Quickcomputerstips
Here are the most common symptoms of a bad ECU:
- Check Engine Light stays on after resetting.
- Car was jump started on reverse polarity.
- Engine turning off for no reason.
- Water Damage or Fire Damage on the ECU.
- Apparent loss of spark.
- Apparent loss of injection pulse or fuel pump.
- Intermittent starting problems.
- Overheating ECU.
- How do you know if you have a faulty engine control unit?
- What happens when your control module goes out?
- What causes a control module to fail?
- How often do ECM go bad?
- Can I drive my car with a bad ECM?
- What makes a PCM go bad?
- Can a ECM be repaired?
- Why does my ECM fuse keep blowing?
- How many miles does it take to reset a car computer?
- Can a bad ECM cause electrical problems?
- Can AutoZone test my ECM?
- How much does it cost to fix ECM?
How do you know if you have a faulty engine control unit?
Engine stalling or misfiring
Another symptom of a bad or failing ECU is erratic engine behavior. A faulty computer may cause the vehicle to intermittently have issues such as stalling or misfires. The symptoms may come and go, and may not appear to have any sort of pattern to their frequency or severity.
What happens when your control module goes out?
A bad ECM may lead to a vehicle that won't or is difficult to start. If the ECM fails completely, it will leave the vehicle without engine management control, and will not start or run as a result. The engine may still crank, but it will not be able to start without the vital inputs from the computer.
What causes a control module to fail?
Possible Causes of Control Module Failure
Not enough power supply or voltage is being directed to the module. Too much voltage is being directed to the module. Disintegrated connections between modules. Failing sensors.
How often do ECM go bad?
Although the ECM power relay is meant to last the entire lifetime of your vehicle, sometimes it can still fail. If it does, it's usually due to moisture issues or a power distribution issue. You won't be able to leave the part as is since your vehicle needs the ECM power relay in order to run.
Can I drive my car with a bad ECM?
If the ECM were to become damaged or faulty, then it could spell trouble for the entire engine because it would not be managed properly. If the engine is not managed properly, then it is not going to operate properly and then your car won't work properly.
What makes a PCM go bad?
PCMs typically fail for one of two reasons: voltage overloads (often due to a short in a solenoid or actuator circuit) or environmental factors (corrosion, thermal stress or vibration). ... Thermal stress and vibration can form microcracks in circuit boards (which are repairable).
Can a ECM be repaired?
The first, and easiest, way to repair an ECM is if there's a problem with the power supply. Oftentimes, these can be repaired by a skilled mechanic or electrician, by rectifying any shorts or bad connections. ... Basically, unless it's a simple power supply issue, ECMs are challenging to repair.
Why does my ECM fuse keep blowing?
Fuel Pump. Another cause of an ECM 1 fuse consistently blowing is a fuel pump problem. When the fuel pump begins to fail it overheats, causing it to drain more amperage (amp); if the amps exceed the amount of amps the ECM 1 fuse allows, the fuse will blow. Replacing the fuel pump should correct this problem.
How many miles does it take to reset a car computer?
So why is the light still on? Here's something you probably don't know: after clearing the car's computer you will need to drive for about 50 to 100 miles. As you drive your car the computer will monitor all the sensors and register the results.
Can a bad ECM cause electrical problems?
Because ECMs are electrical systems, they're subject to short-circuits, power surges, and other failures that plague electronics. The most common source of ECM failure is in one of the wiring harnesses. If the wires to the transmission or fuel injectors become corroded, they can lose conductivity, leading to a failure.
Can AutoZone test my ECM?
If you take your car or truck in to the dealer or an authorized mechanic for service, your vehicle should have a working PCM/ECM installed. Otherwise, you may want to pursue another round of OBD-II diagnostic testing at AutoZone.
How much does it cost to fix ECM?
The cost for the new ECM will typically be around $800, with labor around $100, bringing the average total expense for an ECM replacement to approximately $900 before taxes and fees. This can increase depending on the shop you go to or the type of car you, running as high as $2,000.
