To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

ECM blower motor replacement,do I need to reprogram?

To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

bonneyman

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 22, 2010
Messages
8,782
Location
Desert SW
As I recall, all ECM motors were the same - it was each manufacturer had the ECM's control module for their units programed to a specific operational profile. Thus, though a Rheem ECM might have the same specs and physically fit in a Trane unit, the outputs of the Trane circuit boards wouldn't interface properly with a Rheem ECM. So operation could be erratic.

I had an Trane ECM tester that I used on other brands motors, but it was an LED model, and not every LED lit up when used on other brands motors. But it would plug in and at least tell me if the thing was getting power, and it would display certain inputs. Also, I did remove ECM motors and replace them with PSC motors (in certain situations) if the customer couldn't afford the OEM. But that was a on a "case by case basis". The early Rheem ECM units were especially prone to blower failure.
 

Showkey

"MEMBER EMERITUS"
Joined
Aug 9, 2014
Messages
8,638
Location
Wausau WI
Not a pro HVAC a guy. I have done a hand full of ECM motor repairs. Never did any programming or relearning . There’s is no expectations that all ECM motors are the same especially across brands. It’s not all that difficult to find new and used parts.

There are common problems with them……..some are DIY:
There are used parts avail salvaged from take out sold by HVAC shops on Ebay. Yes, there are some risks and hassles……DIY can save $1000’s. There are dozens of YouTube videos on ECM …….as with any info use a filter to wade through the info.

I done this thermistor repair…….

 
Last edited:
OP
T

toplessHO

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2014
Messages
14,014
Location
central florida
old blower just quit
Carrier unit with GE ECM V2.3
We have a never used unit from sons house
thats also a 1/2hp GE ECM V 2.3.
I dont remember what brand it is
 

bonneyman

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 22, 2010
Messages
8,782
Location
Desert SW
old blower just quit
Carrier unit with GE ECM V2.3
We have a never used unit from sons house
thats also a 1/2hp GE ECM V 2.3.
I dont remember what brand it is
Shoot, if that were me, I'd put in that other used motor just to see what happens. You've got it, the Carrier motor quit, heck, what have you got to lose?
You might lose some operational aspects (the ramp up and ramp down (and time delays) might be different) but I'd bet it'll still blow air and cool you off.
 
OP
T

toplessHO

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2014
Messages
14,014
Location
central florida
other one is new but older
I replaced his unit with a unit that came with 2 blower motors
The ECM one required a new thermostat so we used the 3 speed one
and just held on to this one. My lucky day that both are same.
I ll go pick up the motor and controller today and test tonight.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
T

toplessHO

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2014
Messages
14,014
Location
central florida
other unit was a GrandAire,which Carrier makes for Baker Bros(whom I purchased from)
feeling better about interchangeability
 

PWC Repair

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 27, 2012
Messages
3,172
Location
Arkansas
You know there are universal replacement motors now right? They program themselves. They are offered by a couple different companies and I'll bet your local HVAC supply has something in stock. I've been away from the counter for 4 years now and we had them back then!
 
OP
T

toplessHO

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2014
Messages
14,014
Location
central florida
You know there are universal replacement motors now right? They program themselves. They are offered by a couple different companies and I'll bet your local HVAC supply has something in stock. I've been away from the counter for 4 years now and we had them back then!
free vs $800
which choice?

The GrandAire unit is in and working
Cleaned that nasty squirrel cage up too.
It wasnt without a fight that the blower wheel came off the motor.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom