If you drive a modern-day vehicle, you will know the Power Control Module or PCM works as its brain. The PCM (also known as Engine Control Module or ECM) is responsible for monitoring various functions on a vehicle and works to ensure the engine works properly.
PCMs were primarily designed to manage the powertrain and gear shifting of a vehicle. Since 1980, PCMs have started to take over the market, and today there are no vehicles without them.
If you are facings issues with the ECM and are confused about ECM replacement, this guide can help you.
Things to look for while replacing the ECM
Not every vehicle is the same and has different needs. Even different varieties of the same model will have different transmission ratios. That means it is vital to ensure the replacement is right.
If you are confused, consider looking in the manufacturer’s catalog. If you want to make some changes to the vehicle to improve its performance, consider taking your car to an expert.
Make sure you take your car to the right person who knows their job. If someone claims to reprogram the ECM at the cost of buying a replacement, be aware. Do not trust them.
If you intend to change your vehicle’s gear shift ratio, in that case, you will want to buy a whole new ECM.
How to know if the ECM needs a replacement?
Check engine warning
You may face O2 sensor errors if the ECM turns out to be faulty. Since oxygen sensors are primarily monitored and controlled by the ECM, they will indeed reflect on the sensors if there is a fault in the ECM.
Shifting problems
Abrupt shifting is one of the most common signs that the vehicle’s ECM is malfunctioning. You will notice the engine misfiring or keep stuttering. When you notice these warning signs, it is best to get your vehicle to a professional mechanic who will correctly diagnose the problem.
Find the root cause of the issue
There are warning signs that tell your engine’s ECM is not working correctly. In order to solve the problem, it is necessary to identify the root cause of the issue. It is natural that you want to determine why the ECM has failed in order to solve the problems associated with it. Generally, ECMs are meant to last for years, and the failure can be caused by other issues in the vehicle’s electric system.
To conclude
Whether you want to replace or repair the ECM, it is wise to ask your mechanic about the best course of action. In most cases, replacing the ECM is not recommended. However, if it gets worsened, replacing can be an option to consider. The decision to replace or repairing the ECM is crucial. If you have been facing issues for a while now, make sure that you take measures now because causing delay would not help you.
