Case IH 3325 – Engine Control Module (ECM): Timeout of CAN Message ETC1 (Transmission)

The Engine Control Module (ECM) has lost communication with the Electronic Transmission Controller over the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. The ECM expects to receive a periodic status message (ETC1) from the transmission controller. When this message is not received within the programmed time limit, the ECM logs a timeout error.

• Case IH Magnum 180
• Case IH Magnum 215
• Case IH Magnum 235-340 (Series 4)
• Case IH Magnum 380
• Case IH MX210
• Case IH MX230
• Case IH MX255
• Case IH MX285
• Case IH Steiger 350-620
• Case IH Puma
• Case IH Maxxum
• Case IH Patriot Sprayers

1. 1

   Check the fuses and relays supplying power and ground to the Transmission Control Module (TCM).

2. 2

   Inspect the CAN bus harness between the Engine ECM and the Transmission Controller for chafed wires, pinch points, or melted insulation.

3. 3

   Disconnect the harnesses at both the ECM and TCM and inspect the pins for corrosion, moisture, or pushed-back terminals.

4. 4

   With the battery disconnected, measure the resistance across the CAN High and CAN Low pins (should read approximately 60 ohms, indicating intact terminating resistors).

5. 5

   Use a diagnostic scanner to check if the ECM is missing messages from other modules (global timeout) or just the ETC1 message (isolated timeout).

1. 1

   Disconnect Power

   Always disconnect the negative battery terminal before performing electrical repairs on the CAN bus.

2. 2

   Repair Wiring

   If continuity tests reveal an open or shorted CAN wire between the ECM and TCM, repair the damaged section using OEM-approved weatherproof splices, or replace that section of the wiring harness.

3. 3

   Clean Connections

   If corrosion is found in the connectors, clean the pins with electrical contact cleaner and apply a light coat of dielectric grease before reconnecting.

4. 4

   Module Replacement

   If the wiring harness, terminating resistors, power, and grounds all test perfectly, but the TCM is still failing to broadcast the ETC1 message, the Transmission Control Module has likely suffered an internal failure and must be replaced.

5. 5

   Verification

   Reconnect the battery. Use a diagnostic tool to clear the inactive 3325 fault code. Start the machine and perform a test drive to ensure the transmission shifts correctly and the code does not return.