CCRM Busted in 98 Escort -- need advice

Hey guy and gals, wondering if I can get some advice. My car is in the shop and they diagnosed the problem as a busted CCRM that needs replacing for about $400 parts/labor. The problem is I already spent about $550 in this ship for the same problem that was misdiagnosed.

I argued with them and they're offering me used parts and half labor for a total of $240 but I'd just rather not go with them at all if this is something I can fix myself. I've been reading around on Google and heard that replacing your own CCRM is pretty easy to do on OTHER models, but I haven't found anything on a 98 escort. Unfortunately my manual is in my car which is in the shop...

Can anyone offer me some advice? I don't know cars that well, but I do know the basics and I am good at following directions. Do you think I could replace my CCRM with just typical home repair tools?


Any insight is appreciated. Thanks!

Stop by the shop in the morning when they open and get your manual and read the directions.

Welcome to AF!!

The CCRM is located under the air cleaner assembly. It comes apart in about 10 minutes in a slow day. The CCRM is the electronic box under the assembly. To remove it there are several small screws that need to be removed and the CCRM lifts out. Unplug the connector, put the new one in, secure it and replace the air cleaner assembly. I repaired the one on my 99 this summer due to AC failure. Since the 98 and 99 are basically the same you shouldn't have any issues replacing the one on your car. Basic hand tools are all you need.

Welcome to AF!!

Thanks!

The CCRM is located under the air cleaner assembly. It comes apart in about 10 minutes in a slow day. The CCRM is the electronic box under the assembly. To remove it there are several small screws that need to be removed and the CCRM lifts out. Unplug the connector, put the new one in, secure it and replace the air cleaner assembly. I repaired the one on my 99 this summer due to AC failure. Since the 98 and 99 are basically the same you shouldn't have any issues replacing the one on your car. Basic hand tools are all you need.

Well I gave it a shot and it all went smooth. Thanks for the advice!

Just had to use this website to diagnose this repair http://repairpal.com/cars/ford/escort The lady next doors AC quit so I checked the common problems page and it said under the electrical and lights section, There are reports of failures of the CCRM or Constant Control Relay Module. The CCRM has relays and switches inside that control or provide power to the engine cooling fan (http://repairpal.com/engine-cooling-fan), A/C clutch (to engage the A/C compressor (http://repairpal.com/ac-compressor)), fuel pump (http://repairpal.com/fuel-pump) and powertrain control module (PCM). Single switches or relays can fail internally causing a number of different symptoms including no start conditions (inoperative fuel pump (http://repairpal.com/fuel-pump) or PCM), engine running warm due to inoperative cooling fan (http://repairpal.com/engine-cooling-fan), or the A/C might not blow cold air. just put in your make model and repair needed and its free.