Case IH 9153 – Master Vehicle Controller (UCM) or Instrument Cluster (IC): Timeout of CAN Message EEC1

This fault code indicates a communication failure on the machine's Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. Specifically, the "EEC1" (Electronic Engine Controller 1) message—which broadcasts critical engine data such as engine speed and torque—was not received by the vehicle's network within the required time window. This means the engine controller is either offline, lacking power, or physically disconnected from the CAN bus data link.

• skid steer
• Skid Steer Loaders (SSL)
• Compact Track Loaders (CTL)
• Steiger Series Tractors
• Various other Case IH / New Holland tractors and wheel loaders

1. 1

   Visually inspect the cable and connectors going to the Engine Controller (EEC) for broken wires, backed-out pins, or corrosion.

2. 2

   Check the CAN-Bus wiring for continuity to verify wires are not broken.

3. 3

   Test the CAN wires and connectors for short circuits to vehicle ground or battery voltage.

4. 4

   With the battery disconnected, measure resistance across CAN High and CAN Low pins (should read approximately 60 ohms, indicating two intact 120-ohm terminating resistors).

5. 5

   Check for electrical interference on the CAN-Bus caused by damaged shielding or aftermarket electronics.

6. 6

   Verify that the Engine Controller is receiving proper operating voltage and has a solid ground.

1. 1

   Power Down

   Turn off the machine, remove the key, and disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical spikes during testing.

2. 2

   Access the ECU

   Locate the Engine Control Unit on the machine. Carefully unplug the main wiring harness connector from the ECU.

3. 3

   Clean and Inspect

   Inspect the ECU pins and the harness connector. Clean out any dirt, moisture, or corrosion using electrical contact cleaner. Ensure no pins are bent or pushed back into the connector housing.

4. 4

   Perform Multimeter Testing

   Probe the CAN High and CAN Low terminals on the harness side. Check for continuity back to the main vehicle controller. Check for shorts to ground or power.

5. 5

   Repair Wiring

   If a break or short is found in the CAN wiring, splice and repair the damaged section using proper weatherproof heat-shrink connectors, or replace the damaged harness section.

6. 6

   Check Terminators

   If the CAN bus resistance is 120 ohms instead of 60 ohms, locate and replace the failed or missing CAN bus terminating resistor.

7. 7

   Replace ECU (If Necessary)

   If the wiring harness, terminating resistors, power, and ground all test perfectly, the Engine Controller itself has likely failed internally and is no longer broadcasting the EEC1 message. Replace the ECU.

8. 8

   Reassemble and Clear Codes

   Reconnect all harnesses and the battery. Turn the key on, access the diagnostic menu on the instrument cluster (often done by holding the ESC and UP keys for 2 seconds), and clear the inactive faults. Start the engine to verify the code does not return.