The ECM which stands for Engine Control Module, also called Engine Control Unit(ECU) is a very important part of a vehicle. The ECM is a type of electronic control unit which is basically a circuit board with electronic and electrical components designed to perform specific functions. Although it isn’t big it is responsible for controlling the Engine. Most people assume that until recently there were no computer systems in cars. On the contrary, the invention of Integrated Circuits in the 1960s, made the management of car engines by microcomputers feasible by the 1970s. The basic function of an ECM is to manage the operations of an engine through sensors connected to the engine. When the ECM not only manages the engine but also the transmission system it is called the Power train Control Module (PCM). Let’s see about ‘ECM Replacement Cost’.
How much does it cost to replace your ECM?
It is advisable to not just go to any roadside mechanic to fix a broken ECM. Repairing a bad ECM is very technical and it’s not something any mechanic is equipped to do. Sometimes, the problem with the ECM is software related and would need to be reprogrammed. However, reprogramming an ECM requires technical skill. The best option is to replace the whole ECM. This is fairly simple because the location of the ECM is easily accessible. The cost of replacing an ECM can be as low as $900 before taxes and fees. However, the total cost is usually as high as $2000 depending on the make and model of your car and the mechanic workshop.
What are the signs of a bad ECM?
Unlike your brake pads that have only one job, such that if the brake pads are faulty you would know when you drive your car. The ECM oversees a lot of operations so it might be difficult to know exactly when it is having issues especially if you are not an observant driver. Below are some of the common symptoms of a bad ECM:
The Check Engine Light is on
When you see the Check Engine Light on your dashboard come on, it usually means the ECM has detected an issue. However, when the ECM is bad, it comes on too. To be sure you have to take your car to the workshop for it to be scanned with a diagnostic tool. You can also do it yourself and check the codes online.
The Engine misfires or Stalls
The Engine generates power by igniting the spark plugs with a mixture of air and fuel which drives the piston down the cylinder, this, in turn, rotates the driveshaft and by extension the wheels. The least number of plugs an engine can have is 4. Bigger engines have six and eight plugs. Timing the spark plug to spark when the correct amount of air and fuel mixture is available is done by the ECM. A misfire occurs when one or more plugs do not fire or they fire at the wrong time. This would cause the car not to start early. This can happen when the ECM has issues so it’s not giving the plugs the right information at the right time.
Bad Gas Mileage
The spark plug ignites a mixture of air and fuel in the combustion chamber to move the car. The ECM controls the ratio of air and fuel. However, when the ECM has issues, it might end up using more fuel than needed. This would mean that your vehicle would be consuming more fuel. This is also harmful to the environment because more carbon dioxide will be released into the environment which will further affect the greenhouse gases.
Reduced Engine Performance
On the flip side, a bad ECM might end up sending less fuel into the combustion chamber and this will reduce the distance the piston travels into the cylinder. This simply means that your car wouldn’t accelerate as it used to. It would also increase the time it takes for the car to start when you crank it. The car could also be vibrating especially when it’s carrying a heavy load
The Car does not Start
The most extreme symptom of a bad ECM is that the car won’t start at all. This usually means that the ECM has gone beyond repair and it’s not functioning at all. It might start with the car being difficult to start up before it ends with not starting at all. You should note that a bad ECM is not the only reason why a car wouldn’t start. It could be a dead battery or a malfunction in the supply of fuel.
Conclusion
Since the ECM is responsible for a variety of operations in your car, a bad ECM does not necessarily mean you won’t be able to drive your car. If the section of the ECM that has issues has nothing to do with the car mobility then you should still be able to drive your car. Nevertheless, the problem can spread as most systems in a car are interconnected, so it is advisable to fix the ECM immediately if you notice an issue. In some cases, a diagnostic tool might not be able to discover that the ECM is having an issue( the ECM would send wrong codes) which could leave you repairing what’s not bad and wasting money. You should be sure of a mechanic before you give him your car to fix for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the ECM have a definite life span?
No. The ECM is basically a circuit board and can get bad if it gets too hot or water pours on it, although, it doesn’t get bad easily and can last for a long time
- Can you replace your ECM by yourself?
Yes. If you know where it is and you’ve correctly diagnosed that it is the cause of your problem then it is just a case of unplugging the old one and plugging the new one.
