department’s full-time faculty, focusing on diagnostic strategies, repair techniques, and safety procedures specific to automotive control modules (e.g., ECM, TCM, BCM).
An essay in which the applicant reflects on and analyzes their prior experience in relation to the themes, issues, and concepts of the course, such as module-level troubleshooting, firmware/software updates, circuit board repair, and system reintegration.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 60
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 30
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Instructional time is primarily focused on classroom-based learning, including lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual presentations, and guided exercises to build a solid theoretical understanding of automotive control module diagnostics and repair. Simulations are incorporated to reinforce key concepts and provide opportunities for applying diagnostic techniques in virtual scenarios. Select hands-on activities may be used to enhance understanding of course content and support the application of theoretical concepts.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
30 |
3 quizzes |
|
Assignments |
40 |
4 assignments |
|
Final Exam |
30 |
|
Course topics
- Introduction to Automotive Electronic Control Modules (ECMs/ECUs)
- Classification of Vehicle Systems and Types of Control Modules
- Overview of Diagnostic Test Equipment
- Fundamentals of Waveform Analysis and Signal Interpretation
- Testing of Semiconductor Devices: Transistors and Output Drivers
- Processor and Memory Chip Functions in ECUs
- Functional Testing Using ECU Simulators
- EPROM and Flash Memory Programming/Reprogramming Techniques
- Application of SMD Rework Procedures in ECU repair
Learning resources
Textbooks and Reference Materials:
Understanding Automotive Electronics, 7th Edition – William B. Ribbens (Butterworth-Heinemann)
Bosch Automotive Electrics and Automotive Electronics, 6th Edition – Bosch Automotive Handbook Series
Automotive Diagnostic Systems: Understanding OBD-I & OBD-II – Keith McCord (Delmar Cengage Learning)
Manufacturer-specific ECU datasheets (e.g., Bosch ME7.5, Delphi MT20U, Denso 89661)
Instructor-developed technical packets and waveform interpretation worksheets
Lab/Shop Manuals:
Alldata Repair® and Mitchell1 ProDemand® – For OEM service procedures and wiring diagrams
ECU Rework and Reprogramming Manual – Custom lab guide prepared for this course (TBD)
Simulation and Diagnostic Tools:
Autel MaxiSim MS906 Pro – ECU simulator and diagnostic scan tool
ATS Escope Elite 4 – Professional automotive lab scope and waveform simulator
OBD-II Training Emulator – J-1979 protocol-based simulator with fault code generation
MegaLogViewer HD – Software for ECU data analysis and waveform review (used with log files from tools like TunerStudio)
Equipment and Tools (for demonstration and guided practice):
TL866II Plus Universal Programmer – For EPROM/EEPROM/Flash programming
Launch X431 V+/– Advanced bidirectional diagnostic scanner
Understanding Automotive Electronics, 7th Edition – William B. Ribbens (Butterworth-Heinemann)
Bosch Automotive Electrics and Automotive Electronics, 6th Edition – Bosch Automotive Handbook Series
Automotive Diagnostic Systems: Understanding OBD-I & OBD-II – Keith McCord (Delmar Cengage Learning)
Manufacturer-specific ECU datasheets (e.g., Bosch ME7.5, Delphi MT20U, Denso 89661)
Instructor-developed technical packets and waveform interpretation worksheets
Lab/Shop Manuals:
Alldata Repair® and Mitchell1 ProDemand® – For OEM service procedures and wiring diagrams
ECU Rework and Reprogramming Manual – Custom lab guide prepared for this course (TBD)
Simulation and Diagnostic Tools:
Autel MaxiSim MS906 Pro – ECU simulator and diagnostic scan tool
ATS Escope Elite 4 – Professional automotive lab scope and waveform simulator
OBD-II Training Emulator – J-1979 protocol-based simulator with fault code generation
MegaLogViewer HD – Software for ECU data analysis and waveform review (used with log files from tools like TunerStudio)
Equipment and Tools (for demonstration and guided practice):
TL866II Plus Universal Programmer – For EPROM/EEPROM/Flash programming
Launch X431 V+/– Advanced bidirectional diagnostic scanner
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.