Bad PCM Symptoms

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) could be the engine control unit can be found on almost all latest vehicle models. Its main function would be to translate the performance of the engine to a language which can be understood by humans along with the drivability status of that particular vehicle. It is very important to every driver to know the many bad PCM symptoms in order to identify them if they arise.

Three bad PCM symptoms that are common;

·Engine light

If the engine light icon becomes visible on the dashboard, there is a possibility that your PCM has detected a problem. The light turns on mostly when the engine sensors or circuits aren’t working while they should. It’s, however, been recorded that the engine light icon can illuminate on the dashboard by mistake. You ought to, therefore, look for expert advice from your mechanic whenever you experience this sign of a negative PCM.

·Misfiring of the Engine

Misfiring of the engine is the most typical bad PCM symptom as a faulty computer can’t run the car to its full capability. The starring of the engine, however, will not have any pattern or frequency and drivers should, therefore, be keen and record any changes in the behavior of the engine.

·Fuel Patterns

If you see that you are spending more on fuel than you typically do, it is probable that you have a faulty PCM. Failure of the PCM makes the engine unable to determine how much fuel it should burn which leads to more fuel consumption.

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What would cause my ECM to go bad?

·Corrosion

One of the main reasons as to the reasons ECM’s lose their freshness is because of corrosion that is caused by the clear presence of moisture if the seals aren’t fixed well.

·Fuel Solenoid

Another common cause for failure of the ECM is fuel solenoid which occurs due to the harnessing of the wire that connects the ECM to the solenoid. If you cannot restart your automobile after a couple of minutes then there is a likelihood that your engine has undergone a fuel solenoid.

·Dead Battery Cells

If your battery cells are dead and you jumpstart the car in the wrong manner, this may cause your ECM to prevent functioning. The existing bypasses the sensor located in the starter that is designed to control the voltage going to the ECM. Bypassing this sensor can cause problems in the ECM if the voltage is huge enough to damage the critical aspects of the ECM.

What does the PCM control?

The Powertrain Control Module of any vehicle is an important aspect of the general functioning capabilities of the car because it could be the central command center for different functions of the car. In simpler terms, it acts as the mind of the car.

The PCM controls the actuators that regulate the interior combustion in vehicles. It is also accountable for the change of gears in automatic cars which ensures optimum engine performance along with efficient energy usage.

How do you know if your ECU is bad?

Have you been suspecting that your ECU is broken? Here certainly are a few signs that your ECU is faulty or broken.

The ECU will overheat over short distances.
The car tends to lose communication memory involving the scanner and the ECU.
The ECU has been exposed to humid conditions which could cause corrosion.
Lack of spark each time that you try to begin the car
Lack of capacity to the engine during transit for no apparent reason
Failure of the force applied to the fuel pump to be translated into acceleration.

How much does a PCM repair cost?

The cost of repairing a damaged PCM can fall between 400 dollars to 1700 dollars with respect to the kind of the car. This cost is exclusive of labor cost which could add up to 1000 dollars with respect to the amount of time spent replacing the PCM.

Replacing the module is very simple. What proves to be an uphill task to numerous mechanics is accessing it as they have to disconnect every other element of the car to get to the PCM. Replacing it, however, is a good decision because it is really a critical element of the car that is accountable for the conventional functioning of a car.

Need Help with your ECM?

If the engine light on your dashboard is on and you can’t read the problem on your ECM, worry much less we are here to help you. Contact us today to we pledge to help you identify the root of the problem and get your PCM up and running within no time.