In the current days, it is quite impossible to maintain the car without having a good understanding of the computer parts. Gone are the days where you needed to adjust the timing belt and set your fuel-to-air ratio. Nowadays, these functions are generally controlled by the three main computers that include the-
● Engine Control Module
● Powertrain control module
● Transmission control module
In this blog, you will know about the common signs of ECM failure that will help you know how to treat the ECM and make it functional again. The ECM failure symptoms are the initial signs of engine trouble. So, it is important not to take the signs normally and consult with the expert who deals with ECM functioning. Whether you want to do the international ECM repair or any other type of ECM functioning, the ECM programming experts will provide the right guidance and support.
What Is the ECM and What Does It Do?
The ECM is responsible for making constant adjustments to the engine. This further includes managing the fuel-to-air ratio and the engine timing; these are considered the primary functions. In addition, ECM helps in final sharing the vital data with the PCM and TCM, which controls the shifting, traction control system and the anti-lock brakes. Managing all these functions need lots of hard work. To have all the information, it needs to do the job efficiently. Furthermore, the ECM depends upon the information from lots of sensors. For such reasons, ECM failure symptoms lead to the broken sensor or the faulty wire.
Common ECM Failure Symptoms You Should Check
The Check Engine Lights Are On
Your car engine check lights are the ones that need not be ignored all the time. This is one of the most important parts you should check and one of the indications showing that ECM is not working properly. At times, the constant “lights on” means that the oxygen or pressure sensor is not working properly. But, at times, it means that there are some major issues with ECM. So, though it is not the major indication of the faulty ECMJ, such signs should not be ignored.
The Car Is Not Starting
The engine has never thought of the fuel-to-air ratio, but in the case of the ECM, it should not be neglected if the ECM is setting the ratio in the wrong manner. At the first time, you will notice hiccups during the startups; you have to turn the key several times to get the engine to turn over and many more. These are some of the signs that the engine is in trouble.
The Engine Stutters or Misfires
The higher fuel-to-air ratio causes the engine to misfire more. The lean ration can cause stuttering in several periods, but it fails to ignite. As the problems can be caused directly by the unadjusted engine timing, it is a sign that the ECM is making several problems as a whole.
Rough or Irregular Shifting
This problem is caused due to the loss of acceleration, but it also happens when the ECM sends poor data to the TCM. Here, the TCM is not getting the right information. As a result, it needs to shift during the perfect times. As a result, the shifting of the message can seem rough or happen during inappropriate times, making the engine rev up or slow down.
Drop-in The Fuel Economy
Another way the fuel-to-air ratio and the engine timing generally affect the vehicle’s performance is the fuel economy. Now, it is the problems that happen slowly to the car engine. If you find that the gas mileage has been coming downwards throughout the last few years, you should have a check from the mechanic. If the drop in the fuel economy is taking 2-3 years, it is not the sign of the ECM, but if you find that it is happening in just a few weeks, this indicates that the ECM is facing any issues.
Engine Shuts Down Without Reason
It is another symptom to identify that the ECM is not functioning properly. The engine generally shuts down due to the low fuel-to-air ratio. This happens when the engine is idle for a long time, and it does not have lots of momentum to keep the vehicle running for long. If the car is stalling for a long time when you are idle, you might have looked for this issue before.
Sudden Change in The Acceleration
The ECM works in collaboration with the TCM to make the right adjustments for acceleration. As the TCM handles the shifting, the ECM will adjust the throttle largely. If the ECM is not adjusting in the throttle, shifting can cause issues.
These are some of the ECM failure issues that you must identify if your car engine faces problems. If the ECM is creating problems, there are chances that the vehicle will not work. Want to replace or repair the ECM? Consult the team from 1 Engine Control, one of the largest companies that provide ECM parts and improve services.
