TROUBLESHOOTING GE ECM2.3™ MOTORS CONT’D.

Replacing ECM Control Module

To replace the control module for the GE variable-speed indoor blower motor you need to take the following steps:

1.You MUST have the correct replacement module. The controls are factory programmed for specific operating modes. Even though they look alike, different modules may have completely different functionality.

USING THE WRONG CONTROL MODULE VOIDS ALL PRODUCT WARRANTIES AND MAY PRODUCE UNEXPECTED RESULTS.

2.Begin by removing AC power from the unit being serviced. DO NOT WORK ON THE MOTOR WITH AC POWER APPLIED. To avoid electric shock from the motor’s capacitors, disconnect power and wait at least 5 minutes before opening motor.

3.It is not necessary to remove the motor from the blower assembly, nor the blower assembly from the unit. Unplug the two cable connectors to the motor control assembly. There are latches on each connector. DO NOT PULL ON THE WIRES. The plugs remove easily when properly released.

4.Locate the screws that retain to the motor control bracket to the sheet metal of the unit and remove them. Remove two (2) nuts that retain the control to the bracket and then remove two (2) nuts that retain sheet metal motor control end plate. Refer to Figure 10.

5.Disconnect the three (3) wires interior of the motor control by using your thumb and forefinger squeezing the latch tab and the opposite side of the connector plug, gently pulling the connector. DO NOT PULL ON THE WIRES, GRIP THE PLUG ONLY. Refer to Figure 10.

6.The control module is now completely detached from the motor. Verify with a standard ohmmeter that the resistance from each motor lead (in the motor plug just removed) to the motor shell is >100K ohms. Refer to Figure 11. (Measure to unpainted motor end plate.) If any motor lead fails this test, do not proceed to install the control module. THE MOTOR IS DEFECTIVE AND MUST BE REPLACED. Installing the new control module will cause it to fail also.

7.Verify that the replacement control is correct for your application. Refer to the manufacturer's authorized replacement list.

USING THE WRONG CONTROL WILL RESULT IN IMPROPER OR NO BLOWER OPERATION. Orient the control module so that the 3-wire motor plug can be inserted into the socket in the control. Carefully insert the plug and press it into the socket until it latches. A SLIGHT CLICK WILL BE HEARD WHEN PROPERLY INSERTED.

8.Reverse the steps #5, 4, 3 to reconnect the motor control to the motor wires, securing the motor control cover plate, mounting the control to the bracket, and mounting the motor control bracket back into the unit. MAKE SURE THE ORIENTATION YOU SELECT FOR REPLACING THE CONTROL ASSURES THE CONTROL'S CABLE CONNECTORS WILL BE LOCATED DOWNWARD IN THE APPLICATION SO THAT WATER CANNOT RUN DOWN THE CABLES AND INTO THE CONTROL. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THE BOLTS.

9.Plug the 16-pin control plug into the motor. The plug is keyed. Make sure the connector is properly seated and latched.

10.Plug the 5-pin power connector into the motor. Even though the plug is keyed, OBSERVE THE PROPER ORIENTATION. DO NOT FORCE THE CONNECTOR. It plugs in very easily when properly oriented. REVERSING THIS PLUG WILL CAUSE IMMEDIATE FAILURE OF THE CONTROL MODULE.

11.Final installation check. Make sure the motor is installed as follows:

a.Motor connectors should be oriented between the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions when the control is positioned in its final location and orientation.

b.Add a drip loop to the cables so that water cannot enter the motor by draining down the cables. Refer to Figure 12.

The installation is now complete. Reapply the AC power to the HVAC equipment and verify that the new motor control module is working properly. Follow the manufacturer’s procedures for disposition of the old control module.

 

Figure 10

 

Figure 11

 

Control Disassembly

 

Winding Test

 

 

 

Motor Connector

Only remove

 

From Motor

(3-pin)

 

Hex Head Bolts

Push until

 

 

 

 

Latch Seats

 

 

 

Over Ramp

 

 

 

 

 

Circuit

 

 

 

 

Board

 

 

ECM 2.0

 

Motor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motor OK when

Note:

 

 

 

R > 100k ohm

 

 

 

 

Use the shorter

 

 

 

 

bolts and

 

 

 

 

alignment pin

 

 

 

Figure 12

supplied when

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

replacing an

 

 

 

Drip Loop

ECM 2.0

 

Motor Connector

 

 

control.

 

 

 

 

(3-pin)

Back of

Connector Orientation

ECM

Control

Between 4 and 8 o'clock

 

2.3/2.5

Control Connector

 

 

 

 

(16-pin)

 

 

 

 

Power Connector

 

 

 

 

(5-pin)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Drip Loop

Manual

2100-467D

Page

23 of 25

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Bard PA13361-B, PA13361-A, PA13241-A, PA13301-A installation instructions Troubleshooting GE ECM2.3 Motors CONT’D
Page 22 Page 24

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