They can analyze your vehicle’s error codes, and let you know exactly what the problem is. The only way to be sure is to visit a mechanic with the proper computer. If your car seems to run fine but the Check Engine light won’t turn off, your ECM may be at fault. These range from emissions problems to faulty O2 sensors to problems with the ECM. There are many reasons your Check Engine light can turn on. Here are the four most common symptoms of a bad ECM computer: The Check Engine Light is on There are a few things that can tip you off that there’s a problem. In this situation, replacing your battery will usually solve the problem. While most of your car’s systems can run on far less than 12 volts, dead battery cells can impact your ECM before they affect your starter or headlights.

The same thing can happen if you get your wires crossed while jumping your car.Ī failing battery can also cause ECM failure. This is because they often bypass the surge protector on the ECM, leading to a power surge when you start the vehicle. Installing a new starter can also cause ECM failure. This can also happen due to power surges due to a lightning strike or arc welding on the vehicle frame. If one of the wires shorts out to the frame, the ECM may fail entirely. Fortunately, these issues can usually be resolved by replacing the corroded wires. If the wires to the transmission or fuel injectors become corroded, they can lose conductivity, leading to a failure. The most common source of ECM failure is in one of the wiring harnesses. What Would Cause ECM Failure?īecause ECMs are electrical systems, they’re subject to short-circuits, power surges, and other failures that plague electronics. It can also be inconvenient since you’ll need a mechanic with an expensive computer to read the error code. This can be advantageous since you can determine the exact cause of failure. When an issue arises, the ECM will log an error code that lets you know the source of the problem. However, it can also be a little opaque if you’re used to doing your own repairs. This is superior to old, mechanical systems, where you had to adjust the carburetor from time to time or have the engine timing tuned. It also controls the transmission in automatic transmission vehicles, and valve timing on vehicles with variable valve timing. The ECM controls a number of systems, but the most important ones for our purposes are the air to fuel ratio, the engine timing. That is why it is so important to recognize the symptoms of ECM failure. When conditions change, the ECM will automatically make adjustments in real-time. Your car’s Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors all the sensors in the vehicle to make sure that the car’s systems are running as they’re supposed to. 4 Painful Signs That Your Car’s Engine Control Module Has Problems

2015 chevy malibu ecm tools