FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Diagnosis takes 1-2 business days after we receive your ECM. Standard repairs run 3-5 days on the bench plus 1-3 days return shipping. Same-day shipping on stocked exchange units ordered before 2pm CT. Rush 24-48 hour service available for an additional $245.

We do our best to preserve your calibration data and always back it up before starting work. Sometimes it's straightforward and included at no extra charge. Other times it requires extra effort and specialized recovery, which may result in additional billing if keeping your specific calibration is important. If data cannot be recovered, we can restore to OEM specifications.

If we determine your ECM is not repairable, we'll let you know immediately. Your bench fee can be applied toward an exchange unit, or we can return your ECM. We'll never charge for repairs we can't complete.

The $350 bench fee covers complete diagnostic testing, disassembly, cleaning, and detailed inspection. If repairs are needed, actual repair costs are quoted separately. The bench fee is credited toward any repair or exchange.

An ECM exchange means you receive a fully tested, refurbished ECM to replace your faulty unit. You send us your old ECM as a core, and we refund your core deposit once we receive it in acceptable condition.

Exchange ECMs are programmed to match your truck's specifications. Provide us with your VIN and engine serial number, and we'll ensure compatibility. Some applications may require dealer programming after installation.

After receiving your exchange ECM, you have 90 days to return your old ECM. Pack it in the same box your new ECM arrived in, use the provided return label, and ship it back. Your core deposit is refunded within 5 business days of receipt.

Exchange ECMs come with a 2-year warranty; repairs carry 1 year. If the unit fails under normal operation, we repair or replace it at no cost to you — no bench fee on warranty claims, and no "original install only" clause: coverage follows the unit (we track every ECM by serial number), so it isn't voided if the truck is sold. What we don't cover is external damage — fire, flood, crushed housing, or wiring/surge damage.

Honestly: because most "lifetime" ECM warranties are written so they rarely have to pay out. They typically void when the truck or engine is sold, classify the most common real-world failures as excluded "external damage," and put the shipping and inspection costs on you. We'd rather promise two years that cover the ways ECMs actually fail — and honor it without games. Every unit we ship is rebuilt and tested on our bench by the owner. We keep the promise simple because we intend to keep it.

Start your claim online: submit a warranty claim here. Enter your ECM serial number and we will pull up your coverage and tell you exactly how to send the unit in. We troubleshoot first and verify the cause on the bench. Valid warranty claims are processed at no cost to you.

Day-to-day: Cummins (all CM-series, plus Celect and Celect Plus), Caterpillar, Paccar (MX-13 / MX-11), and Volvo / Mack. Also serviced: Detroit Diesel (Series 60, DD13 / DD15 / DD16) and Ram / Dodge Cummins pickups. By request: International / Navistar, Allison transmission controllers, and John Deere. If you're not sure whether your unit fits, send a photo of the ECM tag and we'll tell you the same business day.

Ship or drop off to:
Northland ECM, 12545 320 1/2 Ave NW, Suite 2, Princeton, MN 55371

Start your repair online first: submit your unit here. That gets you a job number and a packing slip, so when the box lands we know whose unit it is. Put the packing slip in the box. Any carrier works and we suggest you insure it. Prepaid UPS labels are $45 if you would rather not deal with shipping. Drop-offs are welcome at the same address by appointment, and we set the time by email once you submit.

The contact form on this site — replies typically within hours during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm Central). For active jobs you can email [email protected] directly. We do not take diagnostic calls off the cuff, because it keeps the bench moving and your repair cheaper. If you need a live walkthrough on a truck, ask by email and we will schedule remote diagnostic help with you.

Northland has a hands-on bench team and it's growing. You still won't talk to a call center; you talk to the people who do the work. Michael, the owner, has been in diesel since 2012 and ECM-focused as an independent since 2018, and he leads the team working on units every day. Unlike a giant rebuild chain, every ECM goes in front of a real expert every time.

Send it to Northland ECM, 12545 320 1/2 Ave NW, Suite 2, Princeton, MN 55371. Use anti-static packaging if you have it. Wrap the ECM in bubble wrap or packing paper. Use a sturdy box with at least 2 inches of padding on all sides. Include your packing slip inside the box so we can match the unit to your job.

Square (any customer — credit cards, debit, ACH), check (Minnesota customers only), or wire transfer on request. Sales tax is collected on Minnesota orders only. Minnesota businesses: provide a completed Form ST3 (Certificate of Exemption) and we will invoice without sales tax. Payment is due before we ship your repaired or exchange ECM.

Currently, we only ship within the United States. Contact us for special arrangements if you're located outside the US.