2023 SC1 + SC2 Product Installation
The unit should be installed into an engine at ambient temperature to avoid getting a check engine light and error code P0118 or P0128. Most engines will take 4+ hours to fully cool down to ambient temperature after being operated normally.
If you do get a check engine code you can reset it with an ODB2 scanner or just drive normally for a couple of days and it should clear itself.
The unit should be installed into an engine at ambient temperature to avoid getting a check engine light and error code P0118 or P0128. Most engines will take 4+ hours to fully cool down to ambient temperature after being operated normally.
If you do get a check engine code you can reset it with an ODB2 scanner or just drive normally for a couple of days and it should clear itself.
STEP 1: FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE PRODUCT AND ENGINE BAY
This unit comes standard with several mounting supplies. Your actual unit and materials may differ slightly from the photo.
1 - AST Smart ECO VCM Module
1 - Roll of Thermal Tape
1 - Thermal Insulation
6 - Plastic Zip Ties (2 small and 4 large)
This unit comes standard with several mounting supplies. Your actual unit and materials may differ slightly from the photo.
1 - AST Smart ECO VCM Module
1 - Roll of Thermal Tape
1 - Thermal Insulation
6 - Plastic Zip Ties (2 small and 4 large)
We will be focusing on the right side of the engine with the coolant hose (highlighted red) and the ECT1 plug (circled in green) as shown below.
STEP 2: REMOVE EXISTING PLUG
The ECT1 plug has a locking mechanism on one side, push in with your thumb to unlock it, then carefully slide it up to remove the female plug from the ECT1 sensor. In the photo below, you can see the female plug from the car removed from the ECT1 sensor.
*CAUTION* This area may still be hot if you recently ran your vehicle. Please be mindful of your engine temperature so you do not burn yourself. Wear protective gloves or consult a certified automotive technician.
The ECT1 plug has a locking mechanism on one side, push in with your thumb to unlock it, then carefully slide it up to remove the female plug from the ECT1 sensor. In the photo below, you can see the female plug from the car removed from the ECT1 sensor.
*CAUTION* This area may still be hot if you recently ran your vehicle. Please be mindful of your engine temperature so you do not burn yourself. Wear protective gloves or consult a certified automotive technician.
STEP 3: PLUG THE MODULE IN
Plug the smaller connector of the AST Smart ECO VCM disabling device into the white connector on the engine, then plug the larger connector into the plug you just removed from the car.
Plug the smaller connector of the AST Smart ECO VCM disabling device into the white connector on the engine, then plug the larger connector into the plug you just removed from the car.
STEP 4: ATTACH ACTIVATION SENSOR TO UPPER RADIATOR HOSE
Lay the ACTIVATION SENSOR flat on the rubber hose (see arrow below) and use at least 5 pieces of tape to hold it tight. Make sure to cover all of it and not have any exposed to the cold outside air. The more tape you use to cover and insulate the sensor, the better it will perform in colder temperatures.
Lay the ACTIVATION SENSOR flat on the rubber hose (see arrow below) and use at least 5 pieces of tape to hold it tight. Make sure to cover all of it and not have any exposed to the cold outside air. The more tape you use to cover and insulate the sensor, the better it will perform in colder temperatures.
STEP 5: LAY INSULATING FOAM OVER THE ACTIVATION SENSOR AND HOLD IN PLACE WITH LONG ZIP TIES
Lay the the insulating foam over the activation sensor and hold it tight with the longer zip ties. You should have a zip tie on both ends (to help keep cold air from blowing inside) and at least one zip tie in the middle directly over the activation sensor.
If you live in a very cold climate, you may have more than one piece of insulating foam shipped to you - please try and layer them for EXTRA insulation.
Lay the the insulating foam over the activation sensor and hold it tight with the longer zip ties. You should have a zip tie on both ends (to help keep cold air from blowing inside) and at least one zip tie in the middle directly over the activation sensor.
If you live in a very cold climate, you may have more than one piece of insulating foam shipped to you - please try and layer them for EXTRA insulation.
STEP 6: SECURE ANY LOOSE WIRES AND ENJOY YOUR NEW ENGINE
Some vehicles may have more slack wires than others - secure any loose wires and try to prevent anything from touching the engine that is not insulated. This completes the installation of the unit.
All items are 100% tested and inspected prior to shipping.
Feel free to contact us with any questions / comments / concerns you may have, or technical support you require.
We can quickly diagnose most installation problems you may have.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 209-353-3330
Some vehicles may have more slack wires than others - secure any loose wires and try to prevent anything from touching the engine that is not insulated. This completes the installation of the unit.
All items are 100% tested and inspected prior to shipping.
Feel free to contact us with any questions / comments / concerns you may have, or technical support you require.
We can quickly diagnose most installation problems you may have.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 209-353-3330
RECORDED DATA FROM A TYPICAL DRIVE:
The graph below shows a typical unit in operation, reflecting data I collected from my ODB2 scanner and smartphone.
The engine temperature was approximately 63F when first started. This was also the air temperature outside.
I backed down my driveway and left the car to idle for approximately 1 minute, as I had to run back into the house to grab a couple of things for the road :) [I almost forgot my coffee!]
I then proceeded to leave my development and drive on some 25, 35 and 40 mph roads.
The engine temperature slowly increased until about 172F.
At that point, their was enough heat to transfer over to the AST Smart ECO VCM modules thermal switch and activate the unit.
The ECT1 reported engine temperature dropped by approximately 20 degrees to 152F.
While the engine temperature was being reported below 167F, the ECO mode was disabled.
Their was a small window from 5 minutes to 6:40 where the ECO mode was engaging, however the delayed activation of the AST Smart ECO VCM module is what sets it apart from the competitors - it automatically activates when the engine has warmed up, helping to prevent P0118 and P0128 check engine lights that other, "always on" units experience.
The graph below shows a typical unit in operation, reflecting data I collected from my ODB2 scanner and smartphone.
The engine temperature was approximately 63F when first started. This was also the air temperature outside.
I backed down my driveway and left the car to idle for approximately 1 minute, as I had to run back into the house to grab a couple of things for the road :) [I almost forgot my coffee!]
I then proceeded to leave my development and drive on some 25, 35 and 40 mph roads.
The engine temperature slowly increased until about 172F.
At that point, their was enough heat to transfer over to the AST Smart ECO VCM modules thermal switch and activate the unit.
The ECT1 reported engine temperature dropped by approximately 20 degrees to 152F.
While the engine temperature was being reported below 167F, the ECO mode was disabled.
Their was a small window from 5 minutes to 6:40 where the ECO mode was engaging, however the delayed activation of the AST Smart ECO VCM module is what sets it apart from the competitors - it automatically activates when the engine has warmed up, helping to prevent P0118 and P0128 check engine lights that other, "always on" units experience.
THE UNIT WILL REMAIN INACTIVE UNTIL HEAT FROM THE UPPER RADIATOR HOSE IS HOT ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE THE WHITE SENSOR ON THE AST SMART ECO VCM MODULE
During this time, the ECO light may still come on but this is normal and by design.
Other companies VCM disabling devices have to use a very small adjustment because they are 'always on' and the computer will process an error if the adjustment is too high.
The AST Smart ECO VCM module is able to use a large adjustment to help keep ECO off for longer times due to its delayed activation.
During this time, the ECO light may still come on but this is normal and by design.
Other companies VCM disabling devices have to use a very small adjustment because they are 'always on' and the computer will process an error if the adjustment is too high.
The AST Smart ECO VCM module is able to use a large adjustment to help keep ECO off for longer times due to its delayed activation.