Case IH 19385 – Engine Control Module (ECM) / Engine Control Unit (ECU): Timeout CAN-Receive-Frame TimeDate

A Controller Area Network (CAN) communication error indicating that the engine's control module expected to receive a routine CAN bus message containing the current Time and Date from the vehicle's master controller (usually the Body Computer, Vehicle Control Module, or Instrument Cluster), but the message was not received within the programmed time threshold.

• Tier 4b
• T7 Series tractors
• Magnums
• Steigers
• N-Series Loader Backhoes (TLBs)
• wheel loaders

1. 1

   Check for Accompanying Codes: Connect the Electronic Service Tool (EST). If 19385 is the only CAN timeout code, the issue is likely isolated to the module broadcasting the time/date (VCM/Cluster) or a software glitch. If there are multiple 'Timeout CAN-Receive-Frame' codes, you are looking at a physical CAN bus failure or a severed CAN backbone.

2. 2

   Verify System Voltage: Check the battery voltage and ground connections. Low voltage during cranking or operation can cause the Body Computer/VCM to temporarily drop offline and fail to broadcast its CAN frames.

3. 3

   Check Time/Date Settings: Navigate to the tractor's instrument cluster or Pro 700/1200 display and verify that the time and date are actually set and functioning. A corrupted time setting can halt the broadcast.

4. 4

   Measure CAN Bus Resistance: With the batteries disconnected, measure the resistance across CAN High and CAN Low at the diagnostic port. It should read approximately 60 ohms. If it reads 120 ohms, a terminating resistor or a segment of the CAN wiring is broken.

1. 1

   Power Down

   Turn off the machine and disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical spikes.

2. 2

   Inspect Connectors

   Locate the CAN bus harness connectors at the Engine ECM and the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) / Instrument Cluster. Disconnect them and inspect the pins for moisture, corrosion, or backed-out terminals.

3. 3

   Clean and Re-seat

   Clean the pins with electrical contact cleaner, apply dielectric grease, and firmly re-seat the connectors.

4. 4

   Test Harness Continuity

   If the code persists, use a multimeter to perform a continuity test on the CAN High and CAN Low wires between the VCM and the Engine ECM. Repair any chafed, shorted, or open wires in the harness.

5. 5

   Software Update (Reflash)

   If the wiring is perfectly intact, connect the CNH EST diagnostic tool. Check for available software updates for both the Engine ECM and the VCM. Flashing the modules to the latest software version often resolves isolated CAN frame broadcast timing issues.

6. 6

   Module Replacement

   If the wiring is good, the software is updated, and the VCM is still failing to broadcast the TimeDate frame to the ECM, the broadcasting module (VCM or Cluster) may have an internal failure and will require replacement and reprogramming.