Case IH 19383 – Engine Control Module (ECM) or Vehicle Control Module (VCM) / Body Computer: Timeout of CAN-Transmit-Frame ERC1, Electronic Retarder Controller 1

The expected J1939 data link message (ERC1) from the Electronic Retarder Controller is not being received or transmitted within the required time interval, indicating the main computer has lost communication with the retarder module.

• Tier 4b
• Case N-Series Loaders
• 580N
• heavy-duty tractors
• articulated trucks

1. 1

   Cycle the ignition key off for 2 to 3 minutes, then power it back up to see if the fault code remains active

2. 2

   Check for other active CAN bus fault codes (such as SPN 639 for J1939 Data Link Timeout) to rule out a global CAN bus short or open circuit

3. 3

   Inspect the presence and correct connection of the Electronic Retarder Controller to the network, checking for chafing, short circuits, or broken wires between the Retarder Controller and the ECM/VCM

4. 4

   Ensure the Electronic Retarder Controller is receiving proper operating voltage and has a solid ground

5. 5

   Verify the engine ECM is functional and has the correct software and parameters loaded

1. 1

   Power Down

   Turn off the machine and disconnect the battery to prevent electrical spikes during harness inspection.

2. 2

   Harness Inspection & Repair

   Locate the Electronic Retarder Controller. Disconnect its main harness and inspect the pins for corrosion, moisture, or pushed-out terminals. Clean with contact cleaner if necessary.

3. 3

   Ohm Test the CAN Lines

   Using a multimeter, measure the resistance of the CAN High and CAN Low wires from the Retarder Controller connector back to the ECM. Repair any open circuits or shorts to ground/power.

4. 4

   Module Replacement

   If the wiring harness, power, and ground are all verified to be in good working order, the internal CAN transceiver inside the Electronic Retarder Controller has likely failed. Replace the controller.

5. 5

   Clear Codes

   Reconnect all components and restore battery power. Cycle the ignition to clear the DTCs after servicing. Run the machine to verify the code does not return.