Date: 201201
Local time of day: 1201-1800
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Light: Dusk
Aircraft: B757-300
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Parked
Aircraft component: Spoiler System
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Lead Technician
Reporter qualification: Maintenance Powerplant; Maintenance Airframe
Human factors: Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Workload; Troubleshooting; Time Pressure
Second reporter function: Technician
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Detector: Person Maintenance
When detected: Other Computer Data Review
Result: General Maintenance Action
Contributing factors: Chart Or Publication; Procedure; Manuals; Logbook Entry; Incorrect / Not Installed / Unavailable Part; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related; Company Policy; Aircraft
Primary problem: Human Factors

Narrative: Aircraft X; a B757-300; arrived at gate with upper EICAS message 'Spoilers' illuminated after retracting Speed Brakes. Operation was normal after. Per Fault Isolation Manual (FIM) 27-09-00; Spoiler Control Module (SCM) 3L faulted. We did not have [Manufacturer's] Part Number (P/N) 285TXXXX-201 (with BITE troubleshooting capabilities) available for replacement of [the faulted] SCM. I thought I remembered that when our Air Carrier X received the -300 series B757's we swapped the SCM's from the -300 series B757's with the SCM's of the [earlier] -200 B757s and the later -200 series B757's. Due to the fact that the -300 series B757s SCM's had BITE troubleshooting capabilities; versus the Fault Balls in the early and later -200 series B757's; this helped in troubleshooting.We had P/N 285TXXXX-118 (with Fault Balls) in stock. I wanted to find out if we could use this part to correct the fault on Aircraft X so I contacted Maintenance Control to verify if that was correct. The Maintenance Controller; I don't recall his name; stated that we could use the -118 [SCM] part for the Corrective Action [sign-off]. We installed the -118 SCM and the Operational Check [was] good. I was notified in February 2012 that the SCM part should not have been used in Aircraft X. After being notified; I have researched this issue and found out that per the Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) the -118 SCM can't be used on B757-300 series aircraft. The contributing factor that caused this was the short amount of time the aircraft was at the gate and us not wanting to delay the aircraft by checking the IPC. So I contact Maintenance Control for assistance. The corrective action to follow is to take the time to check the IPC for the correct 'Effectivity' of parts.


Second narrative: Aircraft arrived at gate with the report of an EICAS spoiler message. On troubleshooting; found that a BITE Check of the Spoiler Control Modules (SCMs) faulted that the 3-Left Spoiler Control Module faulted itself. The installed Part Number (P/N) 285TXXXX-201 was not stocked locally according to the Lead Mechanic. They had in stock P/N 285TXXXX-ll8. I thought they may be interchangeable and the Lead Mechanic was not sure and he called Maintenance Control. They said the -118 could be used in placed of the -201. The -118 was installed and checked with Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) paperwork. Time limitations were a concern as it [aircraft] was a quick turn and delays are frowned upon. The error was discovered after a forced parts change (not uncommon recently). I should have checked the Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) myself; but the Electronic Manual is difficult to navigate and time was a consideration. I should not have trusted Maintenance Control.

Second callback: Reporter stated that recently; mechanics are having a difficult time getting correct information due to the mixing of similar aircraft types that have parts; like the Spoiler Control Modules (SCMs); that may or may not be interchangeable with another B757. The -118 SCMs are only used on early B757-200 aircraft but the -201 SCMs can be interchanged with any B757-200 and -300 series aircraft. Each B757 has six Spoiler Control Modules (SCMs) and the company's plan was to have at least two of the newer -201 SCMs on each of the earlier B757s; one -201 SCM on each wing; due to the improved troubleshooting capability of the -201 SCMs.Reporter stated his reference about the SCM 'Effectivity' error being found after he applied a 'forced parts change' was a reference to a procedure when a Part Number (P/N) or company Stock Number is entered into their Maintenance computer database and the program doesn't recognize; or does not want to accept; the P/N entered for a part that was removed or installed. At that point the data is 'forced' into their database by another keystroke in order to have the information recorded; even if the data entered is 'not effective' for that aircraft.

Synopsis: A Lead and Avionic's Mechanic had difficulty getting correct parts information when utilizing their Maintenance Control group for support to help reduce aircraft delays. They replaced a Spoiler Control Module (SCM) with an SCM not 'Effective' for a B757-300 aircraft based on information from Maintenance Control.