Amps and ECU/ECM interference

[johnecashflo]

can anyone tell me if this is a truth or a myth? and if it is true is there anyway to stop it from happening..im thinking about getting a 4 pill for my truck (2010 Mack) but im worried about spiking the computer with stray RF..and also does the RF find its way to the computer from the power leads or from the RF transmitted from the antenna? thanks for any input

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

can anyone tell me if this is a truth or a myth? and if it is true is there anyway to stop it from happening..im thinking about getting a 4 pill for my truck (2010 Mack) but im worried about spiking the computer with stray RF..and also does the RF find its way to the computer from the power leads or from the RF transmitted from the antenna? thanks for any input

It may or may not find it's way to the ECM and if it does it may come in on the power or control lines or directly from RF from the antenna penetrating the case of the ECM unit. In other words, every case is different and this is where good RFI suppression skills comes in handy. Probably not what you want to hear but that's just the way it goes. I have seen what appear to be identical installs with one causing interference and the other not. Good grounding goes a long way in preventing RFI.

 

[Lil'Yeshua]

It may or may not find it's way to the ECM and if it does it may come in on the power or control lines or directly from RF from the antenna penetrating the case of the ECM unit. In other words, every case is different and this is where good RFI suppression skills comes in handy. Probably not what you want to hear but that's just the way it goes. I have seen what appear to be identical installs with one causing interference and the other not. Good grounding goes a long way in preventing RFI.

You also have to consider electrical needs of your vehicle. The ECM as well as other components need to run at certain voltages. On General Motors vehicles you can inquire as to what you can hookup to your vehicle and how. Will what you add mess with your airbag system. Keep any wires you add away from that system as well.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

You also have to consider electrical needs of your vehicle. The ECM as well as other components need to run at certain voltages. On General Motors vehicles you can inquire as to what you can hookup to your vehicle and how. Will what you add mess with your airbag system. Keep any wires you add away from that system as well.

As stated it's a 4 pill in a Mack truck. There should be no supply issues whatsoever.

 

[Lil'Yeshua]

As stated it's a 4 pill in a Mack truck. There should be no supply issues whatsoever.

Ok
P.S. I piped in without reading the whole post at the start of this thread. Oops?

 

[9C1Driver]

As stated it's a 4 pill in a Mack truck. There should be no supply issues whatsoever.

As long as he does a proper quality install. No crimping wires, electrical tape, skinny wire and so on.

 

[johnecashflo]

thanks for the info..my mind is eased alittle..i was going to solder all connections and run the power leads thru the floor panel access as far away from the ECU as i can get them..use the shortest ground lead as i can and use the best coax i can afford..BTW the ECU on the Mack is mounted on the engine if that helps with any info..thanks again

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

As long as he does a proper quality install. No crimping wires, electrical tape, skinny wire and so on.

Those would really be installation issues not supply issues. I was referencing the post above that regarding checking whether or not the vehicle was capable of supplying the required voltage and current.